Finding the best plywood for skateboards can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the world of skateboarding. With so many different types of plywood available on the market, selecting the right one to suit your individual skateboard needs can be overwhelming. However, with our comprehensive review and buying guide, you can easily find the best plywood for skateboards that suits your requirements and budget. In this article, we have listed the top 12 best plywood for skateboards that are currently available in the market and have analyzed their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Get ready for our reviews on the best plywood for skateboards, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Plywood For Skateboards
A Brief Overview of Plywood For Skateboards
Plywood for skateboards is an essential component in constructing skateboards. Skateboard decks are made using multi-layered plywood. Skateboard manufacturers use different types of plywood to create skateboards suitable for different riding styles.
The most common plywood used for skateboards is maple plywood. Maple plywood is known for its strength and durability, which makes it ideal for high-impact tricks and long durability. Skateboard manufacturers use several thin wooden veneers (usually 7 to 9) of maple plywood glued together under high pressure to make the skateboard deck. Some manufacturers use bamboo, birch, poplar, or other types of wood to construct their skateboard decks for different purposes. The type of plywood used to make a skateboard affects the durability, flexibility, and stiffness of the board.
What are the Advantages of Buying Plywood For Skateboards?
There are a variety of reasons why plywood is an excellent choice for making skateboard decks. In addition to affordability and flexibility, there are several other benefits that make it a popular material for skateboard builders. Here are some key reasons to consider plywood for your skateboard project.
Durability
Plywood is an excellent material for skateboard construction because of its durability. It is made by layering thin sheets of wood and gluing them together in a cross-grain pattern. This technique makes the plywood resistant to cracking, splitting and warping. Unlike other materials, plywood can withstand the high impact and pressure that skateboarding puts on a board.
Additionally, skateboarders often perform tricks and jumps, which can cause damage to the board over time. Plywood is strong enough to withstand these impacts and maintain its structural integrity, making it a popular choice for skateboard manufacturers. Plywood also has a good balance of stiffness and flexibility, which provides a smoother ride and better control for skateboarders. Overall, the durability of plywood makes it an essential material for skateboard construction, ensuring that boards can handle the wear and tear of skateboarding.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the plywood used for skateboards is essential for the performance and durability of the skateboard. The boards need to be able to withstand the impact and pressure put on them during tricks and maneuvers. A rigid board could easily snap or crack under the stress.
Plywood made from layers of thin veneer allows for varying degrees of flexibility depending on the type and thickness of the layers used. Skateboarders often prefer a certain degree of flexibility in their board to provide greater control and maneuverability. Plywood also has a natural “springiness” that enhances the board’s performance when landing tricks. The use of high-quality plywood in skateboard construction helps to make the boards more responsive and durable, which is essential for skateboarders at all levels.
Lightweight
Plywood is a popular material for making skateboards due to its lightweight properties. Skateboarders need a board that is easy to maneuver and carry around, and using a heavy material can be a hindrance. Plywood is made of thin layers of wood that are glued together, which creates a strong and durable material that is also lightweight. This makes it easier for skateboarders to control their board and perform tricks without being weighed down.
Additionally, the lightweight nature of plywood makes it easier for skateboarders to carry their board around with them. Skateboarders often need to transport their board to different locations to skate, whether it be to a skate park or just around town. Using a heavy material can make it cumbersome to carry the board, whereas plywood is light enough to be carried with ease. This makes it a practical and functional material for making skateboards.
Smooth surface
Plywood for skateboards is chosen for its smooth surface because the skateboarder’s feet need a clean, even grip on the board for good performance. A rough surface can hinder the skateboarder’s ability to control the board properly. The smoothness of the plywood also allows for greater accuracy in executing tricks and moves.
In addition, a smooth surface helps prevent wear and tear on the skateboarder’s shoes, as the grip tape on a rough surface can quickly deteriorate the soles of shoes. A smooth surface also contributes to the longevity of the board itself, as it is less likely to become damaged or warped due to uneven wear. Ultimately, a smooth surface is vital to the performance, safety, and overall durability of a skateboard.
Buyer’s Guides
Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand the factors that can impact the quality and durability of skateboard plywood.
Material quality
When it comes to selecting plywood for skateboards, material quality plays a critical role. Skateboarding requires a high level of durability and strength. Plywood with lower quality materials cannot hold up well under the constant pressure and shock of skateboarding, especially for street and park skating. Poor quality material can result in warping, cracking, and delamination, which can cause injuries to the rider and damage to the board. Investing in high-quality plywood ensures the skateboard is safe to use and lasts longer, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Good quality plywood also plays a role in the overall performance of the skateboard. Plywood that is made from top-notch materials is likely to be strong, light, and flexible, which can affect how skateboarders execute different tricks and maneuvers. The thickness and shape of the plywood also matter when it comes to different forms of skateboarding. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the material quality and type when selecting plywood for skateboarding to ensure a comfortable, safe, and high-performance ride.
Size and thickness
The size and thickness of plywood are important factors to consider when buying it for skateboards because they determine the strength and durability of the board. Plywood is made by gluing together layers of thin wood veneers, and the number of layers and thickness of each layer dictate the overall strength and stiffness of the board. A thicker plywood board is typically stronger and more durable than a thinner one, making it better suited for high-impact skateboarding tricks and maneuvers. Additionally, a larger sheet of plywood can accommodate the length and width of a skateboard deck, making it easier to create a seamless and sturdy design. It is essential to consider the size and thickness of plywood before buying it for use in skateboards to ensure that it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and provide a long-lasting and reliable riding experience.
Durability
Durability is a key factor to consider when purchasing plywood for skateboards. Skateboarding involves a lot of wear and tear on the board, as riders often perform tricks and jumps that put significant pressure and impact on the material. Choosing a durable plywood can ensure that the board lasts longer, and does not break or crack easily. A high-quality plywood that is strong and resilient can also withstand exposure to the elements and maintain its structural integrity over time. Durability is thus an important factor to consider when making a long-term investment in a skateboard.
In addition, a durable plywood can also contribute to safety and stability while skating. A board that is prone to breakage or wear and tear can cause accidents and injuries. Using a strong and sturdy plywood can enhance the rider’s control, speed, and overall experience, while reducing the risk of accidents or mishaps. Durability is thus a crucial factor for skaters of all levels, and should be considered before purchasing a skateboard plywood.
Flexibility
Flexibility is an important factor to consider when buying plywood for skateboards because it can greatly impact the overall quality and performance of the board. Plywood that is too stiff or not flexible enough may result in a board that is difficult to maneuver and does not provide the rider with the proper amount of control. On the other hand, plywood that is too flexible may not provide enough support and can easily break under pressure. It is important to find a balance between flexibility and strength to ensure that the skateboard can withstand the demands of riding and perform at its best.
Additionally, considering flexibility can also affect the type of riding style the skateboard is best suited for. A more flexible board is typically preferred for cruising and carving, while a stiffer board is better suited for tricks and technical riding. By taking into account the level of flexibility needed for the desired riding style, skateboarders can choose plywood that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Overall, flexibility is an important factor to consider when buying plywood for skateboards to ensure the board’s durability, performance, and suitability for the rider’s preferred riding style.
Weight
Weight is an important factor to consider before buying plywood for skateboards because a skateboard’s performance largely depends on the weight of the plywood. Plywood that is too heavy can make the skateboard feel clumsy and difficult to control, while plywood that is too light can result in a weak and flimsy board that can easily break. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between weight and strength to ensure the durability and performance of the skateboard.
Furthermore, the weight of the plywood also affects the overall weight of the skateboard. A lighter skateboard is easier to maneuver and control, making it ideal for tricks and street skating. On the other hand, a heavier skateboard is more stable and easier to ride, making it ideal for cruising and longboarding. Therefore, choosing the right weight of plywood is crucial for achieving the desired performance of the skateboard.
Cost
Cost is an important consideration when buying plywood for skateboards because it affects the overall quality and durability of the board. Higher-priced plywood may be of better quality, with fewer imperfections and voids, making it more suitable for high-impact activities like skateboarding. Cheaper plywood often contains more knots and voids that can weaken the board and lead to breakage or cracking over time.
In addition, the cost of plywood can also impact the final cost of the skateboard. Higher-priced plywood may be more expensive upfront but may save money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring less maintenance. On the other hand, cheaper plywood may mean a lower upfront cost, but may lead to frequent repairs or replacement. Ultimately, considering cost when buying plywood for skateboards can help ensure that you get the best value for your money and a board that will last.
FAQ
What is the recommended thickness of plywood for skateboards?
The recommended thickness of plywood for making skateboards is usually around 7 to 9 layers, which adds up to a thickness of 1/2 inch or 12mm. This thickness is considered ideal for balancing the weight and durability of the board, as well as providing enough flexibility for maneuvers and tricks.
A thinner board may be lighter and easier to flip, but it may also break or wear out faster, while a thicker board may be too heavy and difficult to control. Ultimately, the choice of plywood thickness may depend on personal preference and the type of skating activity, such as cruising, grinding, or ramp riding.
Can any type of plywood be used for creating a skateboard deck?
Generally, any type of plywood can be used for creating a skateboard deck. However, the quality and durability of the skateboard deck will vary based on the type and grade of plywood used. Skaters typically use high-quality hardwood plywood with a minimum of 7 plies for strength and stiffness, such as Canadian maple plywood. While some skaters may choose to use lower quality or softer plywood, this can lead to the skateboard deck breaking or wearing down more quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to use high-quality plywood specifically designed for skateboard decks for optimal performance and safety.
How many layers of plywood are recommended for a skateboard deck?
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Is it necessary to apply a clear coat or sealant to the finished skateboard deck?
Final Verdict
Choosing the right plywood for your skateboard is crucial to ensure its durability and performance. From the variety of options available, we have listed the top 12 best plywood for skateboards in this article. These plywoods are trusted among skateboard enthusiasts and have proven to be reliable for their needs. Remember to consider factors such as durability, weight, and price when selecting the best plywood for skateboards.
By selecting the best plywood for your skateboard, you can rely on a strong and long-lasting board that performs well, giving you the control and precision you need while riding. So, invest wisely in the best plywood for skateboards to enjoy a smooth and safe ride while pursuing your passion.