Skateboarding is an exciting sport that requires a sturdy and durable skateboard to perform tricks and maneuvers. The type of wood used to create the board plays a significant role in its overall quality. Choosing the best wood for skateboards ensures that you get the strength and resilience you need for a smooth ride. To help you choose the right one, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Wood for Skateboards. In this article, we will review each option and provide a buying guide to assist you in making an informed buying decision.
Get ready for our reviews on the best wood for skateboards, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Wood For Skateboards
Wood For Skateboards: A Simplified Overview
Wood for Skateboards is a crucial component for skateboard manufacturing, as it determines the quality and performance of the board. Skateboard manufacturers use different kinds of wood based on their durability, flexibility, and weight. Maple wood is the most commonly used type of wood for skateboard decks because of its strength and robustness.
There are different grades of maple wood, which are categorized based on their characteristics and suitability for skateboard decks. Skateboard manufacturers need to source their wood from established and reputable suppliers to ensure that the wood is of high quality and meets the industry standards. With the right wood, skateboarders can expect better stability, pop, and durability from their boards, which ultimately enhances their skateboarding experience.
Why Do You Need to Buy Wood For Skateboards?
Wooden skateboards have been around for decades, and for good reasons. From their distinct style to their lightweight and durable nature, there are several key reasons why investing in a wooden skateboard may be a wise choice for skateboard enthusiasts of all levels. Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits.
Durability
Durability is a crucial aspect of skateboarding, especially when it comes to the board itself. Skateboards need to be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of intense tricks and repetitive use. Choosing the right wood for skateboards is essential to ensuring the board will last long enough for the skater to fully enjoy it.
Maple is a popular choice for skateboard wood due to its strength and durability. It can handle the impact and stress of skateboarding without cracking or splintering easily. Additionally, it is a hardwood, making it resistant to scratches and dents. By using wood that is both strong and sturdy, skaters can rely on their boards for consistent performance, even after prolonged use.
Flexibility
When it comes to skateboarding, flexibility is crucial. The wood used to make skateboards needs to have some degree of flex, or elasticity, to ensure a smooth ride. A flexible board can absorb impact from jumps and tricks, reducing the risk of injury. It also allows for better control, as the board can adapt to the skater’s movements and provide a more fluid ride.
Different types of wood have varying levels of flexibility. Maple is a popular choice for skateboard decks because it offers a good balance of strength and flexibility. Bamboo is also a popular choice, known for its strong and flexible nature. Additionally, some companies use specialized composite materials to create boards with even greater flexibility and durability. Ultimately, the choice of wood for a skateboard deck depends on the skater’s preferences and intended use, but flexibility is a crucial factor in ensuring a high-quality ride.
Grip
Grip is crucial for any skateboarder as it is the amount of traction that their feet get on the board while riding. Without enough grip, the rider may slip and fall, causing injuries. Therefore, one of the primary reasons for purchasing wood for skateboards is to ensure that the board has a good grip.
The most popular type of wood for skateboards is maple wood. Maple wood is preferred by skateboarders because it provides excellent grip, durability, and resilience while riding. It has a unique grain structure that allows for a textured surface, creating more friction between the skater’s shoes and the board. Additionally, maple wood can withstand the constant wear and tear that comes with skating and can last for several years, making it the preferred choice for skateboard manufacturers and riders.
Aesthetics
When it comes to skateboards, aesthetics play a vital role. Skateboarders often choose their decks based on their personal style and preferences. The type of wood used for a skateboard can impact its overall appearance, whether it is a natural grain pattern or a vibrant graphic design.
Skateboard companies also use different types of wood to create unique designs. For example, some companies may use Canadian maple wood for its strength and durability, while others may use bamboo for its eco-friendliness and aesthetic appeal. The type of wood used for a skateboard can greatly impact its overall look and feel, making it an important factor in the decision-making process for skateboarders.
Buying Guides
Wood is an essential element of any skateboard, and selecting the right wood can significantly impact your ride. Factors such as durability, flexibility, and weight influence the performance of the board. Therefore, considering these factors is crucial when selecting the best wood for your skateboard.
Type of wood
The type of wood used for skateboards significantly affects the durability, strength, and flexibility of the skateboard. While some wood types can handle the high impact and wear and tear of skateboarding, others may not be strong enough to withstand the trick-heavy sport. Furthermore, different wood types offer distinct riding experiences, such as greater control or more pop. Therefore, it is essential to consider the type of wood before buying wood for skateboards to ensure it meets your requirements and preferences.
Another reason why the type of wood is crucial for skateboards is that it can affect the weight of the board. Generally, lighter wood results in a lighter board, allowing for better maneuverability and speed. On the other hand, heavier wood may result in a sturdier board but may sacrifice speed and maneuverability. Ultimately, the type of wood chosen for a skateboard can impact the rider’s performance and experience, so it is vital to select a suitable wood type based on one’s skill level, riding style, and overall preferences.
Quality of wood
The quality of wood is essential when buying wood for skateboards because it directly affects the skateboard’s performance. A good-quality wood board will provide excellent stability and better control while skating, making it easier for the rider to perform tricks and maneuvers with ease. On the other hand, a low-quality board can result in a wobbly and unstable ride, reducing the rider’s confidence levels.
Furthermore, a high-quality wood board will have better durability and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. It ensures that the skateboard lasts longer, making it a more valuable investment in the long run. So, considering the quality of wood before buying is crucial to ensure the skateboard’s overall performance, durability, and value for money.
Thickness of wood
The thickness of wood is an essential factor to consider when buying wood for skateboards. The thickness of the wood directly affects the weight, strength, and durability of the board. A thin board may be lighter, but it may also be less durable and crack easily. On the other hand, a thick board may be heavier, but it can withstand more wear and tear, and it will be less likely to break.
Skateboarders must consider their riding style, skill level, and weight when choosing the appropriate thickness of wood. A beginner skateboarder may prefer a thicker board for stability, whereas a seasoned skateboarder may opt for a thinner board for more maneuverability. Ultimately, the thickness of the wood plays a critical role in the performance and longevity of the skateboard.
Grain orientation
Grain orientation is a crucial factor to consider before buying wood for skateboards. It is because the grain orientation plays a significant role in determining the strength, stability, and durability of the skateboard. The grain orientation refers to the direction of the wood’s fibers and how they are positioned relative to the skateboard’s shape. By choosing the right grain orientation, you can ensure that your skateboard can withstand the stresses and impact of skateboarding activities, such as jumping and flipping.
To illustrate the importance of grain orientation, a cross-grain orientation is not suitable for skateboard decks as it can lead to cracking and breakage. On the other hand, lengthwise grain orientation, also known as longitudinal grain, is the best option because the fibers run parallel to the skateboard’s length, providing a strong and stable platform for riding. Therefore, considering the grain orientation before purchasing wood is essential for making a reliable and long-lasting skateboard.
Sustainability of wood source
Sustainability is an important factor that we should consider before buying wood for skateboards. Skateboards are made of wood, and wood is a natural resource that is becoming increasingly scarce due to deforestation. When we buy wood for skateboards, we should ensure that it comes from sustainable sources, such as certified forests that are managed responsibly. By doing so, we can contribute to the preservation of the environment and ensure that future generations have access to this valuable resource.
In addition to environmental concerns, we should also consider the social and economic impact of our choices regarding wood sourcing. Buying from sustainable sources can help support local communities that depend on forests for their livelihood. It can also help promote fair labor practices and support companies that prioritize sustainability in their business practices. By choosing sustainable wood sources for our skateboards, we can make a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy.
Price
Considering the price before buying wood for skateboards is essential for several reasons. Firstly, the cost of the wood will significantly impact the overall budget of building a skateboard. As skateboarding involves using a lot of wooden pieces, including decks, plywoods, etc., it can quickly add up to a significant expense. Therefore, opting for cost-effective but high-quality wood can help in saving a considerable amount of money.
Secondly, the type and quality of wood used in a skateboard’s construction have a significant impact on the rider’s performance and safety. Choosing inferior quality wood because of its lower price may result in boards with less durability and strength, hence increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, considering the cost of the wood, along with its quality, is crucial in ensuring the longevity, strength, and safety of the skateboard.
FAQs
What type of wood is best for making skateboards?
The most commonly used wood for making skateboards is Canadian maple wood. This type of wood is known for its high density, strength, and durability, which makes it perfect for the wear and tear associated with skateboarding. Canadian maple wood also provides a consistent and predictable ride experience for skateboarders, as it is less likely to warp or loosen over time. Additionally, the layers of Canadian maple wood used in skateboard decks are bonded together under high pressure and heat, making the deck stronger and more resilient. As a result, it is the preferred wood choice for skateboard manufacturers and riders alike.
Other types of wood that can be used for skateboards include bamboo, birch, and oak. However, these types of wood are not as commonly used as Canadian maple wood due to their lower strength and durability. Skateboarders tend to prefer Canadian maple wood for its reliability and longevity, which ultimately makes for a better skateboarding experience.
Can any wood be used to make a skateboard?
Technically, any type of wood can be used to make a skateboard. However, certain types of wood are more suitable than others. Most skateboard decks are made of hard rock maple wood as it is durable, strong, and provides a good amount of pop for tricks. Other types of wood such as bamboo and birch can also be used in skateboard construction. However, softer woods such as pine and cedar are not recommended as they are not as durable and can easily break or warp under the pressure of skateboarding. Ultimately, it is important to choose a strong and sturdy type of wood to ensure a safe and enjoyable skateboarding experience.
In addition to the type of wood used, the quality and construction of the skateboard also play a crucial role in its performance. Features such as the shape, concave, and width of the deck, as well as the type and size of the wheels and trucks, all have an impact on how the skateboard rides. Therefore, it is important to consider not only the type of wood used but also the overall quality and design of the skateboard when choosing one for use.
How many plies of wood are typically used in a skateboard deck?
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Is there a difference in the quality of wood used for professional versus amateur skateboards?
Verdict
As you can see, choosing the best wood for skateboards is essential for ensuring durability and performance. The ten woods we have reviewed vary in strength, weight, and flexibility, allowing you to find the ideal choice for your skating style and preferences. No matter which wood you choose, make sure to prioritize quality and craftsmanship to reap the benefits of a long-lasting, reliable skateboard that will serve you well for years to come. Investing in the best wood for skateboards is a smart decision for any skater looking to elevate their skills and take their riding to the next level.