Skateboard Anatomy: The Parts of a Skateboard (2026)
A skateboard has more parts than it looks. Here's every component, what it does and how the pieces fit together.
The Main Parts
A complete skateboard is made of six main components: the deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, bearings and hardware. Each has smaller parts worth knowing.
| Part | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Deck | The board you stand on, usually 7-ply maple |
| Grip tape | Sandpaper-like top layer for traction |
| Trucks | Metal axles that attach wheels and let the board turn |
| Wheels | Urethane wheels that roll |
| Bearings | Let the wheels spin on the axles |
| Hardware | Bolts and nuts that hold the trucks to the deck |
The Deck
- Nose: the front kicked-up end.
- Tail: the back kicked-up end, used to ollie.
- Concave: the side-to-side curve that helps foot grip and flicks.
- Kicks: the upward angle of the nose and tail.
- Wheelbase: distance between the inner truck mounting holes.
- Mounting holes: where the trucks bolt on.
- Plies: most decks are seven thin layers of maple glued and pressed together.
- Rails: the long side edges of the deck.
See skateboard decks and the size chart.
Trucks
| Truck Part | Role |
|---|---|
| Baseplate | Bolts to the deck |
| Kingpin | Large bolt that holds the truck together |
| Bushings | Urethane cushions that control turning |
| Hanger | The T-shaped part that holds the axle |
| Axle | Rod the wheels spin on |
| Pivot cup | Seats the hanger's pivot in the baseplate |
| Washers and speed rings | Spacers that help parts move smoothly |
More: skateboard trucks, truck tightness and high vs low trucks.
Wheels and Bearings
Wheels are measured by diameter (mm) and hardness (durometer). Each wheel holds two bearings, often with a spacer between them. See wheel size guide, hard vs soft wheels and bearings.
Wheel and Bearing Parts
| Part | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Contact patch | The part of the wheel touching the ground; wider is more stable |
| Core | The center of the wheel that holds the bearings |
| Bearing shields | Covers that keep dirt out of the bearing |
| Spacer | Optional tube between the two bearings in a wheel |
| Speed rings | Small washers on each side of the wheel |
| Axle nut | Holds the wheel on the axle |
How It All Fits Together
- Grip tape goes on the top of the deck.
- Trucks bolt through the deck's mounting holes (with risers if needed).
- Bearings press into each wheel.
- Wheels slide onto the axles between speed rings and are held by axle nuts.
Full instructions: how to build a skateboard.
Hardware and Extras
- Bolts and nuts: usually eight of each.
- Risers: optional pads between deck and trucks.
- Rails and nose guards: optional plastic add-ons.
Tools for Your Board
Pig Tri-Socket Skate Tool
A skate tool with sockets for axle nuts, kingpin nuts and hardware.
Check Price on AmazonBuild your own with how to build a skateboard, and learn the lingo in skateboard terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main parts of a skateboard?
The deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, bearings and hardware (bolts and nuts).
What's the difference between the nose and tail?
Both are kicked-up ends. The nose is usually slightly longer or steeper, but many decks are nearly symmetrical.
What are bushings?
Urethane rings around the truck's kingpin that cushion and control turning.
How many bearings does a skateboard have?
Eight: two in each of the four wheels.
What size hardware do I need?
Hardware length depends on deck thickness and whether you use risers; 7/8 inch to 1 inch is common without risers.