First, the materials used in the production of skateboards affect how long they last. And second, your skating style will determine how fast those boards wear out.
Skaters who prefer to do tricks and jumps on their board tend to break them more often than skaters who like to cruise around town or go for a mellow ride.
Skateboard manufacturers can’t say with any certainty how many times you’ll be able to use one before it breaks, but we know that you’ll need at least two or three pairs throughout your lifetime as a serious rider (or even casual rider).
How Long Does Skateboard Hardware Last?
Skateboard hardware is meant to withstand some pretty intense maneuvers, but it won’t last forever. And if you ride for several years, you can expect to replace your standard skateboard hardware about four or five times. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg, but it will set you back.
In fact, all of the standard components of a skateboard are replaceable. And the more often you replace those components, the longer your board will last.
Skateboard tails wear out most frequently because they take a lot of abuse from your feet. You’ll have to replace your skateboard tail several times over the course of a few years, depending on how often you use it.
How Long Do Skateboard Bearings Last?
How long do bearings last? Bearings are housed in the skateboard wheels, which provide lots of support and movement for the board.
However, you’ll have to replace your bearings just as often as you replace your standard skateboard hardware. That’s about four times every few years, depending on how much you use them.
Before you replace any of your skateboard components, check to see if there’s a warranty. You may be able to get the part replaced for free. If not, then don’t fret because it will only come out of your pocket a few bucks at most.
How Long Do Skateboard Wheels Last?
Skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane, which can be pretty durable if it’s produced correctly. But they won’t last forever by any means.
Even though you’ll break your skateboard wheels before you wear out your bearings or standard hardware, the more often you use them, the faster they will deteriorate.
You should be able to use your skateboard wheels at least several times before you have to replace them.
The wheels on skateboards come in a variety of colors and styles. You can choose from classic white or black wheels, vibrant pink wheels, shiny silver wheels, and more.
When you purchase your board, choose the ones that look best to you because they will give your ride a unique style and flair!
Wheel durometers range from 78A-101A. The harder the wheel, the faster you’ll wear out your bearings and standard hardware components. Softer wheels are slower than hard wheels, but also more comfortable for cruising or doing tricks.
How Long Do Skateboard Trucks Last?
Skateboard trucks take just as much wear and tear as skateboard hardware. They’re made of metal, which can bend and break after a lot of heavy use.
You should expect to replace your standard skateboard trucks several times in the course of several years.
It’s important that you don’t exceed the weight limit for your skateboard, otherwise, you run the risk of bending or breaking your skateboard trucks. They are built to safely hold up to 220 pounds so try not to get too heavy for them over time!
When to Replace Skateboard Deck?
A deck is the top part of your board that you stand on, so it’s one of the most important pieces. It’s also not meant to last forever because it will wear down with heavy use.
Because there are so many different deck types – wooden, plastic, fiberglass, and more – there isn’t a definite time frame for replacing the skateboard deck but normally we have to replace it in four to six months. You can replace your deck as soon as it begins to warp or crack.
Remember, the more you use your board, the shorter its lifespan will be. The average skateboarder breaks a deck after at least two years of heavy use.
If you do some light skating and mostly cruising around for fun, then don’t expect to have to replace your skateboard deck for many years.
Otherwise, if you’re an aggressive skater who does a lot of tricks, then you’ll have to replace it sooner. Aggressive skaters often break decks within four to six months of heavy use, so be aware that it could happen to you!
How to Extend the Period of Use in detail?
To make your skateboard last as long as possible, it’s important to learn how to maintain it correctly. Use these tips for caring for your board and you should be able to get the most out of each component before having to replace any.
1.) Do not ride with loose trucks. The nuts holding them in place should be tightened every few weeks, which will keep them from slipping over time.
2.) Clean your board regularly. Wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use and take the time to clean off dirt and dust particles. You can also buy cleaning sprays or wipes for this purpose.
3.) Check for loose bolts and screws every month. Tighten them if necessary, making sure they’re secure but not too tight to bend any metal parts.
4.) Don’t over tighten standard hardware (nuts and bolts), as this could put too much pressure on the board and cause damage that’ll lead to malfunctions in the future.
5.) Inspect skateboard wheels carefully before riding so you can tell when they need replacing. They should be completely round with no bumps or flat spots. Wheels will naturally wear as you use them, so it’s crucial that you replace them before riding.
6.) Keep your board out of the sun and heat. It doesn’t need to be stored in a basement or attic but placing it under a bed or sofa will keep it from getting damaged by sunlight over time. If you have no other option, get a sheet to cover up your board when you’re not using it.
7.) Replace your old bearings with new ones every few months for optimal performance. You can refer to our previous article on How To Replace Skateboard Bearings
8.) Don’t put pressure on the nose or tail, as this could snap off weak components. If you want extra pop for ollies, choose skateboard decks specifically designed for that purpose instead.
How Do You Waterproof Your Skateboard?
How do you waterproof skateboard decks? Well, if it’s made of wood, fiberglass, or carbon, you can actually waterproof it without much trouble. But with wooden boards, the whole process is a little more complex. You’ll need to seal and finish your board multiple times in order to make sure all of the cracks and crevices are completely covered and sealed off.
You can achieve this with an industrial-grade spray that allows you to work from a distance. It’s a little more expensive, but it saves you time and energy because you won’t have to keep going back over your board to make sure you’ve sprayed everything evenly.
Even if you seal your wooden skateboard deck multiple times, it will still absorb water over time – especially if there are any cracks or nooks that are exposed. To ensure that your deck doesn’t warp or crack, cover it when you’re not skating.
If you won’t use your board for a long time, then cover it with a tarp or something that will be sure to protect it from the elements. Skateboard hardware can go pretty fast if you’re able to replace them.
But new components wear out at about the same rate as old ones. So changing out your standard hardware should only take you an hour or two.
You’ll want to make sure that you have the right size Allen wrenches for each component, as well as the proper sized skateboard tool. That way it will be easy to swap out your bearings and push nuts without having to strain yourself.
FAQs
What are the different types of skateboards?
Different types of skateboards include longboard, penny board, electric skateboard, downhill skateboard, and street skater.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your skateboard?
You should replace your skateboard if the wheels are no longer turning smoothly or you have been noticing cracks on the board.
What precautions should be taken when skateboarding?
Precautions include wearing a helmet and knee pads to prevent injuries. Keep your skateboard out of the sun as extreme heat can warp or crack the board. Don’t put too much pressure on the nose or tail of your skateboard as this can damage these components. Keep your eyes peeled for traffic while skating on the sidewalk and always skate in a safe area.
What should you look for in a new skateboard?
What you should look for in a new skateboard includes checking the positioning of the trucks and wheels, the height when standing flat-footed, the width, and the length of the deck.
Is there anything else I should consider before buying one?
Before buying a skateboard you should consider the different types of skateboards and if their features suit your skating style. You’ll also want to check the quality of the components on your board as these wear out at different rates.
Where can I buy a quality board at an affordable price?
You can buy a quality board at an affordable price from brands such as Powell Peralta, Element Skateboards, Blind Skateboards, and Venture Skateboards.
What is the average lifespan of a skateboard?
A skateboard’s lifespan is around one to three years with proper care.
Why should you care about the quality of your board?
You should care about the quality of your board because it will affect how you ride. A good board will be sturdy and can withstand various elements and can be used for a long time before being replaced. A low-quality board will not be as sturdy and can have various defects that may pose a threat to your safety while riding.
What are some economical ways to maintain and repair boards?
Some economical ways include using hot glue to fix cracks, applying wax or oil on the board to prevent it from drying out, and spraying lacquer to make the board shine.
How often should you wax your board?
You should wax your board every few weeks as it will prevent the board from drying out and cracking.
Where can I buy a good, long lasting skateboard for cheap?
You can buy a good, long-lasting skateboard for cheap from brands such as Globe Skateboards, Element Skateboards, Flip Skateboards, and Girl Skateboards.
What is the average board length for a beginner skateboarder?
The average board length for a beginner skateboarder is 7 ft long.
What are tips to help me choose the best size to skateboard for myself?
Tips include testing out several boards before making your purchase, choosing a board that feels good under your feet, considering the terrain you will be riding your board on, and checking that your feet touch the ground when standing flat-footed.
Conclusion
A skater will need to consider various factors before finalizing their purchase such as the size of the board they want, how often they will be riding their board, and what terrain the skateboard will be used on.
The lifespan of a skateboard can be anywhere between one to three years depending on how well you maintain your board so it is important to keep an eye out for any structural defects or cracks that could pose a risk while skating.
If you are looking for a new skateboard it is important to consider the different types of skateboards and what features suit your style.