After the glue has dried, and the layers have bonded into a single object, the clamps are removed and we are left with a shaped wooden rectangle.įrom this curvy rectangle, the final skateboard deck is cut. Clamps are then placed strategically on the glued stack of wood to form the concave of the skate deck. Raw maple is first cut into thin rectangular sheets, which are stacked on top of each other with glue in between each sheet. If you look at a skateboard deck from the side, you can actually see the separate plies. Virtually all modern skateboards are made using 7 to 9-ply maple construction (7 to 9 thin sheets of maple wood). The bonding of multiple sheets of wood allows the deck to flex under pressure making it resistant to breaks, responsive to your movements, and lightweight. Today, skate decks are made using 7 to 9 separate thin sheets of wood, known as "plies", which are bonded together. Skateboarding technology has come a long way from the first skate decks of the 1960's, which were narrow, dense, and difficult to operate. The available options in skateboard decks today are vast. Your riding style, the range of obstacles you are able to skate, and the other necessary components (trucks, wheels, etc.) are all related to the skateboard deck you choose. Your skateboard deck is the foundation for the overall feel of your skateboard. If you want to learn more about skateboard decks, we’ve got you covered in our All About Skateboard Decks section. If you have an answer for those four pieces, you’re ready to start shopping for a new deck.