Skateboard Decks
What Size Skateboard Deck Should You Get?
Deck width is the most important measurement, more than length. Too narrow and the board feels twitchy, too wide and flip tricks get harder to control. Width is driven by your shoe size and how you ride: street skaters tend to go narrower for quick flips, while transition and bowl skaters usually size up for stability.
| Rider | Shoe Size (US) | Deck Width |
|---|---|---|
| Kids (8 & Under) | 3 and Under | 6.5" to 7.0" |
| Youth (9 to 12) | 4 to 6 | 7.0" to 7.5" |
| Teen & Adult | 7 to 9 | 7.5" to 8.25" |
| Adult (Wide/Transition) | 9.5 and Up | 8.25" to 8.5"+ |
Rider Shoe size (US) Deck width Kids (8 and under) 3 and under 6.5" to 7.0" Youth (9 to 12) 4 to 6 7.0" to 7.5" Teen and adult 7 to 9 7.5" to 8.25" Adult (wide/transition) 9.5 and up 8.25" to 8.5"+
Not sure? An 8.0" to 8.25" deck is the most popular all-around choice for adult riders. For a full breakdown, see our skateboard size chart.
Skateboard Deck Construction
Most decks are built from 7 plies of maple pressed together, which gives the classic mix of strength, pop and price that skaters have relied on for decades. From there, construction gets more advanced:
- 7-ply maple: the standard. Durable, poppy and affordable, and what most pro decks are made of.
- Tech constructions: brands add carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar or special resins to make decks lighter, stronger and longer-lasting (for example Powell Peralta Flight, Santa Cruz VX, and similar). They cost more but hold their pop and resist chipping.
- Slick and coated bottoms: a smooth bottom layer that helps the board slide faster and last longer on ledges and rails.
If you skate hard and break decks often, a tech construction can be worth the extra cost. If you want the classic feel on a budget, 7-ply maple is hard to beat.
Skateboard Deck Shapes
Popsicle (standard): the twin-shaped deck you see under most street and park skaters, with a similar nose and tail for skating switch.
Shaped decks: wider, pool or cruiser-inspired outlines for bowls, transition and cruising.
Nose and tail: the nose is usually slightly longer and steeper than the tail. Most modern decks mark them so you can tell them apart.
Concave: the curve across the width of the deck. Mellow concave feels comfortable and stable, steeper concave gives more grip and leverage for flip tricks. It comes down to preference.
Skateboard Deck Brands
We carry decks from more than hundreds of real skate brands. A quick guide to some of the most popular:
- Real, Anti-Hero, Krooked: core street and transition brands with a huge following.
- Baker, Deathwish: gritty street graphics and solid everyday decks.
- Girl, Chocolate: clean graphics and quality pro models.
- Polar Skate Co, Hockey: art-driven decks popular with the modern crowd.
- Santa Cruz, Powell Peralta: legendary brands with both classic shapes and tech constructions.
Browse them all above, or check our best skateboard brands guide for more on which suits your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular skateboard deck brands?
What type of shapes do skateboard decks come in?
What are the key features of skateboard decks?
Skateboard decks come with various features that impact their performance and suitability for different types of skating. Some key features include:
- Deck Size & Shape: Available in various widths and lengths to accommodate different foot sizes and riding styles.
- Construction: Typically made of layers of either 7 ply maple wood, composite, or slick technology.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase refers to the distance between the inner mounting holes of the trucks, influencing stability, maneuverability, and overall performance.
- Graphics: Unique designs and artwork that reflect each brands identity or the pro skaters' personality.
How much does a skateboard cost?
Skateboard deck prices vary depending on factors such as brand, materials, and graphic design. Typically, skateboard decks range from $30 to $150, with premium or limited-release models costing more.
What size skateboard should I get?
When it comes to skateboards, size matters. A skateboards size is measured by inches and on average they typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width. When choosing a board, consider your shoe size and how it correlates with the width of the deck.
What is the difference between a deck and a complete?
A deck is just the board itself. A complete comes fully assembled with trucks, wheels, bearings and grip, ready to ride.
How long does a skateboard deck last?
It depends how often and how hard you skate. Street skaters may go through one in a few weeks, casual riders can get months out of one. Tech constructions last longer.
What deck size do most skaters ride?
For adults, 8.0" to 8.25" is the most common all-around width.