Skateboarding has really become a massively popular hobby. Best of all, skateboards can be used for more than just fun because they’re amazing for transportation in urban areas. What’s great is that you can easily build your own skateboard with just a bit of knowledge and practice, which is where knowledge about the deck comes into play. Skateboard decks can be varied and diverse, and while they can be straightforward, it’s very important to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve created this list for you so that you can easily learn everything you need to know about skateboard decks.

 Size

 It’s a common misconception that length and wheelbase are the most important parts of a skateboard deck. The truth is that the sheer size of the deck is just as, if not even more important. That’s why size should be the first thing to look for when you’re looking for a skateboard deck Australia wide. Most skateboard decks vary between 19 and 20 centimetres, while the width you need usually depends on your height, shoe size, and skating size. Size is the basis for everything else you need to choose the perfect deck, which is why it’s so important.

 Style of the Deck

 Before you rush in and get the first skateboard deck, there are a few styles that you should be aware of, first. Each style is designed to be used for specific types of skateboarding, although, you can easily use them for pretty much everything, but you won’t be as effective in some situations.

 Shortboard

 This is the shortest type of skateboard, and it’s designed to be used for performing tricks. If you prefer doing tricks and skating in the park, then the skateboard is ideal for you.

Cruiser

 The cruise skate deck is designed specifically for cruising, but it still has kicktails for performing tricks. It’s mid-length and quite versatile, but it’s often most used for simple cruising.

 Old School

 Old school skate decks have flat noses and kicktails and tend to be asymmetrical. They’re awesome for performing tricks on skating pools, ramps, or simply just carving the streets.

 Longboard

If you’re interested in simply transporting yourself around, you can’t go wrong with the longboard style. They’re also great for downhill racing, but they’re also more stable than other deck styles.

 Features

 Skateboard decks typically have several features. They can be made out of a variety of materials, such as seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fibre, or plastic. However, it’s not always as simple as choosing the material because there are a few other things to consider first.

 Width

 When you’re choosing a skateboard, you’ll definitely want to look at width first. That’s typically considered the basic measurement of its size. If you buy a deck that’s too wide, you might have to exert more power to just get it rolling. If it’s too short, you risk being unstable. If you prefer doing tricks on skating and vert ramps, then definitely get a wider deck. However, if you prefer doing street tricks and street skating in general, then definitely get a smaller deck. Size is incredibly important because it affects everything, from performance to stability, so you don’t want to get a skate deck that doesn’t fit you and your skating style.

 Length

 While most people instinctively refer to length, it’s not recommended to focus too much on length if you’re not a seasoned professional. Most skateboard decks are between 71 and 81 centimetres, but you should focus more on width and wheelbase when you’re building your skateboard. It’s important, but not as much as some old-schoolers might have you believe. Once you get your grips with skateboarding, then you can potentially start worrying about length. Until then, just enjoy the ride.

 Wheelbase

 The wheelbase is the distance between the board’s inner mounting holes, which determines how far apart the front and back wheels are. The average wheelbase is around 33-38 centimetres, and manufacturers determine it by where they drill the truck mounting holes on the deck. Some decks only have one set of holes, but if you’re looking at more advanced options, you might notice some of them have multiple holes. Those are for more and better options when you might want to customise your deck. The wheelbase has a huge impact on performance, so make sure you adjust it properly for your needs.

 Nose and Tail

 The front and the back of the deck, the nose and the tail can sometimes be hard to differentiate. Some manufacturers put graphics on the deck to indicate which is which. Some decks have a bigger kick on the nose and a mellower kick on the tail.

 Ply

 Ply is the thin levels of wood that are pressed together tightly and that form the entirety of the deck. Most decks aren’t made out of one solid piece of wood, but rather, several layers. Manufacturers layer the wood in a cross-grain pattern that creates an extremely strong board.

 Rails

 Rails are the edges of the board. They run along its length and can make a big difference if their shape is not right for you. Most common skateboards have rounded rails because they’re good for doing flip tricks. Sharp rails have a blunt edge, which makes them ideal for keeping your shoes secure during slides. Gas pedal rails are a unique type of rail where areas of the rails have been cut to a bevelled edge.