How to Set Up a Skateboard: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

Align Your Skateboard Deck

Before removing the backing from your griptape, figure out which end of the skateboard deck is the nose and which is the tail. The tail is generally the shorter, steeper end of the board, while the nose is usually longer and more gradual.

You can also look at the graphic or shape of the deck to help determine its orientation. Some skateboard decks have a graphic or logo positioned closer to the tail. Identifying the nose and tail before applying griptape is useful because you may want to mark the tail on your finished skateboard.

Some hardware kits also include one differently colored bolt. This bolt can be used to identify the nose or tail of your skateboard after the griptape has covered the deck.

Remove the Griptape Film and Apply It

Remove the backing from the griptape, similar to peeling the back from a large sticker. Hold the griptape above the skateboard deck and align it so that there is enough material extending beyond every edge of the board.

Start at one end of the deck and slowly press the griptape onto the board. Work gradually from the first point of contact toward the opposite end, using your hands to press the griptape down as you go. Taking your time here helps prevent wrinkles and air bubbles.

Center the griptape over the deck before allowing the adhesive to fully contact the board.

File the Edges of the Griptape

Once the griptape is firmly attached, use the shaft of a screwdriver or another suitable tool to rub around the edge of the skateboard deck. Press firmly enough to create a visible outline of the deck through the griptape.

This creates a clean white outline that you can follow when cutting the griptape. Work around the entire perimeter of the skateboard before you start cutting.

Score around the deck edge to create a visible cutting line in the excess griptape.

Cut the Griptape

Use a sharp razor blade to carefully cut along the outline you created. Start by making a small slit in the excess griptape, then follow the edge of the skateboard deck around the board.

Keep the blade angled slightly toward the outside of the deck and work slowly, especially around the nose and tail. Save a clean piece of the excess griptape because you can use it to sand the edges in the next step.

Carefully cut the excess griptape around the perimeter of the deck.

Sand the Griptape Edges

Take the extra piece of griptape you saved and use it to sand around the edge of the skateboard deck. This helps remove small flaky pieces of griptape and makes the edge of the grip sit cleanly against the deck.

Once you've finished sanding the perimeter, brush away the excess griptape before moving on to the trucks.

Poke Holes in the Griptape

The mounting holes in the skateboard deck are now covered by griptape. Turn the board over and locate the eight mounting holes from the underside of the deck.

Push the hardware through the holes from the underside of the deck so that the bolts puncture the griptape. Make sure all four holes for one truck are open before attaching the truck.

Open the mounting holes through the griptape so the truck hardware can pass through the deck.

Insert the Hardware Bolts

Insert four hardware bolts through the griptape side of the board so that the threaded ends stick out through the bottom of the deck. Keep the four bolts together so you can attach one truck at a time.

If your hardware includes one differently colored bolt, use it in the position you've chosen to identify the nose or tail of the skateboard.

Bolt the Trucks to the Board

With four bolts sticking through the bottom of the deck, place one truck over the bolts and line up all four mounting holes. Thread the nuts onto the bolts and tighten them evenly.

Tighten the four mounting nuts evenly until the truck is securely attached to the deck. Repeat the process for the second truck.

Secure the truck to the deck and tighten the mounting hardware evenly.

Put a Bearing on the Truck Axle

Place one skateboard bearing onto the axle of a truck. The bearing will act as a guide for pressing the bearing into the wheel.

If your bearings have a shield on only one side, follow the manufacturer's recommended orientation. Most modern skateboard bearings have shields on both sides, so orientation usually isn't something you need to worry about.

Place the bearing on the axle so the truck can guide it into the wheel.

Press the Wheel onto the Bearing

Place a skateboard wheel over the bearing and press the wheel down firmly and evenly. The bearing should slide into the bearing seat inside the wheel.

Press the wheel down evenly so the bearing seats completely inside the wheel.

Once the first bearing is seated, flip the wheel over and repeat the process with the second bearing. Each skateboard wheel requires two bearings.

Repeat the process until all four wheels have two bearings installed.

Install the Washers

Your trucks may have come with small silver washers. If they did, place one washer onto the truck axle before installing the wheel.

After the wheel is installed, place another washer on the outside of the wheel before threading on the axle nut.

Put the Wheels on the Trucks

Slide a wheel with its two bearings installed onto the truck axle. It doesn't matter whether the graphic on the wheel faces outward or inward, so choose whichever appearance you prefer.

Spin the wheel on the axle before fully tightening the axle nut. This gives you a chance to check that the bearings are seated correctly and that the wheel spins smoothly.

Tighten the Axle Nuts

Thread the axle nut onto the truck axle and tighten it with your skate tool or wrench. The goal is to secure the wheel without squeezing the bearings so tightly that the wheel cannot spin freely.

The axle nut and bearing area should be secure while still allowing the wheel to rotate freely.

Repeat the process for the other three wheels.