Understanding where your skateboard deck comes from can be just as important as the brand itself. While many skaters focus on brand names, the actual manufacturers behind these decks play a significant role in the quality and performance. This guide breaks down the key skateboard deck manufacturers across the globe, offering insights into their history, location, and the brands they supply.
Skateboard Deck Manufacturers in the USA
The United States has a rich history in skateboarding, and it’s home to some of the most reputable deck manufacturers. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key players:
| Manufacturer | Founders | Location |
|---|---|---|
| BBS | Grant Burns | San Diego |
| Prime | – | Los Angeles, CA |
| Dwindle / DSM | Steve Rocco, Rodney Mullen | El Segundo, CA |
| Chapman | Gregg Chapman | Deer Park, NY |
| NHS Inc | Jay Shuirman, Doug Haut, Richard Novak | Santa Cruz, CA |
| Watson Laminates | Charles Watson | San Diego, CA |
| Skate One | George Powell | Santa Barbara, CA |
| South Central | Chris Atchinson | Elmore, AL |
| Pennswood MFG | – | Oil City, PA |
Skateboard deck brands and logos
Key US Manufacturers
- BBS: Based in San Diego, BBS is known for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Dwindle / DSM: Founded by skateboarding legends Rodney Mullen and Steve Rocco, Dwindle is the largest skateboard company in the world and supplies decks for many popular brands. They are located in El Segundo, California.
- Chapman: This manufacturer stands out by producing skateboard decks solely in the USA since 1991. They’re known for quality and often produce for high-end brands.
- NHS Inc: A long-standing company founded in 1973. NHS has a focus on quality and innovation.
- Watson Laminates: Based in San Diego, Watson Laminates has been producing boards since 1975, maintaining a reputation for resilience and quality.
- Skate One: Part of Powell Peralta, Skate One was founded in 1976 and has been a major player in both manufacturing and distribution.
- South Central: Founded by Chris Atchinson in 1992 and located in Elmore, Alabama, South Central is dedicated to producing high quality decks in the USA.
- Pennswood: Since 1996, this manufacturer based out of Pennsylvania produces decks for a number of brands in the USA.
Skateboard Deck Manufacturers in Canada
Canada also has a few notable manufacturers contributing to the skateboarding scene.
| Manufacturer | Founders | Location |
|---|---|---|
| OSM | – | – |
| Woodchuck | Max Dufour | Oceanside, California |
| Control MFG | Carl Savard | Saint-Nicolas (Québec) |
Key Canadian Manufacturers
- Woodchuck: Founded by Max Dufour in 1996, Woodchuck produces high-quality decks and supplies boards for various popular brands. Though founded in Canada, they are currently based in Oceanside, California.
- Control MFG: Established in 1993 by Carl Savard, Control is a Canadian manufacturer known for its dedication to quality and innovation, starting out by using hand-made molds and tools.
Skateboard Deck Manufacturers in Mexico
Mexico has become a significant location for skateboard deck manufacturing, with a focus on quality and durability.
| Manufacturer | Founder | Location |
|---|---|---|
| PS Stix | Paul Schmitt | Tijuana, Mexico |
| Clutch / ASF | – | San Diego, CA, |
| BBS MFG | – | – |
Key Mexican Manufacturers
- PS Stix: Led by Paul Schmitt, PS Stix in Tijuana is known for producing durable, high-performing decks with excellent pop.
Skateboard Deck Manufacturers in Europe
Europe also has some key players in the skateboard deck manufacturing industry.
| Manufacturer | Founder | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Artprint | – | France |
| HLC DISTRIBUTION | Igor Iraola | Spain, Irún |
Key European Manufacturers
- Artprint: This French manufacturer contributes to the European skateboard market with its board production.
- HLC Distribution: Based in Irún, Spain, HLC Distribution is a key European manufacturer, known for its skateboard deck production and distribution.
Skateboard Deck Manufacturers in China
China has become a major hub for skateboard deck manufacturing, with numerous factories producing decks for brands worldwide.
| Manufacturer | Location |
|---|---|
| Chop Chop | Huizhou, Guangdong |
| Excel | Huizhou, Guangdong |
| FYSboard Factory | Shaoyan, Hunan |
| Jeeping | Zhongshan, Guangdong |
A close up of a skateboard deck
Key Chinese Manufacturers
- Various Factories: Numerous factories in regions like Huizhou, Guangdong, and Shaoyan, Hunan produce decks for many well-known brands. While quality can vary, Chinese manufacturers play a critical role in global supply chains.
Understanding Dwindle/DSM Woodshop
Dwindle Distribution, based in El Segundo, California, is a powerhouse in the skateboarding world, supplying decks for numerous popular brands. Despite many skaters being loyal to specific brands, the truth is that many decks come from the same woodshops. Here’s a list of brands that source their decks from Dwindle:
- Almost
- Blind
- Cliche
- Creature
- Darkstar
- Dusters (cruiser decks)
- Enjoi
- Flip
- Palace
- Santa Cruz
- Speed Demons
- Vagrant
- Welcome
- Wknd
- World Industries
- Zero
Chapman Skateboards: A USA Original
Chapman Skateboards, operating since 1991, is one of the few manufacturers that make skateboard decks entirely in the USA. This commitment to American manufacturing has garnered them a reputation for quality. Notably, Supreme sources its decks from Chapman, often leading to high resale values for decks with artwork. Chapman also produces decks for brands such as:
- Ammo
- Coda
- Fancy Lad
- Hopps
- IronClaw
- Naysayer
- Raw
- Satire
- Shut
- Supreme Artist Series
- Zoo York
NHS Inc: A Legacy of Innovation
NHS Inc, founded in 1973, is a respected and innovative company, focusing on skateboards, but also producing snowboarding and surfing equipment. NHS Inc produces decks for brands such as:
- Creature
- Flip
- Plan B.
- Santa Cruz
Watson Laminates: A Story of Resilience
Watson Laminates, founded in 1975 in San Diego by Charlie Watson, has a long history in the skateboard industry. Despite facing challenges during skateboarding’s decline in popularity, they’ve continued to produce quality decks for well-known brands, such as:
- Alien Workshop
- Foundation
- Habitat
Skate One: Part of the Powell Peralta Legacy
Skate One is a manufacturer and distributor that has been around since 1976. They are part of the iconic Powell Peralta company. The following brands come from Skate One:
- Powell
- Mini Logo
- Hoopla
- Bones Brigade
Control: A Canadian Success Story
Based in Canada and founded by Carl Savard in 1993, Control is a testament to passion and determination. Carl Savard’s early experiences producing boards by hand with homemade molds highlights their innovative spirit. Brands that source decks from Control include:
- Selfish
- Only One
Woodchuck: High-Quality Canadian Decks
Woodchuck, founded in Canada in 1996 by Max Dufour, has been manufacturing top-quality skateboard decks since. They provide decks for brands like:
- BLVD
- City Stars
- Death Skateboards
- Finesse
- Premium
- Traffic
Generator Distribution/BBS: A Major Supplier
Generator Distribution, often referred to as BBS, is a major manufacturer supplying decks for a wide variety of popular brands. They have factories in both the USA and Mexico. Brands that source from Generator Distribution/BBS include:
- Polar
- DGK
- Expedition-One
- Organika
- Blueprint
- Black Label
- Magenta
- Home
- Passport
- LurkVille
- Isle
- Baker
- Hookups
- Heroin
- Alien Workshop
- Anti-Hero
- Real
- Kayo
- Krooked
- Death Wish
- Skate Mafia
- Primitive
- Slave ($lave)
- Theories of Atlantis
PS Stix: Known for Durability
PS Stix in Tijuana, Mexico, is renowned for producing durable and poppy decks. Brands like Element, Plan B, and Toy Machine get their decks from PS Stix. Some of the brands that get their decks from PS Stix include:
- 917
- Element
- FA/Hockey
- Foundation (pro models)
- Habitat
- Lifeblood
- Meow
- Numbers
- Pizza
- Plan B
- Quasi
- Snack
- Thank You
- Toy Machine
- Vagrant
- Welcome
- Wknd
South Central: A USA Made Manufacturer
South Central, founded by Chris Atchinson in 1992, is a US-based manufacturer dedicated to producing quality decks for many brands. The brands that source from South Central include:
- 5boro
- Substance
- Dieta
- Coda
- Bacon
- Merde
- Active
- Killing Floor
Pennswood: A Pennsylvania Staple
Pennswood, founded in 1996 in Pennsylvania, manufactures decks in the USA for a number of brands, including:
- Revive
- Traffic
- Scumco
- Cockfight
- Big Mess
- Music
- Shipyard
- Heavy
- Sleep
Dailan Huahong: Chinese Manufacturing
Despite the popularity of brands like Girl and Chocolate, their decks are manufactured in China. While this may raise concerns about quality control, it’s important to understand that Chinese manufacturers still play a large role in the skateboard industry. Some of the brands from Dailan Huahong include:
- Girl
- Chocolate
- Skate Mental
- Crailtap
Conclusion
The world of skateboard deck manufacturing is complex, with different regions and manufacturers contributing unique characteristics to the boards we ride. By understanding where your deck comes from, you can make more informed choices about the quality and performance of your skateboard. From the long-standing legacy of American manufacturers to the innovation from Canadian and European companies, and the global reach of Chinese factories, each plays a crucial role in shaping the skateboarding industry. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key players and helps you understand the journey of your skateboard deck from raw materials to your feet.
