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How to Build a Skateboard - Quick & Easy Assembly Guide

Written by: Cassidy Lavender, Product Content Writer  | February 2nd, 2023

Whether you’re leveling up from a pre-assembled deck, swapping out parts from the skateboard your older sibling handed down, or just getting into the skate scene for the first time, we’re here to walk you through how to build a skateboard with every little detail you need to get it assembled and hit your local skatepark or street spot with complete confidence. If you're wondering how to build a longboard, it's essentially the same process.

So how do you assemble a skateboard, what tools do you need, and how much will it cost to build a skateboard? Well, buckle up because we will cover it all in our in-depth guide below. So gather your deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and tools — you'll be ready to drop in before you know it.

Everything You Need to Build a Skateboard: 


Figuring out how to build your own skateboard is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few steps. If you’re starting from scratch and buying everything new, you should expect to spend about $90 - $150, depending on each item you choose and the tools you need to set everything up. Not sure which deck, wheels, or trucks will work best? Check out our detailed guide on choosing a skateboard, or contact our customer care team at 866-386-1590.
 

How to Apply Grip Tape


First, let's ensure you get some grip tape on your skate deck. Sometimes watching is more straightforward than reading, so if you need to put grip tape on a new deck, check out the video below, where Travis will show you how to apply grip tape like a pro. Start here, and we will walk through the rest step by step.

For those who do enjoy having the steps listed out, please reference our How to Grip a Skateboard guide.

How to Install Skateboard Bearings


  1. Next, we will walk through how to put bearings in skateboard wheels. If you have a skate tool with a bearing popper handy, you can use your bodyweight to press the bearings into the wheels until they seat into place. You can also use your trucks by placing the bearing on the truck, putting the wheel on top of the bearing, and pushing down onto the wheel's perimeter until you feel that bearing pop in. Then, rinse and repeat to install bearings on both sides of all four wheels. 
     

  2. With bearings in place, it’s time to get those wheels spinning. Make sure you leave one washer on the inside, slide on the wheel, and add the other washer on the outside. Then you can pop on the nut and use your skate tool to tighten it up. It’s ideal to have a little play with the wheels, so don't tighten everything up too snug. A little wiggle room is great.

How to Put Trucks on a Skateboard


  1. Now, it’s time to mount those trucks: A good rule to remember is 'kingpin in’, meaning both truck kingpins should be facing in towards each other. Place your mounting hardware through the top of the deck, then you can flip the deck onto its side and use one hand on the top of the deck to keep the bolts from falling out while you use the other hand to get the trucks aligned on the bottom. You can then use your hands to thread the nuts on so they are holding in place. 
     

  2. Once both trucks are hand tight, you’ll want to grab that screwdriver to hold your Phillips head bolts from the top of the deck while you use the skate tool or allen wrench to tighten from the bottom. Pay close attention here not to suck the bolts too deep into the top of the deck. Do not over tighten.
     

  3. Almost there! Adjusting the trucks: Figuring out how to tighten or loosen trucks on a skateboard is easy-peasy. You can adjust the tightness of the trucks by tightening or loosening the kingpin with your skate tool. This will affect the turning ability of the skateboard. Be aware that if your trucks are too loose, you run the risk of getting wheel bite — which is when the edge of the board comes in direct contact with the wheel.

Test Ride


  1. Now for the test ride: Take your newly assembled skateboard for a quick test ride to ensure everything is secured and performing to your liking. 
     

  2. Finally, adjust as needed: Adjust the trucks and wheels to make sure your ride is as smooth as possible for you.

And that's it, you're ready to go out and skate like a pro! Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, respect your local skate spots, and above all, have fun. It can be intimidating to hit the skatepark alone for your first time, so feel free to go with a friend or check online for some local skate groups that you can hang with. If you happen to be near one of our All Together Skatepark locations for an open skate session or private lesson. Happy skating!


Still have questions?

Reach out with any skateboard related questions! Our experienced customer service reps would be stoked to help you out.
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This is evo. We are a ski, snowboard, wake, skate, bike, surf, camp, and clothing online retailer with physical stores in SeattlePortlandDenver, Salt Lake City, Whistler, and Snoqualmie Pass. Our goal is to provide you with great information to make both your purchase and upkeep easy.

evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides and mountain bike trail guides.

 

Still have questions? Please call our customer care team at 1.866.386.1590 during Customer Care Hours. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs.