Why Are Some Skateboards Made From Plastic Instead of Wood?
When you picture a skateboard, you might imagine a wooden deck with a traditional shape. But not every skateboard is made from wood.
Plastic skateboards, especially compact cruiser-style boards, have become a recognisable alternative. They often feature a smaller deck, bright colours, textured surfaces and a lightweight design that makes them easy to carry around.
So, why choose plastic instead of wood?
1. Why Are Skateboards Made From Plastic?
Plastic offers a different way to design a skateboard deck.
Instead of using layers of wood, a plastic deck can be moulded into a specific shape. This allows manufacturers to create compact boards with distinctive curves, colours and surface patterns.
The material is also suitable for the casual cruising style commonly associated with smaller plastic skateboards.
2. How Is a Plastic Skateboard Different From a Wooden One?
The most obvious difference is the deck material, but the difference can also be seen in the overall design.
Traditional skateboards often use layered wooden decks and are commonly designed with a wider shape for different types of skating. Plastic cruiser boards are usually smaller and have a more compact profile.
Neither material is automatically better. They are simply designed with different uses and riding experiences in mind.
3. What Makes a Plastic Deck Feel Different?
Plastic and wood have different material characteristics, so the deck can feel different under your feet.
Many plastic cruiser boards have some flexibility, although the amount depends on the specific board and construction. The shape and thickness of the deck also affect how it feels when you ride.
If you are used to a traditional wooden skateboard, stepping onto a plastic board can therefore feel noticeably different.
4. Why Do Plastic Skateboards Come in So Many Colours?
One fun feature of plastic skateboards is their colourful appearance.
Plastic can be produced in a wide range of colours, allowing boards to have bright and consistent finishes. This makes it possible to choose a skateboard based not only on its riding style but also on your personal preference.
From bright yellow and green to pink, blue and black, the colour can become part of the board's overall personality.
5. What Is the Textured Surface For?
Look closely at the deck of a plastic skateboard and you may notice a raised or patterned surface.
This texture is designed to provide a surface for your feet to grip while riding. Unlike traditional skateboards that commonly use a separate sheet of grip tape, some plastic boards have texture moulded directly into the deck.
The exact level of grip depends on the board's design and surface pattern.
6. Why Are Plastic Skateboards Often Smaller?
Many plastic skateboards are designed as compact cruiser boards.
A smaller deck can make the board easier to carry and store compared with a larger skateboard. This can be useful for casual rides, short trips or simply taking the board along with you.
However, a smaller deck also provides less standing space, so riders should consider the board's dimensions and weight capacity before choosing one.
7. Are Plastic Skateboards Only for Beginners?
Not necessarily.
A plastic skateboard can be suitable for riders who enjoy casual cruising and want a compact board. More experienced riders may also enjoy this type of skateboard depending on their preferred riding style.
However, plastic cruiser boards are generally not the same as traditional trick skateboards. If your main goal is skatepark tricks, jumps or technical skating, you should check whether the specific board is designed for those activities.
8. What About the Wheels and Trucks?
The deck material is only one part of a skateboard.
The wheels and trucks also affect how the board feels when you ride. Wheel size, hardness, truck design and overall setup can influence turning, rolling and stability.
This means you should not judge a skateboard based only on whether its deck is plastic or wood. The complete setup matters too.
9. Where Can You Use a Plastic Skateboard?
Plastic cruiser-style skateboards are generally suited to suitable smooth surfaces and casual riding.
You might use one for recreational cruising around appropriate paved areas, depending on local rules and the board's specifications.
Before riding, check the surface for cracks, loose stones, wet areas and other obstacles. A board designed for casual cruising may not be suitable for every type of terrain.
10. What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Plastic Skateboard?
If you are considering a plastic skateboard, look beyond its colour and appearance.
Check the deck size, weight capacity, wheel setup, truck construction and intended use. Make sure the board is an appropriate size for the rider and suitable for the type of skating you plan to do.
It is also important to wear suitable protective equipment, especially when learning or riding in unfamiliar areas.
Conclusion
So, why are some skateboards made from plastic instead of wood?
Plastic allows skateboard manufacturers to create a different type of board, often with a compact shape, colourful appearance and moulded textured deck. These characteristics make plastic cruiser-style boards distinct from traditional wooden skateboards.
The right choice ultimately depends on how you plan to ride. If you are looking for a compact board for casual cruising, a plastic skateboard could offer a different experience from a conventional wooden deck.