It’s a common question among skaters, and the answer, while seemingly simple, has a lot of nuance: The best time to replace your skateboard deck is when you can afford to. However, understanding when a deck’s performance is compromised can save you from unnecessary struggles and potential injuries. Most skaters will ride their decks until they’re completely unusable, but knowing the signs of wear and tear is crucial for any skateboarder.
A functional skateboard deck needs a decent nose and tail to perform well. When executing tricks becomes increasingly difficult and the board feels unresponsive, it’s time to consider a replacement. At this point, the “pop”—the board’s ability to spring off the ground—is severely diminished, and the risk of accidents increases. The lifespan of a skateboard deck varies considerably depending on its quality, construction, and how you skate.
Sometimes, wear and tear aren’t immediately apparent. A deck might feel waterlogged after being exposed to moisture, which can kill its pop. In these cases, replacing the deck might be a good idea rather than trying to struggle along.
When Not to Replace Your Deck
It’s not always necessary to replace a deck just because it has minor chips or surface cracks. If the nose and tail are still in good condition, it’s usually just a waste of money. Small pressure cracks near the trucks are also common and don’t necessarily require a replacement. These can even be prevented with shock pads.
Remember that the lifespan of your skateboard deck heavily depends on your skating style. If you primarily carve bowls or cruise, your deck might last for years. However, if you’re a hardcore street skater, you might find yourself needing a new deck every few months.
old skateboard deck next to a new deck
How Long Does a Skateboard Deck Typically Last?
The lifespan of a skateboard deck can vary significantly, ranging from a single session to over a year. This variation is due to several factors including the deck’s quality, your skating style, and how often you skate. If you’re finding that tricks are becoming harder or you’ve lost pop, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to get a new deck.
Sometimes, a deck can snap unexpectedly, often after a hard landing in the middle of the board. Landing your tricks on or near the bolts helps distribute the impact and can extend the deck’s life.
While pressure cracks and chips are common and don’t always mean a new deck is needed, your skating frequency and style play significant roles in determining how quickly your deck will wear out. The more you skate, the sooner you’ll need a new deck. Once the tail is worn down and you’ve lost the ability to pop tricks, it’s definitely time for a replacement.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Skateboard Deck
There are several steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your skateboard deck, though some factors are beyond your control.
- Avoid Water Damage: Never skate in the rain or on wet surfaces. Water not only reduces traction, which can lead to accidents, but it can also seep into the wood of your deck, leading to delamination and weakening its structure. Avoid stepping on your deck with wet shoes as well.
- Keep Away from Dusty Areas: Dust and grit can act as sandpaper, gradually wearing down your deck’s surface over time. These particles can also get into your bearings, affecting their performance.
- Limit Extreme Temperature Exposure: Extreme temperatures can warp and weaken your deck. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car for long periods.
- Address Deck Imperfections: Over time, chips are bound to happen, especially on the nose or tail. You can sometimes push these chips back into place to prevent them from getting worse.
- Land Near the Bolts: Although it may take practice, try to land your tricks near the bolts. This spreads the impact across a stronger area of the board. Distribute your weight evenly when landing instead of focusing all the impact on one part of the deck, like the tail.
- Consider the Surface You Skate On: Gritty asphalt can be harder on your deck than smooth concrete. While it might be unavoidable at times, being mindful of the surface can help prolong your deck’s life.
Common Types of Wear on a Skateboard Deck
There are several typical signs of wear on a skateboard deck. While they don’t always indicate the need for immediate replacement, it’s good to be aware of them:
- Chipped Nose or Tail from impacts.
- Pressure Cracks around the baseplate of the trucks.
- Delamination, or the separation of the maple plies.
- Razor Tail.
- Cracks in one or more of the maple plies.
Chipped Nose or Tail
Chipped noses and tails are very common, and can even happen on your first day. A new deck has clean edges, and smooth sides free from dents. However, a hard impact with a curb can create a nasty chip that sticks out. While you can try to glue a chip back, it’s usually a temporary fix.
Razor Tail
A close-up shot of a skateboard tail exhibiting “razor tail,” a worn-down edge caused by repeated impact, emphasizing the need for deck replacement.
Razor tail occurs gradually from repeated ground impacts when performing ollies and other tricks, especially if you use your tail as a brake, which should be avoided. It turns the tail into a sharp, blunt blade that can cause injuries, such as cuts on your shins and ankles. Razor tail also makes the tail weaker, increasing the risk of further chipping. Sanding the sharp edges can be a temporary fix, but it can lead to decreased pop. It’s often best to leave it alone and start considering a new deck.
Pressure Cracks
Pressure cracks are normal around the baseplates of your trucks. They usually only affect the top and bottom layers of the deck. More severe cracks can increase the chance of your deck snapping when landing a trick with a lot of impact.
Delamination
Skateboard decks are made of several layers of hard rock maple, which are glued and pressed together. Over time, or due to impacts, moisture, or manufacturing defects, the layers can start to separate because the glue breaks down.
delamination skateboard deck
Delamination weakens the deck, reduces stiffness and pop, and makes it more likely to break. It is more common in birch decks or cheaper skateboards. If a deck from a reputable brand delaminates, you may be able to get a replacement under warranty.
Snapped Ply or Plies
A snapped ply occurs when you misplace your foot when landing a trick, or when you put too much weight on one part of the deck during a disaster or boardslide. It happens when you don’t land on or near the bolts, causing one of the layers to crack. This makes the deck very flexible, often leading to a complete snap during your next trick.
Skateboard Decks That Last Longer
Lithe Slate 3 skateboard deck
Some skateboard decks are built to last longer and can even be resistant to chips and razor tail, although they come at a higher price. Brands such as Powell-Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Lithe offer decks that combine maple, bamboo, and fiberglass. These decks, such as the Santa Cruz VX and Powell-Peralta Flight, generally last longer than average hard rock maple decks.
However, they can be less poppy, and the fiberglass can cause skin irritation as wear and tear occurs. These decks can still develop cracks in the maple plies, which can diminish the pop and make them less responsive. Decks like the Lithe Nex or the Slate 3, which have plastic covering the nose and tail, are more durable but also heavier than regular maple decks.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of your skateboarding style, your deck will experience wear and tear. This can come from landing tricks, grinding trucks, or simply cruising. A deck’s longevity depends heavily on how often, where, and how you skate. When your board loses its pop, and/or your tail wears down, it’s likely time for a new deck.
Common signs of wear like chipped noses, pressure cracks near the trucks, and dents are normal. Even a razor tail doesn’t always require a new deck but can be inconvenient.
For those seeking durability, brands like Lithe, Powell-Peralta, and Santa Cruz provide options that may be worth considering. However, for the most pop, a quality hard rock maple deck remains a solid choice.
By being aware of the common signs of wear and tear and practicing proper care, you can ensure your skateboard deck performs optimally for as long as possible.
