Free Shipping Over $35 - Get It By Christmas
Free Shipping Over $35 - Get It By Christmas

Choosing a Skateboard Deck

If you are looking to learn how to choose a skateboard, you have come to the right place. When starting out in the world of skateboarding, it's key to select the right skateboard deck for the type of skating you want to do. The deck is the primary component of the skateboard, serving as the foundation onto which all other parts are attached. Therefore, choosing the right deck is critical as it can significantly affect your overall skating experience.  

To make an informed decision, you need to consider the type of skateboarding you plan to do. Skateboard decks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for a specific style of skating. For instance, if you're into street skating, you might prefer a smaller deck that's easy to maneuver and flip. On the other hand, if you're more into cruising and carving, a larger and more stable deck might be your best bet. Follow along in our guide below to find out more.  

Here’s what we’ll cover:  

 


Types of Skateboard Decks

 

Skateboard decks are an essential component of the skateboard and come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to cater to different riding styles. In general, there are four main types of skateboard decks available in the market:

  1. Standard Skate Decks (or Popsicle Shapes)
  2. Cruiser Boards
  3. Old School Boards
  4. Longboard Decks

The type of skateboard deck that is best for you depends on your riding style, level of experience, and personal preferences. It is essential to do your research and carefully consider your options before selecting a skateboard deck to ensure an enjoyable ride. Each one of these boards offers a different degree of performance for different types of skating. We will walk you through everything you need to know about each, and explore a few of the key skateboard constructions along the way.

Click play & check out our lists below to find your new board.  


 

Standard Skate Decks

These skateboards are the ideal choice for beginners and advanced skaters as they are versatile and work well for street skating, skate parks, and almost all styles of skateboarding. These decks are typically ridden with hard wheels and resemble the shape of a popsicle stick with a symmetrical nose and tail.

 

Shop Standard Skate Decks

 

Cruiser Boards

If transportation is your primary goal, cruiser decks are the recommended choice. These decks are similar in length to standard decks but have a wider variety of shapes available. They are typically ridden with soft wheels, which provide a smoother and faster ride on rough surfaces. Compared to longboards, cruiser decks are lighter and nimbler, allowing for easy maneuvering through the streets and crowded sidewalks of your town.

 

Shop Cruiser Decks

 

Old School Decks

Paying homage to the vintage 80s-style skateboards, old school shaped skateboards are wider and have longer wheelbases than standard decks, making them more stable and ideal for bowl skating and transportation. Due to their extra width and short noses, old-school boards are more challenging to flip or ollie, so they may not be suitable for street skating.

 

Shop Old School Decks

 

Longboard Decks

These boards are the best option for skaters who are looking for a large and stable board that is easy to balance. They are ideal for mellow cruising, pushing long distances, and skating down hills at high speeds. Choosing a longboard deck involves considering factors such as the shape, length, and flexibility of the deck, as well as the type of trucks and wheels to be used. 

 

Shop Longboard Decks


Deck Construction

 

Traditional 7-ply

This is the most common construction used for skateboarding. It consists of seven thin layers of maple wood veneer, which are pressed and glued together with strong adhesives or resin. This construction process produces a sturdy and reliable skateboard deck that has been the tried and true standard for decades.  

The use of maple wood in skateboard decks provides excellent strength and pop, making it a popular choice among skaters. Its natural density and durability help to withstand the stress of riding and landing tricks. Additionally, the seven-ply construction creates a solid foundation for stability, ensuring that the deck won't warp or break easily. The traditional 7-ply skateboard deck is a reliable and durable choice for skateboarders of all levels. It offers a classic feel and performance that has stood the test of time.  

Shop 7-ply Decks

 

Tech Construction

Tech construction skateboards are designed with layers of fiberglass or other materials to improve strength and retain pop. These skateboards are ideal for skaters who prefer to jump down stairs or put a heavy beating on their deck during their sessions.   

The additional layers of material used in tech construction skateboards provide added durability, which is especially important for skaters who like to push their limits. This construction process allows the skateboard deck to maintain its pop and shape even after repeated impacts and heavy use. Overall, tech-construction skateboards are a reliable and sturdy choice for skaters who demand more from their equipment and want to push themselves to the next level.

Shop Tech Construction Decks

 

Slick Decks

Slick decks are skateboards that feature vinyl or plastic coatings on the bottom of the deck. This innovative design allows for smoother and longer slide tricks on various surfaces. The slick surface reduces friction and creates a unique sliding experience, making it perfect for skaters who want to boardslide through pockets or tail slide without loading up on wax or screwing in rails. The addition of the slick coating provides a durable and long-lasting surface, making it an excellent choice for those who want to save time and effort in maintaining their skateboard. 

Shop Slick Decks


What Size Skateboard Deck Should I Get?

 

When it comes to choosing the right skateboard deck width, we recommend starting with a size that's proportional to your shoe size. For men's shoe sizes ranging from 6.5 to 9, a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches is a good starting point. If your shoe size is 9.5 or larger, we suggest a deck width between 8.0 and 8.5 inches.  

Skaters who prefer flip tricks, manuals, ledges, flat bars, and technical tricks usually opt for narrower boards that fall within the range of 7.75 to 8.25 inches. In contrast, those who enjoy skating big bowls, handrails, or jumping down large gaps and stairs usually find larger boards (between 8.25 to 9.0 inches) more comfortable.  

Wider boards are ideal for transportation as they offer a more stable and comfortable standing platform. However, the key takeaway here is that there's no exact science when it comes to deck size, and personal preference is essential. Don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes until you find the one that works best for you.  


 

Skateboard Size Chart

Skateboard deck size chart


 

Keep Learning

 



Still Have Questions?

 

If you're still curious about the different types of skateboard decks, rest assured that we have the resources to help you out. Our customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about these shoes or other skateboard equipment. You can easily reach out to them by phone or message. 

Additionally, if you are in Portland, Eugene, Seattle or Bend, feel free to visit one of our local shops and speak to one of our friendly and helpful retail employees. They'll be more than happy to assist you and provide any information or guidance you need. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we're here to help! 

Customer Service: 

Call us toll-free at 888.450.5060 

Text us at: 888.450.5060 

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pacific Time 

Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time 

help@tactics.com 

  •  
Skateboard Builder
Size
Pro
More Pros Less Pros
Aaron "Jaws" Homoki Aaron Herrington Aidan Campbell Alec Majerus Alex Schmidt Andrew Brophy Andrew Reynolds Arto Saari Austin Kanfoush Ben Gore Bobby De Keyzer Bobby Worrest Boo Johnson Brad Cromer Brandon Turner Brian Anderson Brian Delatorre Bucky Lasek Casper Brooker Caswell Berry Chico Brenes Chima Ferguson Chris Gregson Chris Milic Chris Pfanner Chris Russell Christian Maalouf Claus Grabke Cody Lockwood Collin Provost Corey Glick Corey O'Brien Cory Kennedy Craig "Questions" Scott Daan Van Der Linden Daewon Song Dan Plunkett Dane Brady Dane Burman Dashawn Jordan David Gravette David Loy David Reyes Dennis Busenitz Dick Rizzo Dustin Eggeling Dustin Henry Ed Templeton Elijah Berle Elissa Steamer Eric Dressen Erick Winkowski Erik Ellington Evan Smith Fabiana Delfino Frank Gerwer Frankie Hill Fred Gall Gabriel Summers Gilbert Crockett Glen Fox Grant Taylor Greyson Fletcher Guy Mariano Ishod Wair Jack Curtin Jackson Pilz Jahmal Williams Jake Hayes Jake Johnson Jameel Douglas Jamie Foy Jamie Palmore Jamie Thomas Jeremy Leabres Jerry Hsu Jesus Fernandez Jimmy Lannon Jimmy Wilkins Joel Meinholz Joey Guevara John Cardiel John Lucero John Shanahan Jon Dickson Jordan Trahan Josh Kalis Josh Pall Josh Wilson Justin "Figgy" Figueroa Karsten Kleppan Kenny Anderson Kevin "Spanky" Long Kevin Baekkel Kevin Bradley Kevin Kowalski Kevin Rodrigues Kevin Taylor Kyle Walker Lance Mountain Lee Yankou Leo Romero Leo Valls Leticia Bufoni Lizzie Armanto Louie Barletta Louie Lopez Luke Malaney Mark "Gonz" Gonzales Mark Del Negro Mark Suciu Mason Silva Mike McGill Mike Vallely Milton Martinez Natas Kaupas Nick Boserio Nick Garcia Nicky Guerrero Oskar Rozenberg Hallberg Paul Grund Pedro Delfino Per Welinder Peter Hewitt Raney Beres Raven Tershy Ray "Bones" Rodriguez Ray Barbee Rick McCrank Riley Hawk Rob Roskopp Ronnie Sandoval Rowan Zorilla Ryan Lay Ryan Reyes Ryan Townley Samarria Brevard Sammy Baca Sean Malto Sebo Walker Shane O'Neill Shawn Hale Silas Baxter-Neal Simon Bannerot Steve Caballero Steve Saiz Stevie Perez Stevie Williams Taylor Kirby Theotis Beasley Tom Asta Tom Knox Tom Knox (80s) Tom Penny Tommy Sandoval Tony Hawk Tony Trujillo Torey Pudwill Trevor Thompson Tristan "T-Funk" Funkhouser Tyler Bledsoe Tyler Surrey Tyson Peterson Vincent Alvarez Wes Kremer Willis Kimbel Yaje Popson Yuri Facchini Yuto Horigome Zion Wright Less Pros
Deck Shape
Construction
Features
Width Range
Wheelbase Range
Color
Price
$
$
Sale
Sort Results by
Tactics Real x Tactics Railway 8.5 Skateboard DeckTactics Real x Tactics Railway 8.5 Skateboard Deck $69.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Heroin Eggzilla 3 14.0 Skateboard DeckHeroin Eggzilla 3 14.0 Skateboard Deck $129.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024
Heroin MUTATOR 13.0 Skateboard DeckHeroin MUTATOR 13.0 Skateboard Deck $107.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024
Tactics Cat 'N Mouse Skateboard DeckTactics Cat 'N Mouse Skateboard Deck $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
April Yuto Fuji 2 8.0 Skateboard DeckApril Yuto Fuji 2 8.0 Skateboard Deck $68.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Krooked Andrew Wilson Positively Pro 8.5 Skateboard DeckKrooked Andrew Wilson Positively Pro 8.5 Skateboard Deck $76.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Cyber Monday Snow
Tactics We Are Still The World Skateboard Deck - multiTactics We Are Still The World Skateboard Deck multi $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Anti-Hero Grosso Jalopi 9.25 Double Driller Skateboard DeckAnti-Hero Grosso Jalopi 9.25 Double Driller Skateboard Deck $76.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics Greetings 2: The Arrival Skateboard Deck - tealTactics Greetings 2: The Arrival Skateboard Deck teal $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Zero Dead Moon 9.25 Skateboard DeckZero Dead Moon 9.25 Skateboard Deck $72.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck - purpleTactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck purple $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Santa Cruz Grabke Exploding Clock 10.04 LTD Reissue Skateboard DeckSanta Cruz Grabke Exploding Clock 10.04 LTD Reissue Skateboard Deck $86.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Habitat Apex Bold 8.375 Twin Tail Skateboard Deck - tealHabitat Apex Bold 8.375 Twin Tail Skateboard Deck teal $62.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Baker Hawk Get Lost 8.125 Skateboard DeckBaker Hawk Get Lost 8.125 Skateboard Deck $73.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Welcome Batman Batmonster 10.0 Widow Shape Skateboard DeckWelcome Batman Batmonster 10.0 Widow Shape Skateboard Deck $71.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics Greetings 2: The Arrival Skateboard Deck - blackTactics Greetings 2: The Arrival Skateboard Deck black $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Hockey Much Worse 8.38 Skateboard DeckHockey Much Worse 8.38 Skateboard Deck $77.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Deathwish Hayes Lords Of The Underworld 8.25 Skateboard DeckDeathwish Hayes Lords Of The Underworld 8.25 Skateboard Deck $73.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck - yellowTactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck yellow $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Sci-Fi Fantasy Hsu Bear Suit 8.5 Skateboard DeckSci-Fi Fantasy Hsu Bear Suit 8.5 Skateboard Deck $69.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Flip Penny Tom's Friends 8.25 Skateboard Deck - tie dyeFlip Penny Tom's Friends 8.25 Skateboard Deck tie dye $59.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Quasi Johnson Milan 8.375 Skateboard DeckQuasi Johnson Milan 8.375 Skateboard Deck $71.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
WKND Taylor Good Croak 8.75 Skateboard Deck - purpleWKND Taylor Good Croak 8.75 Skateboard Deck purple $72.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics Greetings 2: The Arrival Skateboard Deck - pinkTactics Greetings 2: The Arrival Skateboard Deck pink $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Limosine Cat 8.6 Skateboard Deck - metallic emeraldLimosine Cat 8.6 Skateboard Deck metallic emerald $76.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Transportation Unit Mikey Pro 8.25 Skateboard Deck - yellow/orangeTransportation Unit Mikey Pro 8.25 Skateboard Deck yellow/orange $61.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Evisen Redevelopment 01 8.25 Skateboard DeckEvisen Redevelopment 01 8.25 Skateboard Deck $74.95 Available as Deck or Complete
GX1000 OG Logo Stain 8.0 Skateboard Deck - blueGX1000 OG Logo Stain 8.0 Skateboard Deck blue $69.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics Real x Tactics Railway 8.25 Skateboard DeckTactics Real x Tactics Railway 8.25 Skateboard Deck $69.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Frog Nick Michel Bugfinder 8.5 Skateboard Deck - yellowFrog Nick Michel Bugfinder 8.5 Skateboard Deck yellow $71.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Creature The Heshcutioner 9.0 Wheel Wells Skateboard DeckCreature The Heshcutioner 9.0 Wheel Wells Skateboard Deck $72.95 Available as Deck or Complete
SK8MAFIA Kremer Strick9 8.5 Skateboard Deck - redSK8MAFIA Kremer Strick9 8.5 Skateboard Deck red $59.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Polar Skate Co. Boserio Jesus 8.5 Short Shape Skateboard DeckPolar Skate Co. Boserio Jesus 8.5 Short Shape Skateboard Deck $71.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck - greenTactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck green $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
There Marie For Marie 8.38 True Fit Skateboard DeckThere Marie For Marie 8.38 True Fit Skateboard Deck $76.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Black Label Radcats 9.5 Egg Skateboard Deck - navyBlack Label Radcats 9.5 Egg Skateboard Deck navy $71.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
DGK Kaido House Roulette Racer 8.25 Skateboard DeckDGK Kaido House Roulette Racer 8.25 Skateboard Deck $68.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Chocolate Capps Original Chunk 8.5 Skateboard Deck - whiteChocolate Capps Original Chunk 8.5 Skateboard Deck white $58.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics Reflection Skateboard DeckTactics Reflection Skateboard Deck $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Halloween Stickers Skateboards OG Logo 8.25 Embossed Skateboard Deck - white dipHalloween Stickers Skateboards OG Logo 8.25 Embossed Skateboard Deck white dip $64.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Fucking Awesome Louie Painting 8.25 Skateboard Deck - pinkFucking Awesome Louie Painting 8.25 Skateboard Deck pink $77.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
The Heated Wheel Freeriders 6.0 Polarizer Skateboard DeckThe Heated Wheel Freeriders 6.0 Polarizer Skateboard Deck $69.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
5boro Cinco Barrios Cruiser Small 7.6 Skateboard Deck - natural5boro Cinco Barrios Cruiser Small 7.6 Skateboard Deck natural $59.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete
Tactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck - redTactics The Juggler Skateboard Deck red $44.95 Available as Deck or Complete
Meow Samarria Brevard Dragonfly 7.75 Skateboard DeckMeow Samarria Brevard Dragonfly 7.75 Skateboard Deck $58.9510% Off Use Code: CM2024 Available as Deck or Complete