How to Build Your Own Skateboard for Kids

Skateboarding can be a great sport for kids to get involved in. However, it requires a several pieces of equipment, such as pads, a helmet and a skateboard. One way to get a skateboard for your child is to purchase one from a sporting goods store. But if you’re looking for a custom-made skateboard, building your own for your kid is a simple project. All you need is a few supplies and about 30 minutes and you’re ready to get started.

Things You'll Need

  • Deck
  • Grip tape
  • Sandpaper
  • Razor blade
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Wrench and socket set
  • 8 mounting screws
  • 8 mounting bolts
  • 2 trucks
  • 4 bearings
  • 4 wheels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your skateboard deck on a work table. Situate the deck so that the top side of the board is facing upward. Peal the seal off the grip tape and apply the tape to the top side of the deck. Apply the tape evenly and across the entire deck surface. Apply the tape slowly to avoid air bubbles forming between the tape and the deck. Allow an inch of grip tape to hang over the front and back edge of the board.

    • 2

      Scrub entire edge of the deck with sandpaper. Start with the grip tape and continue to sand down until you reach the board. Inspect the tape and notice it is now white. Cut a centimeter of tape around the entire edge of the deck using a razor blade. Cut the tape slowly to ensure your cut is smooth and straight. Take the tape you just cut from the board and roll it into a ball. Rub the entire edge of the deck with the ball of tape to smooth the edges left over from sanding the deck.

    • 3

      Run your hand along the top side of board and feel for the mounting holes in the deck. Depending on the deck you purchased, you should find eight mounting holes. Using these holes as a guiding point, poke holes through the grip tape to expose the mounting holes in the deck.

    • 4

      Turn your deck onto its side so you can access both the top and bottom of the board. Align each of two trucks with the mounting holes on the bottom side of the board. Push the mounting screws though the mounting holes on the top side of the board and into the trucks. Secure the trucks to the bottom of the board by tightening nuts on the mounting screws using a wrench and socket.

    • 5

      Inspect your deck. It should now resemble the obvious form of a skateboard. The top side of the deck should be edged and covered with grip tape. The bottom side of the deck should have two trucks mounted on it, one on the front of the board and the other on the back.

    • 6

      Remove the bolts from the trucks. Slide a bearing onto the truck axle. Place a wheel on top of the bearing. Apply pressure to the wheel until the bearing and the wheel is aligned. Do this for the remaining wheels and bearings until you have attached all four wheels and bearings to the truck axles.

    • 7

      Replace the bolts on the trucks. Secure the bolts using a wrench and socket. Test the wheels and bearing by spinning each wheel. Ensure each wheel spins easily. Loosen the bolt if a wheel does not spin easily and evenly.