Where Are Skateboards Made? The Truth Behind Woodshops and Deck Brands

Discover the secrets of skateboard manufacturing! Learn how the biggest brands source their decks from a few select woodshops.

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Ever wondered where your skateboard actually comes from? Spoiler alert: it’s probably not from the brand printed on the bottom. In fact, most skateboards come from a handful of woodshops that manufacture for multiple brands.

So, whether you’re riding a trendy pro model or a local shop deck, there’s a good chance they rolled out of the same factory. Let’s dive into the mysteries of skateboard woodshop.

If you’re a visual learner, check out this video about board woodshops.

A video titled ‘Where Does Your Skateboard Come From‘ from the Ben Degros YouTube channel?

Key Takeaways

  • Most skateboards come from a handful of woodshops, not the brands printed on them.
  • Different woodshops offer unique board characteristics, from concave and pop to stiffness.
  • Higher price doesn’t always mean better quality—focus on feel and performance.
  • Knowing your woodshop can help maintain consistency in board feel.

The Big Players in Skateboard Manufacturing

Over 90% of skateboard brands don’t manufacture their own boards. Instead, they turn to woodshops that specialize in mass production, creating boards to the brand’s specs. A few notable players in the game include:

Where are skateboards made? The truth behind woodshops and deck brandsdiscover the secrets of skateboard manufacturing! Learn how the biggest brands source their decks from a few select woodshops.
Illustration of a large assortment of wooden skateboard planks.
  • PS Stix (Paul Schmitt): Known for creating durable, consistent boards with a classic feel. Many skaters love the concave and shape, though some report occasional quality control issues.
  • Bareback Systems (BBS): The go-to woodshop for most premium brands, producing for Deluxe (Anti-Hero, Real, Krooked). They have a reputation for long-lasting pop and solid builds.
  • HLC (Europe): Based in Spain, HLC makes boards for several American brands marketed in Europe, like Plan B and Jart.
  • DSM (China): Manufactures boards for Enjoi, Almost, and Blind. These boards are known to be on the stiffer side, which some skaters love for durability.
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Where are skateboards made? The truth behind woodshops and deck brands | idea icon | skateboard session

Pro tip: Know your woodshop!

If you’re particular about your setup, knowing which woodshop produces your favorite brands can help you stay consistent with board feel.

Same Board, Different Graphic?

Here’s the skateboard industry’s little secret: many brands use the same templates and shapes. This means that an 8.25” board from Brand A might be identical to an 8.25” from Brand B, minus the graphics. For example, if you’re comparing a Real and a Krooked deck from BBS, you’re essentially holding two versions of the same board.

So next time you’re debating over brands, remember: sometimes, the only difference is the graphic.

Factors That Matter: Wood, Shape, and Consistency

Each woodshop has its signature traits that can impact your ride:

  • Wood Quality: Some shops, like PS Stix, are known for high-quality wood. That said, consistency can vary.
  • Shape and Concave: Different woodshops use different molds, which impacts pop, flex, and overall feel. BBS boards have a medium concave that’s a favorite for many skaters, while Control boards are flatter, giving them a more mellow feel.
  • Environmental Factors: Some skaters worry about overseas manufacturing impacting board quality. However, most manufacturers use methods like shrink-wrapping to protect boards from moisture during transit.

Does Woodshop Choice Affect Your Tricks?

Yes! Many skaters find that subtle differences in pop, flex, and concave can impact their tricks. For example, some skaters find PS Stix boards ideal for flip tricks due to their shorter tails and steeper noses. Meanwhile, others prefer the stiffness of DSM boards for technical tricks, especially when it comes to board control.

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Where are skateboards made? The truth behind woodshops and deck brands | idea icon | skateboard session

Pro tip

If you’re struggling with consistency, consider sticking with boards from the same woodshop. The subtle familiarity can make a noticeable difference.

Cost vs. Quality: Are More Expensive Boards Worth It?

Not all boards are created equal. Higher-end woodshops may offer better longevity or pop retention, but a good board is a good board regardless of price. Here’s a quick breakdown:

WoodshopPrice RangeKnown ForPopular Brands
PS Stix$$ – $$$Classic shapes, durability, custom moldsSanta Cruz, Creature
BBS$$$Consistency, long-lasting popReal, Krooked, Anti-Hero
DSM$$Stiffness, durabilityEnjoi, Almost, Blind
HLC$$ – $$$Smooth concave, European brandsPlan B, Jart
Control$Mellow concave, flat feelLocal/Shop Boards
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Where are skateboards made? The truth behind woodshops and deck brands | idea icon | skateboard session

Pro tip: Higher price is not always better

Don’t assume a higher price tag always means better performance, especially since so many are the exact same. It’s about finding the right board for your style and preferences.

6. DIY and Boutique Woodshops

While big players dominate the industry, smaller woodshops like South Central Manufacturing and Clutch offer alternatives, especially for new brands or niche shapes. South Central boards are known for their durability but may feel heavier due to thicker plies. Clutch, meanwhile, offers budget-friendly options, but quality can be hit-or-miss.

The global skateboard manufacturing landscape is dominated by four major woodshops, each with distinct production capabilities and market reach.

WoodshopMonthly ProductionMarket Value (USD M)Key Brands
BBS50,000200Real, Krooked, Anti-Hero
DSM40,000100Almost, Enjoi, Blind
PS Stix30,00050Santa Cruz, Creature
HLC20,00080Plan B, Jart
Major Skateboard Manufacturers: Production and Market Value

The skateboard industry’s environmental impact and market size reveal significant growth and sustainability challenges.

MetricValue
Global Market Size (2023)$3,208.7 million
Projected Market Size (2031)$4,217.7 million
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)3.52%
Street Board Market Share42.05%
Asia-Pacific Market Share35.62%
Skateboard Industry Market Statistics and Projections.

Environmental impact of skateboard manufacturing reveals significant waste generation and recycling challenges.

Environmental FactorImpact
Annual Broken Decks to Landfills2 million
Daily Wood Waste per Manufacturer4 x 3-yard bins
Average Shop’s Monthly Broken Boards50
Boards Saved Through Recycling (since 2010)75,000
Environmental Impact of Skateboard Manufacturing

7. Choosing Your Next Board Based on Woodshop

If you’re particular about your setup, consider these points before buying:

  • Skate Style: Street skaters might prefer the pop and durability of BBS boards, while transition skaters might lean toward the flex of PS Stix decks.
  • Concave Preference: DSM boards tend to feel stiff and planky—great for technical tricks. Control boards, on the other hand, are flat and flexible for a more mellow ride.
  • Environmental Stance: If you care about where your board is made, note that BBS and PS Stix are U.S.-based, while DSM and HLC are overseas.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Not necessarily. Brands may specify custom shapes or materials, but many boards share the same base mold.

Check the top or bottom ply for a woodshop stamp, or consult resources like the Slap Woodshop Directory.

Look at concave, wood quality, and how the board feels for your tricks. Some shops are better for durability, while others excel in pop and concave. asht ecode format

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, skateboarding is about having fun. Woodshops matter—but maybe not as much as we think. You’ll always find skaters who swear by one woodshop or another, but any decent board will get the job done. So next time you’re buying a deck, consider trying something new. Who knows? You might just find your next favorite board comes from a woodshop you’ve never heard of.

Image of jedain.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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