Building your own skateboard from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. But how much does it cost to build a skateboard?
The average cost of building a skateboard from scratch is $120 to $170 USD. This includes the cost of the deck, wheels, trucks, bearings, and grip tape. Of course, the cost will vary depending on the quality of the components you choose.
Whether you’re looking to build a high-end board or a budget-friendly option, building your own skateboard can be a great way to get exactly what you want.
In this article, We break down how much each component will cost you.
Later on in this article, we will discuss whether you should build your own skateboard or buy a pre-made skateboard.
What do You Need to Build a Skateboard?
You will need the following component for a full skateboard setup.
- Skateboard deck
- Pair of Trucks
- Wheels (4×)
- Bearings
- Grip tape
- Hardware (nuts and bolts)
- Skate tool kit
How Much Does Good Skateboard Equipment Cost?
In order to build a quality skateboard, you’ll need to invest in some quality components. Below we discuss the average cost of skateboard equipment.
1. How Much Does a Skateboard Deck Cost?
A skateboard’s deck is the most important component, so it’s important to choose the right one.
The average cost of a good quality skateboard deck is between $40 to $80 including graphics and stickers.
However, there are many different factors that can affect the price of a skateboard deck such as wood quality, the brand, and the size of the deck all play a role in the final price.
Best Skateboard Deck Brands
I recommend the following top skateboard deck brands.
- Almost
- Baker
- Rip N Dip
- Santa Cruz
- Antihero
2. Average Cost of Skateboard Wheels
Skateboarders know that the quality of their wheels determines how smoothly they will ride. A good quality set of skateboard wheels typically costs between $30 and $40.
However, you should keep a few things in mind when purchasing new wheels for your board.
First, ensure that your skateboard’s wheels are the correct size. There are several different sizes available, so be sure to check the measurements before you buy.
Second, consider the durometer of the wheel. This is a measure of how hard the wheel is, and it affects how easily it will roll over bumps and cracks in the pavement.
I have an article on Hard vs Soft Skateboard Wheels (How To Select – Beginners Guide), this article will help you to find the best wheels for you.
Table: Skateboard deck size and Wheels size
| Deck Size | Wheels Size |
| 7.0” to 7.25” | 48-52mm |
| 7.5” to 7.75” | 50-52mm |
| 8.0” to 8.125” | 50-54mm |
| 8.25” to 8.375” | 52-55mm |
| 8.5” to 8.625” | 53-56mm |
| 8.75” to 8.875” | 54-60mm |
| 9.0” to 9.125” | 54-60mm |
Best Skateboard Wheels
1. Spitfire Formula Four 99d Classics Skateboard Wheels
- Park/Street
- Durometer: 99A
2. Mini Logo A-Cut 2 90A Skateboard Wheels
- Park/Street, Cruiser/Filmer
- Durometer: 90A
3. Bones McClung Unknown
- Durometer: 99A
3. Average Cost of Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks play a big role in how your board performs. The average cost of skateboard trucks can cost you anywhere from $40 to $50.
If you’re just starting out, you may want to consider investing in a heavier truck so that you have more stability while riding. Heavier trucks also tend to be better for tricks and grinding.
Table: Skateboard Trucks Size according to Deck width:
| Deck Width | Truck Width |
| 7.5″ to 7.75″ | 5.0″/129mm |
| 7.75″ to 8.125″ | 5.25″/139mm |
| 8.125″ to 8.75″ | 5.5″/149mm |
| 8.75″ to 9 | 5.75″/159mm |
| 9″ to 9.75″ | 6.0″/169mm |
4. Average Cost of Skateboard Bearings
The average cost of skateboard bearings falls between $20 and $30. Of course, you can find cheaper bearings, but they may not be as durable or perform as well.
Conversely, you can also spend more than $30 on a set of bearings, but this is usually not necessary.
A few things to consider when choosing which set of bearings to buy.
First, you’ll want to make sure the bearings are compatible with your skateboard’s wheel size. Most bearings are designed for standard 6-hole skateboard wheels, but there are some variations.
Additionally, you’ll want to pay attention to the ABEC rating of the bearings. The ABEC rating system is a measure of the quality of the bearing, with higher ratings indicating better performance.
5. Average Price of Skateboard Grip Tape
The average price of skateboard grip tape is $10 to $12. This is the material that is used to keep your feet on the board while you are skating.
It is important to have good grip tape because it will help you stay on the board and make your tricks look better.
Grip tape is available in a variety of colors and designs, so riders can choose the look that they like best.
Grip tape can also help protect the skateboard deck from scratches and damage.
6. How Much Does Skateboard Hardware Cost?
The average price of hardware can cost you around $5 to $10.
Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a Skateboard?
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to deciding whether to build or buy a complete skateboard.
The most important question to ask is what type of skating you want to do.
Especially if you’re new to skating, pre-assembled boards are highly recommended. Pre-assembled skateboards are cheaper and usually the better option for new skaters.
They come with all the necessary components, such as a deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings.
On the other hand,
If you’re an experienced skater and want to build a custom skateboard, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you do this.
You’ll need to purchase all the individual components, which can be more expensive than buying a complete skateboard.
How Much Does a Complete Skateboard Cost?
A complete skateboard can cost you anywhere from $80 to $150, depending on the brand and quality of the board.
If you’re looking for a high-quality board, you can expect to pay more, but there are also many affordable options available. It’s important to consider your budget and needs when choosing a skateboard.
There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of a complete skateboard.
The most important factors are the materials used, the size and shape of the board, and the type of bearings and wheels. Higher-quality materials and components will cost you more.
Some boards are designed for specific types of riding, so it’s important to consider what you’ll be using your board for before making a purchase.
Trick boards or downhill boards will be more expensive than standard street decks.
Conclusion: How Much Does it Cost to build a Skateboard
In conclusion, the cost of building a skateboard varies depending on the type of materials used.
However, for building a complete skateboard, the average cost of materials is around $120 to $170. With a few simple tools and some carpentry skills, anyone can build their own skateboard.
So get creative and go build yourself a skateboard!
