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Build a skateboard

Build a skateboard
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Build a simple wooden skateboard using a deck, trucks, wheels, sandpaper, and adult help. Learn measuring, drilling, and safe riding basics.

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Step-by-step guide to build a simple wooden skateboard

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Learning to Try Again with Skateboards! đŸ›čâšĄïž | Skateboards for Kids | I Can Do Hard Things | Skating

What you need
Adult supervision required, drill with drill bits, masking tape, measuring tape or ruler, pencil, sandpaper (medium and fine), screwdriver and wrench, skateboard bearings, skateboard trucks, skateboard wheels, wooden skateboard deck

Step 1

Gather all materials and place them on a clean table so everything is easy to reach.

Step 2

Sand the top and bottom of the wooden deck with medium then fine sandpaper until the surface feels smooth.

Step 3

Measure the deck and mark the center with a pencil.

Step 4

Place a truck upside-down near one end of the deck with its middle aligned to the center mark.

Step 5

Press the truck baseplate down and mark the four bolt hole positions through the baseplate with your pencil.

Step 6

Put small pieces of masking tape over each pencil mark to help stop the wood from splintering when you drill.

Step 7

With an adult holding the deck steady, drill shallow pilot holes at each pencil mark using a small drill bit.

Step 8

Change to a drill bit that matches your truck bolts and drill each hole fully through the deck to the correct size.

Step 9

Push both bearings into each wheel until the bearings sit flush in the wheel hubs.

Step 10

Place the truck on the deck aligning its bolt holes with the drilled holes and insert the truck bolts from the top through the deck into the truck.

Step 11

Put nuts onto the bolts and hand-tighten them so the truck stays in place.

Step 12

With an adult's help, use a screwdriver and wrench to tighten all truck bolts evenly until snug but not over-tightened.

Step 13

Attach each wheel onto a truck axle and secure it with the axle nut, adjusting so the wheel spins freely without wobble.

Step 14

Share a photo and a short description of your finished skateboard on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a wooden deck, masking tape, or specific drill bits if those items are hard to find?

If you can't find a premade wooden deck use a thick hardwood plank or a second-hand longboard deck, substitute painter's tape for masking tape when marking bolt holes, and use a drill bit from a set that matches your truck bolts for the drilling steps.

My wood splintered when I drilled—how can I avoid that and get clean holes for the truck bolts?

Prevent splintering by sticking masking or painter's tape over each pencil mark, clamping the deck, drilling shallow pilot holes with a small bit while an adult steadies the deck, then switch to the bolt-sized bit to finish each hole cleanly as described in the instructions.

How can I adapt this skateboard build for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger children use a pre-sanded, pre-drilled deck and have an adult do the drilling and final tightening while the child sands and decorates, and for older kids let them handle measuring, pilot-hole drilling, full drilling, and bolt-tightening under supervision to increase responsibility and skill.

What are some ways to enhance or personalize the skateboard after following the assembly steps?

After assembly you can add grip tape or textured paint to the sanded top, install riser pads between deck and trucks for smoother rides, lubricate the bearings so the wheels spin freely, and decorate the underside before sharing your photo on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to build a simple wooden skateboard

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to skateboard for beginners | Daily Skateboard lesson Day 1

4 Videos

Facts about woodworking for kids

đŸȘ” Maple is the classic wood for pro decks because it's strong and flexible, but plywood or hardwood scrap work well for a beginner DIY board.

📏 Measure twice and drill slowly with an adult helper to avoid cracked wood and misaligned trucks — careful work makes a safer board.

đŸ›č Most street skateboards are about 28–33 inches long — great sizes to aim for when building a simple wooden deck.

đŸ”© Skateboard trucks are the metal axles that let the board turn — swapping tighter or looser bushings changes how sharply it steers.

đŸȘ– Wearing a helmet and pads greatly reduces the chance of serious head or limb injuries while learning to ride.

How do I build a simple wooden skateboard with my child?

To build a simple wooden skateboard with your child, measure the deck and mark truck hole positions, then have an adult pre-drill pilot holes and attach trucks with the proper hardware. Mount bearings and wheels, sand edges smooth, and add grip tape or paint if desired. Check bolt tightness and inspect the board. Teach safe riding basics—helmet, pads, balance practice on flat ground—and supervise the first rides closely.

What materials do I need to build a wooden skateboard?

You’ll need a wooden deck (pre-cut or blank wood), two trucks, four wheels with bearings, and the correct mounting hardware (bolts and nuts). Also gather sandpaper (coarse to fine), measuring tape, pencil, clamps, screwdriver or socket wrench, and a drill for adult use. Optional items: grip tape, paint, and finish. Safety gear—helmet, knee and elbow pads, and eye protection—is essential; keep small parts away from young children.

What ages are suitable for building a skateboard with kids?

Ages 8–11 can help with measuring, sanding, and observing drilling under close adult supervision; ages 12+ can take on more assembly if they’ve shown safe tool habits. For children 3–7, focus on non-tool tasks like painting or decorating while adults handle cutting, drilling, and mounting. Always judge readiness by motor skills and attention span, and ensure an adult performs all power-tool work and the first ride checks.

What safety tips should I follow when building and riding a DIY skateboard?

Adult supervision is required for all drilling and tool use. Use a helmet, knee and elbow pads for test rides, and inspect trucks, bolts, and bearings before each use. Teach stopping, pushing, and safe falling techniques, and practice balance indoors on carpet before outdoor rides. Choose a flat, traffic-free area for first rides, store tools and parts out of reach, and replace any cracked deck or damaged wheels immediately.
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Build a skateboard. Activities for Kids.