How to Curve and Glue a Longboard Deck

If you want to make a truly one-of-a-kind longboard-style skateboard, build the deck yourself. When you make the deck, use a wood steamer to help prep the wood for curving; a steamer is particularly handy if you want a flared deck that has curves on the front and rear. To get a strong and safe deck, use several layers of thin hardwood and glue them together. Use a watertight and pliable epoxy to withstand the heat from the steamer, as well as the elements the board gets exposed to.

Things You'll Need

  • Waterproof glue
  • Sponge brushes
  • Work gloves
  • Wood steamer
  • Wood press
  • C-clamps
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Instructions

  1. Gluing Process

    • 1

      Apply a thin coat of glue to the top of one sheet of the hardwood deck using a sponge brush to achieve a smooth and even coat. Apply another coat of the glue to the other sheet to be glued to the deck. Press the two together.

    • 2

      Wipe off the excess glue on the sides of the two decks. Place the glued decks into a wood press. A wood press is a flat vise that applies pressure equally across the wood surfaces, creating the fused deck. Let the glue cure in the wood press for at least 12 hours.

    • 3

      Add another coat of glue with a sponge brush for each layer of the deck, on both the top of the prior piece and the bottom of the additional piece. Press and cure each layer for 12 hours. The more deck layers used, the stiffer the deck. Deck stiffness is a subjective decision. If you want a very stiff deck, use three or more layers. If you want a deck with lots of flex, use two layers.

    Curving the Deck

    • 4

      Turn on the wood steamer. Wood steamers produce steam hot enough to heat and saturate the wood.

    • 5

      Push the glued deck into the steamer for approximately 30 minutes and then remove it. Wear work gloves to make sure you don't burn yourself.

    • 6

      Grip and bend the front, back or both ends of the deck into the flare you like. Set the deck onto a workbench and use C-clamps to lock the bend in place. Let the deck cool and dry with the clamps on so the wood attains a permanent flare and bend.