Wondering how to mount a skateboard on your wall? Read this.
Time 1-2 days
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$10 - $60
Introduction
Building a skateboard wall mount is an easy project that'll keep your boards neat and tidy while displaying them as functional artwork.
Whether you have a skateboard or a longboard, storing it leaned up against the wall next to your front door isn’t ideal. Creating a skateboard wall mount is a fun DIY project you can knock out in a weekend. A skateboard mount not only provides a safe place to store your skateboard off the floor but also adds a cool visual element to your space.
You can customize your skateboard wall mount to hold either one or more skateboards. I chose to design a wall mount that accommodates two skateboards. However, if you prefer a mount for just one skateboard, you can simply shorten the wall mount and use only two arm supports instead of four.
I also spent a little extra money purchasing rosewood for an inlay, which is not necessary but adds a cool custom touch to the design. You can also make this project more budget-friendly by using a different type of sturdy wood, such as Baltic birch plywood instead of cherry wood.
Fig. A: Project Overview
Fig. B: Arm Support Overview
Tools Required
- 1/4" round-over bit
- 3/4" straight router bit
- Clamps
- Countersink drill bit
- Drill
- Jigsaw
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Miter saw
- Random orbit sander
- Router
- Router table
- Speed square
- Table saw
Materials Required
- 1-5/8" screws
- 1/8”x3”x3’ rosewood
- 1x6x6' cherry
- Assorted sandpaper
- Drywall anchors
- Polyurethane
- Tack cloth
Project step-by-step (14)
Step 1
Cut the arm supports
Put on safety glasses and hearing protection. Sketch the arm support dimensions (from Fig. B above) on the 1×6 cherry board with a pencil and speed square, then use a miter saw to cut around the perimeter of the four arm supports.
To save time and ensure consistency, use the first arm support you create as a template for the remaining three.
Step 2
Cut slots in the arm supports
Use a jigsaw to cut along the inside of the 7/8-in. slot in each of the four arm supports. This will be a rough cut, so don’t worry if it isn’t perfect. Then, smooth them out on the router table fitted with a 3/4-in. straight router bit. Make slow passes to prevent burning the wood.
Step 3
Round the edges of the arm supports
Use a 1/4-in. round-over router bit to round the edges except the long, 7-1/2-in. edge along the back of the arm supports and 1-in. edges at the top and bottom.
Step 4
Sand the four arm supports
Sand all sides and edges of the four arm supports using both a random orbit sander and sanding by hand. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and progress to 320-grit. Be sure to sand the inside of the 7/8-in. slot where the skateboard rests to remove any burn marks made at the router table.
Step 5
Cut wall mount boards
Cut two cherry wall mount boards 3 inches wide x 24 inches long. Measure and mark down the center of each. Using a router table equipped with the same 3/4-in. straight bit, route a 1/8 inch deep channel down the center of both wall mount boards.
Step 6
Cut the rosewood inlay
On the table saw, cut a 3/4-inch wide strip of the 1/8 inch thick rosewood. After cutting the width, use a miter saw to cut six pieces of rosewood, each measuring three inches long.
Step 7
Dry-fit the pieces
Three rosewood inlay pieces will be placed between two support arms on each of the wall mounts. Before gluing, lay out the inlay pieces alongside the arm supports to confirm their positions.
Step 8
Glue and clamp rosewood inlay pieces
Apply wood glue to each piece of rosewood and clamp them down. Allow the wood glue to dry for 24 hours.
Step 9
Predrill holes for arm supports
After the wood glue has dried, remove the clamps and turn the wall mount boards over so the backside faces up. Pre-drill two pilot holes spaced roughly three inches apart in each of the openings between the inlayed rosewood where the arm supports will be attached. Use a drill and countersink drill bit to make sure the heads of the screws sit flush on the back of the wall mount boards.
Step 10
Drill installation holes
With a countersink drill bit, drill countersink holes 1/2 inch below the bottom arm support and 1/2 inch above the top arm support. These holes are where the skateboard wall mounts will be secured to the wall.
Step 11
Smooth the wall mount boards
Use a 1/4 in. round-over bit and a router to round the front edges of the two wall-mount boards. Then, using a combination of a random orbit sander and a sheet of sandpaper in your hand, sand all the surfaces of the wall-mounting boards smooth, beginning with 120 grit and progressing to 320 grit.
Step 12
Secure the arm supports to the wall mount boards
From the backside of the wall mounts, secure the four arm supports to the wall mounts using 1-5/8 in. screws.
Step 13
Apply polyurethane
Use a tack cloth to remove as much dust as possible from the two assembled skateboard wall mounts. After that, apply two coats of polyurethane, sanding between each coat. Follow the directions on the polyurethane label for drying time.
Step 14
Hang the skateboard wall mount
Select the skateboard wall mount location. Once you’ve chosen the spot, level the first wall mount and secure it in place. This is done by fastening it through the two countersunk installation holes previously drilled above and below the top and bottom support arm. If possible, attach at least one skateboard wall mount side directly to the wall studs. If no studs are in the desired location, use appropriate drywall anchors to support both the mount and the skateboards hanging from it.
When installing the second skateboard wall mount, the distance between them depends on the width of your skateboard’s wheelbase, as the arm supports will be positioned between the wheelbase to hold the skateboard. The wheelbase measurement is the distance between skateboard trucks, typically between 13-1/2-and 14-1/2-in. for non-longboards.
I spaced the mounts out so there was an 8-1/2 inch gap between them (10-3/4 inch gap between the support arms). Use a tape measure and level to secure the second in place so that both are plumb and level to each other. Once the second wall mount is securely attached to the wall, slide your skateboard into the open slots and enjoy!
FAQ
What is the best wood to use for a skateboard wall mount?
A strong plywood such as Baltic birch or a hardwood like maple or cherry is best to use for a skateboard wall mount.
How long are skateboards?
The average adult skateboard is 32 inches long, and a kids’ skateboard is between 28 and 30 inches long.
Where should I keep my skateboard?
A dry place that is away from moisture and out of high-traffic areas is ideal for skateboard storage. Using a skateboard wall mount or rack indoors can keep it protected when not in use.
