How to Make a Skateboard Out of Wood

Skateboards are considered sleek, fast, highly engineered pieces of sporting equipment these days, but anyone who has seen "Back to the Future II" knows a simple board with sets of wheels will work, too. While these homemade boards may not look as slick as the engineered models, they do give the builder the opportunity to create unique custom skateboards.

Instructions

    • 1

      Forget the "seven plies of sugar maple veneers, pressed together using polyvinyl glues in either aluminum, metal or concrete forms, generally taking around 300 psi to take up multiple skateboards in one closing of a press" that go into making professional skateboards, according to Exploritorium. The best wood to use for a handmade skateboard is oak, but simple ordinary plywood can be used, too. Both are durable and can take the stresses of the skateboarder.

    • 2

      Compare prices of wood. Sometimes an old table can be cut up to the desired length and width of the skateboard. The size of the skateboard should be determined by the user's height. For example, a child between 4 feet and 5 feet tall should use a 30-inch board. This can go up to 35 inches for a person 6 feet tall or taller.

    • 3

      Decide if the skateboard will have a rounded or rectangular shape. It's really up to the youngster who is going to skate on the board. The rounded shape will appear sleeker and it can help prevent some injuries.

    • 4

      Use a band saw to cut down on some of the time used to shape the board. This is a place parents should be involved. The board also can be cut by hand saw.

    • 5

      Plane the board, sand it and add whatever finish---from wood stain and paint to high-gloss varnish---you like. Remember that you will not want the standing surface to be slick because you need to grip it with your sneakers. You can glue rough material on the standing surface to increase your grip.

    • 6

      Shop for wheels online or at a local store. If you have an old skateboard or roller skates, the wheels can be appropriated for the new skateboard.