The Best Skateboarding Decks - All In One Place

Broken skate deck? It happens to the best of us! In the Titus Online Skateshop, you’re sure to find the perfect deck to suit your preference and style. If you’re a beginner skater and you still have some questions, no worries! You’ll find all the info you need to pick out your perfect deck here. We will explain the most important skateboard deck terms and features. For example, we’ll explain what deck concave is, deck sizes, technical constructions as opposed to the classic seven-ply deck, and more. Then, all the information will come together to help you make an educated decision on the best deck for you!

Start by checking out our huge selection of skateboard decks from iconicbrands and small core companies. You'll find everything at Titus from standard popsicle decks to shaped decks, decks with low, and high  concaves to decks with technical constructions.

Every deck ordered from the Titus online shop includes free griptape!

 What beginners should know about skateboard decks

All these strange words can sound confusing. Don’t worry, it’s quite simple! A skateboard deck can be roughly divided into three areas. The nose is at the front or top of the deck and is usually slightly longer than the tail, which is at opposite end. The distance measurement between the truck mounting holes of the deck is called the wheelbase. The nose and tail are curved upwards on almost all standard skateboard decks.

Image: Nose, Tail and Wheelbase - the components of a skateboard deck.

Most skateboard decks have a slight curvature running longways down the sides of the deck. This is called a concave. The shape of the concave can vary between different decks. Depending on how steep the concave is, it is classified as Low, Medium or High Concave.

Image: A Skateboard Deck with Low, Medium and High Concave.

Most skateboard decks have a medium concave as this is preferred by most skaters and versatile for many types of skating. For beginners, it makes sense to start with a medium concave deck. High Concaves make the deck more responsive to flicking motions during tricks, allowing faster flips for technical skating. Low Concaves are often found on old school shaped decks where the board is quite flat but allows increased stability while riding.

The right concave for you is purely up to your personal taste. We recommend starting with a medium concave and then adjusting accordingly if necessary.

A classic seven-ply deck or one with a technical construction? Good question!

Skateboard decks are traditionally constructed using seven thin plies of wood pressed together with an adhesive. The wood of premium decks is generally derived from Canadian maple trees and the term for a standard deck is a seven-ply. It is during the pressing process that the deck receives its concave. By using seven thin sheets of wood to create a deck, the end result is a stiff and durable skateboard deck that can also allow light flexibility under impact, allowing the performance that modern skateboarders demand from their boards.

If you would like to invest in a skateboard deck that's lighter, stronger, or longer-lasting than a standard seven-ply, check out decks with a technical construction. To improve performance, some decks feature inlays of fiberglass, carbon, plastic or special adhesives in addition to the classic maple construction.

You can find more info about deck constructions on our YouTube channel.

Treat yourself to a deck with more durability, pop, less weight or even improved slide-ability with a deck that uses a special construction!

Standard Popsicle Shape or "Shaped" Deck?

With a standard popsicle shape deck, you have the most versatile shape for all disciplines of skateboarding. The nose and tail are both similarly rounded. Lengthwise, the side of the deck are quite straight. Typically, the nose of the deck may be slightly larger than the tail. This deck shape was primarily popularized in the 1990's and it allows for flip tricks and modern street skating. Furthermore, they also work well for transition or bowl-oriented skating.

Shaped decks can include basically any skateboard deck that differs from the standard popsicle shape. The shape of the nose and tail are practically unlimited and the overall shape can be cut into a fun design or modeled after old-school decks from the 1980's and earlier. Some old-school styles even eliminate the nose completely or have a totally flat concave. These decks offer a different riding experience than a popsicle deck and can be a lot of fun for those who want to relive the early days of skating or just have a new challenge on their board.

What deck size should I skate?

The big question - which size deck is right for me?! The size of your shoes and body can help you determind your ideal deck size. The width of the deck should coordinate to your shoe size. The correct length can be derived from your body size. By looking at our size chart, you can get a feel for how shoe and body size affect the correct size of a skateboard deck. Depending on your preferred skate terrain (street or transition) and personal preferences, you may prefer a slimmer deck that flips faster or a wider deck that's more stable.

Skateboard dimensions are traditionally given in inches. If you are not yet familiar with this, you can convert the measurements to centimeters using: 1" = 2.54cm.

Want to put together your own complete skateboard?

So, you've picked out an awesome deck but now you need everything else! In the Titus Online Skateshop, you'll find everything you need to put together your own complete skateboard. What you still need are: Two trucks, a set of wheels, bearings, a mounting kit and griptape. You can also use the free Griptape included with every deck order! Riser and shockpads are optional. You can find tips and tricks for assembling your skateboard on our YouTube channel, as well as tons of other cool skate-related content. Don't forget a Skate tools to set up your board! We've put together a blog post called The Right Skateboard for Beginners to help you understand all the components of a skateboard and how to choose the perfect board for you! If you just want to start skating, assembled complete skateboards are an excellent alternative. Have a look at our complete skateboards or kids complete skateboards for our youngest skaters. You're sure to find your dream skateboard in the Titus online shop!