How to Build a Hardwood Longboard

Longboarding is a form of skateboarding, which is heavily influenced by surfing. The boards are longer and flatter than freestyle skateboard decks and they mimic the tapered, teardrop shape of a surfboard. Because a longboard doesn't need a concave molding, it doesn't require an expensive, professional steam press to shape it. You can cut your own stiff, light, custom-shaped longboard from a regular piece of hardwood using standard hand or power tools.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4-inch thick, 4-by-1-foot hardwood sheet
  • String
  • Pencil
  • Hand or jigsaw
  • Sander or sandpaper
  • Truck and wheels
  • Drill
  • 3/16-inch drill bit
  • Lacquer or Varnish
  • Grip tape
  • Craft knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a length and width for your board. If you don't have specific dimensions in mind, place your piece of wood on the floor and stand on it. Set your feet apart in a relaxed, comfortable stance and mark the outer boundaries of where your feet land.

    • 2

      Tie the string around the pencil and anchor the opposite end to the wood. This acts as a compass, allowing you to draw smooth, accurate curves for the edges. Join all of the lines together and finalize the outline for the board. Place the wood on the ground and stand on it to check your comfort with the size.

    • 3

      Use the saw to cut out the shape of your board, staying outside the lines rather than in. It is easier to trim off excess wood than it is to cut down the opposite side to match if you make a mistake.

    • 4

      Sand the edges of the board down. Aim for a rounded, beveled edge all the way around. This makes it easier to grab and release the edges with your fingers while riding. Decide on the location for your trucks and mark the holes for the mounting bolts.

    • 5

      Drill the holes for the truck mounts and give the entire board another sanding before varnishing or lacquering the bottom side. Stick the grip tape onto the top edge after peeling off the adhesive backing. Use the craft knife to trim off any excess. Fit the trucks through the mounting holes and your board is ready to ride.