How to Build a Longboard

Sure you can skateboard on a manufactured board. But think how cool you would be if you could build your own longboard. If you have some basic carpentry skills as well as a bit of time and some materials, you can build your own longboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper or cardboard
  • Pencil
  • Straight-edged ruler
  • Curved edge drawing tool
  • Scissors or craft-knife
  • Two ¼ inch plywood pieces big enough for a longboard
  • Permanent marker
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Weights
  • Wood glue
  • Paintbrush
  • Woodscrews
  • Screwdriver
  • Wood clamps
  • Saw
  • Belt sander
  • Sanding paper in a variety of grits
  • Varnish
  • Paints or permanent markers
  • Clear polyurethane sealer
  • Trucks
  • Risers
  • Bearings
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Instructions

  1. Design the Longboard

    • 1

      Determine how long and wide you want to build your longboard. Measure a longboard you already own or examine a longboard in a shop to get an idea of the size.

    • 2

      Use the piece of paper or cardboard to draw your pattern. You can make one half of the pattern, then flip it over to use the other half.

    • 3

      Mark two dots on the edge of the paper or cardboard to represent the front and back of the longboard. Label one end "Nose" and the other "Tail." Use the straight-edged ruler to rough in the dimensions on the pattern.

    • 4

      Measure approximate one-third of the way from the nose. This should be the widest part of the longboard.

    • 5

      Continue to refine the edges of the longboard. Use the curved-edge drawing tool to help you round off the corners. When you complete this step, you should have one half of a longboard pattern. Cut out the pattern.

    Build the Body of the Longboard

    • 6

      Choose which piece of plywood you want for the underside. Trace one half of the pattern on the wood, and then flip the pattern over and trace the mirror image.

    • 7

      Drill closely spaced holes all the way around the outside edge of the longboard. Set this piece aside for a while.

    • 8

      Place the other piece of plywood so that two chairs support it or two table edges. Let the nose and tail ends be unsupported. Try to move the supporting pieces to the center of the longboard enough to allow the curve to develop. Set the drilled piece of plywood on top of the uncut piece. Add weights until the two pieces of plywood curve the way you want them to.

    • 9

      Flip the top piece of plywood off. Spread the wood glue on the uncut piece of plywood. Cover it well. Put the cut piece of plywood back in place. Once again put the weights back to get the desired curve.

    • 10

      Put one screw in the nose end of the longboard. Screw through both boards but make sure the screw doesn't go all the way through the second board. Check the curve again. Continue working your way around the board with screws. You can expect a sticky mess from all the glue.

    • 11

      Check the curves one last time when you have all the screws in place. Use wood clamps if necessary to make sure all surfaces are tight. Let the glue dry well.

    • 12

      Make sure the board is totally dry. When it is, remove all the screws. Cut along the marked line.

    Finish the Longboard

    • 13

      Sand the board to a smooth finish. Paint with one coat of varnish. Allow that coat to dry well.

    • 14

      Draw any designs you want on your longboard at this point. Paint them on or you can use permanent markers.

    • 15

      Cover the board with a clear polyurethane sealer. Let it dry well.

    • 16

      Measure where you want the trucks. Drill holes and attach them. Attach the bearings, risers and wheels. Put grip tape on the longboard to finish it.