A Guide To The Different Types Of Skateboards (2024)

If you are looking to learn how to choose a skateboard, you have come to the right place. When starting out in the world of skateboarding, it's key to select the right skateboard deck for the type of skating you want to do. The deck is the primary component of the skateboard, serving as the foundation onto which all other parts are attached. Therefore, choosing the right deck is critical as it can significantly affect your overall skating experience.

To make an informed decision, you need to consider the type of skateboarding you plan to do. Skateboard decks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for a specific style of skating. For instance, if you're into street skating, you might prefer a smaller deck that's easy to maneuver and flip. On the other hand, if you're more into cruising and carving, a larger and more stable deck might be your best bet. Follow along in our guide below to find out more.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Types of Skateboard Decks
Skateboard Deck Construction
Skateboard Deck Size Guide

Types of Decks

Skateboard decks are an essential component of the skateboard and come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to cater to different riding styles. In general, there are four main types of skateboard decks available in the market-

Standard Skate Decks
Cruiser boards
Old school
Longboard decks.

The type of skateboard deck that is best for you depends on your riding style, level of experience, and personal preferences. It is essential to do your research and carefully consider your options before selecting a skateboard deck to ensure an enjoyable ride. Each one of these boards offers a different degree of performance for different types of skating. We will walk you through everything you need to know about each, and explore a few of the key skateboard constructions along the way.

Click play & check out our lists below to find your new board.

Standard Skate Decks

These skateboards are the ideal choice for beginners and advanced skaters as they are versatile and work well for street skating, skate parks, and almost all styles of skateboarding. These decks are typically ridden with hard wheels and resemble the shape of a popsicle stick with a symmetrical nose and tail.

Shop Standard Skate Decks

TacticsCars Don't Boat Skateboard Deck$44.95

RealTeam Classic Oval 8.5 Skateboard Deck$72.95

BakerT-Funk Gravel Pit 9.0 Slick Skateboard Deckblack$74.95

TacticsOval Logo Skateboard Deckbrown$39.95

QuasiWilson Towa 8.25 Skateboard Deck$74.95

GX1000OG Logo 8.5 Skateboard Deckblack$66.95

TacticsEarth Guy Skateboard Deckmulti$44.95

CreatureLockwood Crest 8.25 Skateboard Deck$64.95

Alien WorkshopBelieve Reality 8.25 Plexi Laminate Skateboard Deck$68.95

TacticsOval Logo Skateboard Deckred$39.95

Sci-Fi FantasyEndless Beauty 8.38 Skateboard Deck$69.95

ZeroMisfits Bat Fiend 8.25 Skateboard Deck$74.95

TacticsDookie Skateboard Deck$47.95

Polar Skate Co.Sanbongi The Spiral Of Life 8.5 Skateboard Deckolive$69.95

GirlRowan Davis 93 Til 8.5 Skateboard Deckpalette shila$58.95

HockeyRodrigues Firework 8.38 Skateboard Deck$80.95

Powell PeraltaRetro Black 8.5 Flight 244 Shape Skateboard Deckmulti$99.95

TacticsOval Logo Skateboard Deckteal$39.95

Anti-HeroMis-Registered Eagle 8.25 Skateboard Deckorange$69.95

ThereKien Severed Thorns 8.38 Dreamer Shape Skateboard Deck$76.95

Cruiser Boards

If transportation is your primary goal, cruiser decks are the recommended choice. These decks are similar in length to standard decks but have a wider variety of shapes available. They are typically ridden with soft wheels, which provide a smoother and faster ride on rough surfaces. Compared to longboards, cruiser decks are lighter and nimbler, allowing for easy maneuvering through the streets and crowded sidewalks of your town.

Shop Cruiser Decks

TacticsTrillium 8.25 Skateboard Deck$44.95

$79.95

HeroinWilson Teggxas Chain Egg 9.125 Symmetrical Skateboard Deck$74.95

TacticsCaterpillar 8.6 ATB Shape Skateboard Deck$49.95

CreatureRaffin Crest 8.8 Skateboard Deck$65.95

Polar Skate Co.Herrington Twisted 8.75 1991 Jr. Shape Skateboard Deck$69.95

Anti-HeroGerwer Grimple Asphalt Animals 10.0 Twin Nose Shape Wheel Wellsgreen$79.95

The Heated WheelQueensland 9.25 Egg Shape Skateboard Deckblue$64.95

KrookedLady Bug Phantom 11.02 LTD Skateboard Deckred metallic sparkle$159.95

Black LabelHassan Ashtray 10.0 12XU Skateboard Deckteal$71.95

FlipMountain Spray Crest 8.75 Skateboard Deckpink$58.95

WelcomeYanko Swamp Fight 9.0 Panther Shape Skateboard Deckblack$65.95

Old School Decks

Paying homage to the vintage 80s-style skateboards, old school shaped skateboards are wider and have longer wheelbases than standard decks, making them more stable and ideal for bowl skating and transportation. Due to their extra width and short noses, old-school boards are more challenging to flip or ollie, so they may not be suitable for street skating.

Shop Old School Decks

Powell PeraltaCaballero Chinese Dragon 10.0 Skateboard Decksage green$79.95

Powell PeraltaRipper 9.75 Geegah Skateboard Deckred stain$79.95

$79.95

Powell PeraltaCaballero Chinese Dragon 10.0 Skateboard Deckbrown stain$79.95

Powell PeraltaWelinder Nordic Skull 9.625 Skateboard Decknatural$79.95

Powell PeraltaCaballero Street Dragon 9.625 Skateboard Deckblack stain$79.95

Powell PeraltaRipper 9.75 Geegah Skateboard Deckteal stain$79.95

Santa CruzAsta Cosmic Cat Pre Issue 9.42 Skateboard Deckteal

Powell PeraltaCaballero Chinese Dragon 10.0 Skateboard Decksilver

Santa CruzWinkowski Primeval Pre Issue 10.34 Skateboard Deckblackout

Black LabelRiky Barnes Red Baron 10.25 Skateboard Deckgrey dip

FoundationAndrew Jenkins Push 10.0 Skateboard Deck

HeroinQuestions Big Guy III 10.0 Skateboard Deck

Toy MachineTempleton Wilde 9.75 Re-Issue Skateboard Deck

RealGuerrero The TG II 9.2 Skateboard Deckgreen

Schmitt StixChris Miller 9.125 Mini Skateboard Deckpink-black-green/yellow wolf

VisionStreet Ghost 9.75 OG Skateboard Deckpurple stain / green text

Santa CruzWinkowski Trash Panda Pre Issue 10.34 Skateboard Deckbrown

Powell PeraltaNicky Guerrero Mask 10.0 Skateboard Decknatural

H-StreetSteve Ortega Chili Pepper 9.5 Skateboard Deckyellow translucent

Longboard Decks

These boards are the best option for skaters who are looking for a large and stable board that is easy to balance. They are ideal for mellow cruising, pushing long distances, and skating down hills at high speeds. Choosing a longboard deck involves considering factors such as the shape, length, and flexibility of the deck, as well as the type of trucks and wheels to be used.

Shop Longboard Decks

ArborTyler Howell Pro Downhill 38" Longboard Decknatural$149.95

ArborHigh Voltage 32" Downhill Longboard Deck$139.95

LandyachtzSwitchblade 40" Longboard Deckfaded

Sector 9Nectar Unagi 34.5" Longboard Deck

ArborAxel Serrat Pro Model 39" Longboard Deck

GlobeChromantic 33" EVA Tailpad Longboard Decktyphoon

RayneDemonseed V3 42" Drop-Through Longboard Deckwave camo

DB LongboardsParadigm 38" Longboard Deck

LoadedTan Tien 39" Longboard Deckflex 3

LandyachtzSwitchblade 38" Longboard Deckfaded

Sector 9Canyon Catapult 38" Platinum Drop Through Longboard Deck

GlobeGeminon Micro-Drop Coconut 37.5" Longboard Deckcoconut/hula

Deck Construction

Traditional 7-ply

This is the most common construction used for skateboarding. It consists of seven thin layers of maple wood veneer, which are pressed and glued together with strong adhesives or resin. This construction process produces a sturdy and reliable skateboard deck that has been the tried and true standard for decades.

The use of maple wood in skateboard decks provides excellent strength and pop, making it a popular choice among skaters. Its natural density and durability help to withstand the stress of riding and landing tricks. Additionally, the seven-ply construction creates a solid foundation for stability, ensuring that the deck won't warp or break easily. The traditional 7-ply skateboard deck is a reliable and durable choice for skateboarders of all levels. It offers a classic feel and performance that has stood the test of time.

Shop 7-ply Decks

TacticsThrowback Skateboard Deckblack/gold$31.95 (20% off)

BakerBrand Logo 8.25 Skateboard Deckblack/white$71.95

Anti-HeroClassic Eagle 9.0 Skateboard Deckorange$67.95 (7% off)

Alien WorkshopVisitor 8.0 Skateboard Deckbrown$61.95

Alien WorkshopVisitor 8.0 Skateboard Deckgreen$61.95

BakerBrand Logo 8.5 Skateboard Deckred/white

Santa CruzSnakebite Boats 9.00 Skateboard Deck

WelcomeMiller Animal Kingdom 9.6 Gaia Shape Skateboard Deckblack/teal dip

Powell PeraltaOld School Ripper 10.0 Skateboard Deckgreen/black

DeathwishGang Logo 8.25 Skateboard Deckblack/black

HabitatEroded Expo Logo 8.5 Nice Price Skateboard Deckblue

BirdhouseHawk Skull II 10.25 Old School Shape Skateboard Deck

Polar Skate Co.Grund Medusa Desires 8.625 P9 Shape Wheel Well Skateboard Deckblue

HeroinEyeballer 10.1 Skateboard Deckpurple

BakerBrand Logo 8.25 Skateboard Deckred/white

ElementSeal 8.25 Skateboard Deck

Alien WorkshopSpectrum 8.25 Full Shape Skateboard Deck

AprilCheers 8.0 Skateboard Deck

QuasiBledsoe Acid Ply 8.25 Skateboard Deck

CreatureMummy 9.35 Skateboard Deck

Tech Construction

Tech construction skateboards are designed with layers of fiberglass or other materials to improve strength and retain pop. These skateboards are ideal for skaters who prefer to jump down stairs or put a heavy beating on their deck during their sessions.

The additional layers of material used in tech construction skateboards provide added durability, which is especially important for skaters who like to push their limits. This construction process allows the skateboard deck to maintain its pop and shape even after repeated impacts and heavy use. Overall, tech-construction skateboards are a reliable and sturdy choice for skaters who demand more from their equipment and want to push themselves to the next level.

Shop Tech Construction Decks

Powell PeraltaAndy Anderson Heron's Egg 8.7 Flight Skateboard Deck$109.95

Santa CruzWinkowski Primeval 8.8 VX Skateboard Deck$88.95

Black LabelQuality 8.25 Skateboard Deckyellow$60.95

Powell PeraltaRetro Black 8.5 Flight 244 Shape Skateboard Deckmulti$99.95

Santa CruzSommer Tatooed 8.25 VX Everslick Skateboard Deck$94.95

CreatureBaekkel Tripz 8.0 VX Skateboard Deck$87.95

Black LabelQuality 8.25 Skateboard Deckorange$60.95

Powell PeraltaRetro Black 8.25 Flight 243 Shape Skateboard Deck$99.95

Powell PeraltaAndy Anderson Heron Skull 9.13 Flight Skateboard Deckmulti$109.95

Black LabelQuality 8.25 Skateboard Deckgreen$60.95

Santa CruzAfterglow MultiDot 9.0 VX Skateboard Deck

CreatureWilkins Infinite 8.8 VX Skateboard Deck

Powell PeraltaFlight 8.75 245 Shape Skateboard Deckblack series

RealHeavyweights Construction 8.25 Skateboard Deckorange

Plan BTeam OG 8.0 BLK ICE Skateboard Deck

EnjoiJudkins What's The Deal 8.375 Impact Light Skateboard Deckpink

Powell PeraltaFlight 9.0 246 Shape Skateboard Deckblack series

Santa CruzWinkowski Eighth DiMen'sion 10.34 Powerply Skateboard Deck

RealHeavyweights Construction 8.38 Skateboard Deckpastel green

CreatureBattalion 8.8 VX Skateboard Deck

Slick Decks

Slick decks are skateboards that feature vinyl or plastic coatings on the bottom of the deck. This innovative design allows for smoother and longer slide tricks on various surfaces. The slick surface reduces friction and creates a unique sliding experience, making it perfect for skaters who want to boardslide through pockets or tail slide without loading up on wax or screwing in rails. The addition of the slick coating provides a durable and long-lasting surface, making it an excellent choice for those who want to save time and effort in maintaining their skateboard.

Shop Slick Decks

CreatureShatter 8.0 Everslick Skateboard Deck

Santa CruzThe Worst Frankenghost 8.5 Everslick Skateboard Deck

ElementNational Geographic Prismatic 8.25 Slick Skateboard Deck

DeathwishFoy Hangry 8.5 Slick Skateboard Deck

Polar Skate Co.Grund Medusa Desires 8.5 Slick Skateboard Deckblack

MadnessNohubo Ring 8.5 R7 Slick Skateboard Deckorange

Santa CruzThe Worst Werewolf Biker 8.0 Everslick Skateboard Deck

ElementListen To Bad Brains 8.25 Slick Skateboard Deck

Polar Skate Co.Grund Medusa Desires 8.25 Slick Skateboard Deckblack

CreatureHod Rod 9.57 Everslick Skateboard Deck

Santa CruzThe Worst Captain Deadstar 8.25 Everslick Skateboard Deck

ElementNational Geographic Peaco*ck 8.0 Slick Skateboard Deck

MadnessNohubo Ring 8.5 R7 Slick Skateboard Deckblue

MadnessPerelson Remedio 8.375 R7 Slick Skateboard Deckblue

Santa CruzTMNT Pizza Dude 8.25 Everslick Skateboard Deck

MadnessPerelson Remedio 8.375 R7 Slick Skateboard Deckorange

Santa CruzTMNT Figures 8.5 Everslick Skateboard Deck

What Size Deck Should I Get?

When it comes to choosing the right skateboard deck width, we recommend starting with a size that's proportional to your shoe size. For men's shoe sizes ranging from 6.5 to 9, a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches is a good starting point. If your shoe size is 9.5 or larger, we suggest a deck width between 8.0 and 8.5 inches.

Skaters who prefer flip tricks, manuals, ledges, flat bars, and technical tricks usually opt for narrower boards that fall within the range of 7.75 to 8.25 inches. In contrast, those who enjoy skating big bowls, handrails, or jumping down large gaps and stairs usually find larger boards (between 8.25 to 9.0 inches) more comfortable.

Wider boards are ideal for transportation as they offer a more stable and comfortable standing platform. However, the key takeaway here is that there's no exact science when it comes to deck size, and personal preference is essential. Don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes until you find the one that works best for you.

Skateboard Size Chart

Keep Learning

How to Grip a Deck

Build a Skateboard

Choosing Skate Wheels

Choosing Skate Trucks

< Back to All Skate Guides

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Still Have Questions?

If you're still curious about the different types of skateboard decks, rest assured that we have the resources to help you out. Our customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about these shoes or other skateboard equipment. You can easily reach out to them by phone or message.

Additionally, if you are in Portland, Eugene, or Bend, feel free to visit one of our local shops and speak to one of our friendly and helpful retail employees. They'll be more than happy to assist you and provide any information or guidance you need. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we're here to help!

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