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Building your own skateboard from a blank deck is a solid way to get into skateboarding. You choose every part, you can paint or grip it however you like, and you end up with a board that's actually yours, not one straight off a shelf. It's also a popular route for schools, clubs and parents buying for a group, since blank decks usually cost less than branded graphic decks without giving up any performance.
This guide covers what a blank deck actually is, how it compares to a graphic deck, and how to build a complete setup from scratch, part by part.
A blank skateboard deck is a skateboard deck with no printed graphic on the base. That's the only real difference. Most blank decks are made the same way as branded decks, pressed from 7-ply maple, in the same shapes, concaves and sizes you'd find on a graphic deck from any of the brands we stock.
Blank decks suit a few different types of buyer:
None of these are lesser reasons to buy. A blank deck rolls, pops and turns exactly like a graphic one. You're just skipping the artwork.
People sometimes assume blank means cheaper materials or a lower-quality build. That's not the case. The construction, typically 7-ply maple, pressed and shaped the same way, is identical between blank and graphic decks in the same category. What you're paying less for with a blank deck is the artwork and brand licensing, not the wood.
The practical differences come down to:
If you want a board that performs properly and don't care about a logo on the bottom, a blank deck is a sensible choice with no compromise on quality.
A blank deck on its own isn't a rideable skateboard. You'll need to build it into a full setup. Here's what to add:
If you'd rather not source every part separately, our custom skateboard complete kits bundle everything you need for a build in one go. It's a straightforward option if you're building your first setup and want to avoid picking parts individually.
Once you've got all the parts, assembly follows the same order every time:
For a full walkthrough with more detail on each stage, see our guide on how to assemble a skateboard. If you're applying grip tape for the first time, our guide on how to apply grip tape to a skateboard deck covers getting a clean, bubble-free finish.
One of the main reasons people choose a blank deck is to paint or design it themselves. A few things worth knowing before you start:
We stock skateboard art kits alongside our blank decks, a handy way to get pens, paint or transfer materials in one order. For a broader look at customisation options, our guide on how to design your own skateboard has more detail, and our guide on how to build a custom skateboard setup covers matching parts to your riding style once the artwork's done.
Deck width is the main decision. As a general starting point:
| Rider | Suggested width |
|---|---|
| Junior rider (under 5ft) | 7.25-7.5 inch |
| Smaller full-size rider, age 10-13 | Around 7.75 inch |
| Teen beginner | Around 8.0 inch |
| Adult beginner or taller child | Around 8.25 inch |
| Adult cruising or skatepark riding | 8.25-8.5 inch |
Wider decks feel more stable underfoot but are heavier and harder to flip. Narrower decks are lighter and pop more easily, but give you less room to work with. If you're not sure, an 8.0 inch blank deck is a solid, versatile starting point for most teen and adult beginners.
Our full range of blank skateboard decks is filterable by width, so you can narrow it down quickly.
Blank decks are a genuinely practical option for schools, youth clubs and group sessions. Buying blank rather than branded keeps costs down when you need several boards at once, and a plain deck is often preferred for group art projects, since each rider or class can design their own without needing to buy separate graphic decks first.
If you're ordering for a group, our bulk and school skateboard decks buying guide covers sizing across mixed age groups, ordering in volume and what else to budget for alongside the decks themselves.
Are blank skateboard decks as strong as graphic decks? Yes. Most blank decks use the same 7-ply maple construction as graphic decks in the same range. The strength comes from the wood and the press, not the artwork.
Can you paint directly onto a blank skateboard deck? Yes. Paint goes on the base (underside) of the deck, not the griptape side. A light sand first helps the paint grip, and a sealant afterwards protects the design, though it will still wear with regular riding.
What size blank deck should a beginner choose? For most teen and adult beginners, an 8.0 inch deck is a good middle ground. Smaller riders under 5ft usually suit a 7.25-7.5 inch deck instead.
Do blank decks come with grip tape already applied? No. Blank decks are sold as the bare wood deck, so you'll need to buy and apply grip tape separately as part of the build.
What else do I need to buy alongside a blank deck? You'll need trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape and hardware to build a complete, rideable setup. Riser pads are optional, depending on your wheel size and setup.
Are blank decks cheaper than branded complete skateboards? Generally, yes, since you're not paying for artwork or brand licensing. The parts themselves, deck, trucks, wheels and bearings, cost the same whether the deck has a graphic on it or not.
If you're ready to start your build, browse our blank skateboard decks collection, or check our custom skateboard complete kits if you'd rather have everything bundled together. If you're not sure which parts to pick, give the shop a call, we build these setups every day.
