How much does it cost to build a skateboard? (Costing Factors)

If you’re looking to get into skateboarding and are curious about how much it’ll cost, then look no further.

Whether you just want to try your hand at this increasingly popular sport or you’re dedicated to mastering the craft, understanding the costs associated will help inform your budget needs for building a skateboard that suits your style and preferences.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the various components of a skateboard needed in order to build one from scratch, as well as estimated expenses so that you can make an educated decision on how much it would cost for YOU to build a board. So let’s get started!

How much does it cost to build a skateboard?

Costs Involved With Building a Skateboard

The cost of building a skateboard will vary greatly depending on the type of board you want to build and the quality of materials used.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $50-$200 for the necessary parts. This includes things like trucks, wheels, bearings, riser pads, grip tape, hardware, and deck.

If you already have some of these items on hand (like trucks or wheels), your costs could be lower.

Materials Needed For Building a Skateboard

When it comes to building your own skateboard, there are several materials that are needed in order to complete the process.

As mentioned above, these include trucks, wheels, bearings, riser pads, grip tape, hardware, and deck.

You may also want to buy additional accessories such as stickers or other customizations for your board.

You’ll also need tools such as screwdrivers or drills in order to put everything together properly.  

Components Needed For Building A Skateboard

Once all of your materials are gathered together and ready for assembly, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty details. Here is a comprehensive list of components that make up a skateboard:

Deck: The deck is the main structure upon which you will place all other components (i.e., trucks and wheels). It is usually made out of strong wood like maple or birch plywood or composite material like fiberglass or carbon fiber composite.

Trucks: The trucks attach to the bottom side of the board and provide stability while riding as well as turning capability by way of its kingpin nut/bolt combination called hangers.

Wheels: Wheels come in various sizes from small cruiser boards (54mm) all the way up to 12 inches for downhill longboards.

Bearings: Bearings help reduce friction between wheelsets so that they can spin freely.

Grip Tape: Grip tape helps keep feet locked in place during trick maneuvers.

Hardware/Screws/Washers/Nuts/Bolts: These pieces help secure all parts together.

Riser Pads: Riser pads are placed between truck plates and decks for shock absorption purposes when landing tricks.

Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a Skateboard?

Building your own skateboard can be an intimidating prospect at first, but ultimately it can be cheaper than buying a ready-made board.

While the cost of the necessary components and tools can add up, if you have some experience with skateboard building then you will likely be able to create a high-quality board at a lower cost than what you would pay retail.

On the other hand, however, experienced skaters may want to purchase pre-assembled parts and assemble their own boards in order to save time and ensure that the best quality components are used.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual skater to decide which option makes the most economical sense for them.

Is it hard to build a skateboard?

Building a skateboard definitely requires some technical knowledge and skill, so it’s not something that can be done without any prior experience.

However, with some research and practice, you can become well-versed in the basics of building a skateboard.

You may find that there are online tutorials or even local classes available to get you started with the basics.

It’s also important to ensure that you have all of the necessary components, tools, and materials in order to complete your skateboard build correctly.

Once you’ve done your research, have gathered the appropriate hardware, and have a vision for what type of board you want to create, then it’s time to build!

It’s a great feeling to have created something from scratch, so don’t be afraid to give it a shot.

Final Verdict

The cost of building a good quality skateboard will vary widely depending on the materials and components used.

However, most people can build a decent board for around $50 to $200 with little effort. This cost obviously depends on the quality of materials chosen and any additional customization the builder desires.

Wheels, trucks, bearings and other components should be selected carefully to ensure a solid and reliable ride that will last for years.

Though some may choose to go much cheaper, or indeed create a unique one of a kind masterpiece, it’s possible to enjoy a great pre-built skateboard setup for as little money as needed.

FAQs

Can I build my own skateboard from scratch?

Yes! Building a skateboard completely from scratch can be a challenging but rewarding experience. You’ll need to purchase all of the necessary components such as decks, trucks, wheels, and hardware, and then put it all together to create your own unique custom board.

How much does it cost to maintain a skateboard?

It depends on how often you skate and the wear and tear your board experiences. In general, expect to spend about $5-10 every 6 months for new bearings, grip tape, and other small parts.

How do I know what components to buy for my skateboard?

Check out online resources such as Skatewarehouse or Skatepark of Tampa for guides on what components to get for your board. They typically have detailed descriptions about each type of part, so you can make an informed decision.

How often does a skateboard need to be replaced?

It depends on how much you skate, but typically a board should last at least 2 years with regular maintenance and care. If you find that your board is wearing down or breaking more quickly than expected, it’s time for a replacement.