What is the Best Wood for a Skateboard Deck? (Guide)

Skateboarding can be a high-impact and high-stress activity, and the wood used for the deck must withstand this stress and pressure. The choice of wood for a skateboard deck plays a significant role in the skateboard’s performance, longevity, and overall quality.

The most worthy wood option for a skateboard deck is hard rock maple. This is because hard rock maple is strong, durable, and has a high density, making it resistant to cracking and breaking under the pressure of skateboarding.

Best Wood for a Skateboard Deck

The right wood choice affects the skateboard’s weight, stiffness, and flexibility, all of which can impact the skateboard’s performance.

image of skateboard deck wood

For example, a heavier deck may make performing tricks requiring quick movements more difficult. In comparison, a more flexible deck may be easier to control but may need to hold up better under the pressure of high-impact landings.

Maple wood is one of the unique options. It is a relatively lightweight wood, essential for maintaining the agility and maneuverability of the skateboard.

Other types of wood, such as bamboo or birch, can also be used to make skateboard decks, but they may not be as durable or long-lasting as hard rock maple.

It’s important to note that the quality of the wood and the way it is constructed into a deck can also affect the overall durability and performance of the skateboard.

Some most authentic and best wood options for skateboard decks are:

Hard Rock Maple

Hard rock maple is considered the best wood for skateboard decks because it is a strong, durable, high-density wood that can withstand the stress and pressure of skateboarding. Its strength and density make it resistant to cracking, splitting, and breaking under the high-impact forces of skateboarding, while its durability allows it to last longer than other woods.

best slatevoard wood

Hard rock maple is also relatively lightweight, essential for maintaining the agility and maneuverability of the skateboard. Additionally, this is a renewable resource, which makes it more environmentally friendly for skateboard manufacturing

Baltic Birch

Baltic Birch can be a good option for a skateboard deck, as it is a high-quality, multi-layered plywood. Its strong and durable nature makes it resistant to cracking and breaking under the pressure of skateboarding, and its flexibility allows for a comfortable and smooth ride.

image of Baltic Birch

Baltic Birch is also lightweight, essential for maintaining the maneuverability of the skateboard. While less widely used than hard rock maple, Baltic Birch is a popular choice among some skateboarders and may be a good option for those looking for a strong and durable deck with some added flexibility.

Bamboo

Bamboo is practical for skateboard decks due to its strength and flexibility. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly material known for being strong and lightweight, making it ideal for skateboarding.

Bamboo is also more flexible than traditional wood, allowing a smooth and highly comfortable ride. The flexibility also makes it more forgiving for beginners and can absorb more shock, which is essential for jumping and landing tricks. 

image of skateboard deck

Plywood

Plywood can be a viable option for skateboard decks, although it is less commonly used than other woods like hard rock maple or bamboo. Plywood is made by bonding multiple thin layers of wood, making it a strong and durable material.

However, the quality of the plywood can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the wood used, as well as the manufacturing process. Skateboard decks made from plywood are typically more flexible than those made from traditional wood, which can make for a smoother ride. However, the flexibility can also make the board less responsive and less suitable for tricks. 

The Final Statement

Most importantly, the choice of wood for a skateboard deck depends on your budget and the skateboarding you plan to do. Moreover, your personal preference matters a lot. Hard rock maple is the best choice for its strength, durability, and resistance to cracking and breaking. 

We hope that the information provided above is helpful for your consideration.

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