Skateboarding is all about freedom, creativity, and sometimes, a few falls. Yet, skateboards don’t last forever. Knowing how long they last helps you keep them in good shape for longer.
On average, skateboards last from one to two years. This varies depending on the materials, how you skate, and how well you take care of them. Skateboards made from maple wood last longer than others. If you often do stunts, your skateboard will wear out quicker.
The type of ground you skate on matters too. Smooth places like skateparks are easier on your board. Rough, uneven ground can harm it faster. Keeping your skateboard clean and fixing old parts also helps it last longer.
Where you skate affects its life as well. Extreme heat or cold and moisture can damage it. Store your skateboard properly and keep it dry to protect it.
Knowing these things helps both new and experienced skaters. This way, you can enjoy skating for years. Paying attention to these details means casual skaters keep their boards longer. Those who skate harder might need new ones more often.
Factors Affecting Skateboard Durability
It’s important to know what makes a skateboard last long. Things like material quality, how you skate, and taking care of your board matter. Let’s look into what affects a skateboard’s life.
Quality of Materials
What a skateboard is made from greatly decides how long it will hold up. Most boards are built from seven layers of maple wood. This wood is chosen for being strong and bendy. Some top-notch boards also use materials like bamboo or carbon fiber to perform even better. More layers mean a tougher board. The shape of the board, like camber and rocker, also influences its lifespan.
Riding Style
The way you skate makes a big difference in how long your board lasts. Doing a lot of tricks and skating hard wears down the board faster, especially the ends used for tricks. But, if you mostly cruise around, your board will last longer. Choosing a board shape that fits your skating style helps too.
Terrain
Where you skate affects your board’s life. Rough surfaces like concrete wear out wheels and boards quicker. But, smooth spots like wooden ramps are less damaging. Skating on tough terrain means you might have to replace parts more often to keep skating well.
Maintenance
Keeping your skateboard in good shape is key to making it last. Doing simple things like cleaning bearings, rotating your wheels, and securing nuts and bolts helps a lot. Make sure to check your skateboard often and fix any parts that are wearing out. This keeps your skateboard working its best.
Manufacturing Quality
The quality of how your skateboard is made also affects how long it will last. Boards from well-known brands are usually better made. This means they can handle more use. Buying from a reliable brand means you get a quality board that won’t give out on you quickly.
Environment and Weather Conditions
The weather and where you keep your skateboard matter too. Too much heat can warp the board, and water can damage and rust it. Keep your board in a place that’s not too hot or moist. Also, try not to skate in the rain to keep it in good shape.
Skill Levels of Skateboarder
How good you are at skateboarding plays a part as well. Beginners tend to fall a lot, which can scratch and dent the board more. As you get better, you cause less damage because you control the board more smoothly. Improving your skills not only makes you a better skater but also keeps your board in better condition. For more tips, check this comprehensive guide.
By knowing these points and looking after your skateboard, you can make it last longer. This way, you can enjoy skateboarding without needing a new board too often.
How Long Do Skateboards Last?
A skateboard’s lifespan varies a lot. It depends on how often it’s used, the skating style, and the skateboard type. Still, there are some general ideas that can help us understand:
- Skaters who hit the streets hard and often might need a new skateboard deck every 1 to 2 months.
- If you skate casually a few times a week, your deck could last a couple of years.
- Decks used on mini ramps can last several years since they face less impact.
Some decks, like Lithe, Powell Peralta Flight, Dwindle Impact, and Santa Cruz VX, last longer. But they cost more. Usually, a deck keeps its pop for 1 to 2 months. How often and how you skate affects this. Some decks, made with nano tubes, lose their pop more slowly. This could make tricks harder to do.
Santa Cruz VX and Powell Peralta decks keep their pop longer. But they too wear out after some months. A chip on your deck doesn’t mean you need a new one right away. Not unless it messes up how you skate. Remember, worn-out decks can make you more likely to get hurt. This could mean rolling your ankle or falling because the deck’s structure is weak.
Skateboard trucks and wheels wear down too. Strong trucks can last for years. But if you see damage like hanger wear, axle exposure, or a broken kingpin, it’s time for something new. Taking good care of your skateboard or longboard can make it last longer. Keep it in a stable place. Clean the bearings every six months. Check the truck bolts and change the bushings every six months too. This will help your skateboard last longer.
| Skateboard Type | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Traditional Wooden Skateboards | A few months to years |
| Longboards | 2 to 5 years |
| Electric Skateboards | 2 to 5 years |
In the end, knowing how long skateboards last and what wears them out helps skaters. This knowledge lets you choose the right gear and take care of it. That way, you can enjoy skating for as long as possible.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Skateboard Deck
Keeping your skateboard in great shape is key for top performance and staying safe. Knowing when you need a new deck is very important. We’ll go over the main signs that show your skateboard deck needs a checkup.
Loss of Pop
The first sign that you need a new skateboard deck is when it loses its pop. Pop is how high and quick the board goes into the air. It gets less strong with time and use. Depending on how much you skate, this could be from 2 weeks to 2 years.
Skaters who use their board every day might see their board’s pop fade faster. Those who skate less often will notice it later.
Cracks and Physical Damage
If you see cracks or damage, it’s time to think about getting a new deck. Repeated tricks or hard landings can break skateboards easily, especially in shortboard styles. Check for any cracks on the edges or underside of the deck. Keeping your skateboard well-maintained is crucial to avoid getting hurt from a weak deck.
Worn Grip Tape
Grip tape helps you stay on your board. If it’s dirty, not sticky, peeling, or has bubbles, replace it. Changing your grip tape often helps keep you safe and improves your performance. Good grip means better control over your board.
Compromised Structural Integrity
If your deck’s structure is damaged, like bent or broken trucks, you should get a new one. Structural damage can be dangerous. Decks made of tougher materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber last longer. Taking good care of your skateboard is a must.
- Loss of Pop: 2 weeks to 2 years depending on use.
- Cracks and Physical Damage: Check for visible wear and stress points.
- Worn Grip Tape: Replace when grip becomes ineffective.
- Compromised Structural Integrity: Always maintain strong components.
How often you need a new skateboard deck depends on how you skate. Daily skaters should get a new deck every 1-2 months. Casual skaters might go 4 months to several years without needing a replacement. Half pipe or bowl skaters often need a new deck every 6-12 months. Regular care keeps your board performing well and keeps you safe.
Average Lifespan of Different Skateboard Types
The life of your skateboard can change a lot depending on its type. Each kind, such as traditional wooden skateboards, longboards, or electric skateboards, lasts a different amount of time. This depends on the materials used, how you use it, and how well you take care of it.
Traditional Wooden Skateboards
Traditional skateboards are mostly made of strong maple wood. They can handle a lot but can still get damaged by hard hits or the weather. Usually, these skateboards can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Keeping them dry and checking them often can make them last longer.
Longboards
Longboards are longer skateboards, usually over 33 inches. They’re mainly for cruising around or going downhill. These boards can last from 2 to 5 years, mainly because they’re not used as harshly. Keeping them in good shape is important for them to last. Smaller boards, like mini cruisers, might wear out faster because they get used more roughly.
Electric Skateboards
Electric skateboards can also last from 2 to 5 years. Their life depends a lot on how well you look after their batteries and motors. For example, the Tidal Rev Electric Longboard can go up to 12.5 miles and reach 24 mph but needs regular care to keep performing well.
Knowing how long different skateboards last can help you choose wisely. Taking good care of your board, doing regular maintenance, and using it carefully can make it last longer. This is true for all types of skateboards. To learn more about keeping your board in top shape, check out this guide.
| Skateboard Type | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Traditional Wooden Skateboards | Months to a few years |
| Longboards | 2 to 5 years |
| Electric Skateboards | 2 to 5 years |
Extending the Lifespan of Your Skateboard
To make your skateboard last longer, it’s important to regularly maintain it, use it wisely, and store it correctly. Keeping your board in top shape will make it last longer and perform better. Follow these key tips to help you do just that.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Looking after your skateboard means more than quick checks. Clean your skateboard often, paying special attention to the bearings and deck. Make sure to clean and oil your bearings to avoid rust and lower friction. Check out this guide for more help. Also, rotate your wheels every month to wear them evenly. Replacing old parts like bushings and grip tape helps keep your board smooth.
Avoiding Water Exposure
Water can quickly ruin your skateboard. It makes wooden decks bend and split, especially those made of maple. Plus, it causes bearings and other metal parts to rust and stop working. To keep your skateboard safe, don’t use or store it in wet places.
Proper Storage Practices
The way you store your skateboard matters a lot. Store it in a place that’s dry and not too hot or cold. Keep it away from sunlight to prevent the deck from cracking and losing its bounce. By following these maintenance tips, you’ll help your skateboard last much longer.
By doing these easy yet important things, you can make sure your skateboard lasts for many rides to come.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!