Skateboarding is a fun and popular pastime, but it’s also an outlet for many people to express themselves creatively. The idea of skating to work may be comical, but the basics of skateboarding aren’t so laughable. From the wheels to the trucks, from the bearings to the griptape, there are a number of terms you should know if you’re interested in skating for pleasure or for sport.
Skateboards are made up of many different parts, each with a specific purpose. In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at the anatomy of a skateboard and how all the pieces work together. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how skateboards are constructed and what they’re used for.
So, What is the bottom of a skateboard called?
There is much confusion in the skateboarding world about what the bottom of a skateboard is. Some people call it the hanger, but that’s a little confusing because a skateboard has two hangers, one at each end. Some people also call the deck as the bottom part. The deck is the part of the skateboard that is in contact with the ground, and it’s also the part that’s used to roll down the street.
Actually, the bottom of a skateboard is the part that the wheels are attached to. The bottom is made up of a baseplate, a deck, and a set of wheels. The baseplate is the part that’s glued to the deck, and it provides a sturdy foundation for the deck.
Don’t worry if you’re still confused! Read on and this article will clear up the confusion and provide you with a better understanding of the anatomy of a skateboard.
The Skateboard’s Bottom: The Anatomy of a Skateboard
Though it may look like a simple piece of wood with four wheels, a skateboard is actually made up of many different parts.
Skateboards are composed of the deck (the main body), trucks (which attach the wheels to the deck), bearings (which allow the wheels to rotate freely on axles within the truck housing), and wheels (made of polyurethane).
Each parts serves a specific purpose and works together to create a smooth ride. Let’s take a look at each of these parts and how they work together.
Deck
The most important part of a skateboard is the deck, which is the part that you stand on. The deck is made up of a number of layers, including the deck, the core, and the grip tape.
The deck is the widest part of the skateboard, and is usually made of a plastic or composite material. The deck is designed to protect the rider and give the board stability.
Core
The core is a solid piece of wood under the deck of the skateboard. Core sizes vary by brand and model, but the core usually consists of two pieces of wood, a top and bottom. The core is responsible for keeping the deck from warping or bowing over time, and it’s also used to distribute weight evenly across the board.
Hanger
The hanger is the part that holds the deck in place on the baseplate. There are two hangers on a skateboard, one at each end.
The hanger is a piece of wood that’s glued to the deck. The hanger is designed to keep the deck from warping and bowing over time, and it’s also responsible for holding the wheels to the deck.
Trucks
Trucks are the pieces that hold the wheels and the decks together. The truck consists of a baseplate, the wheel bearing assembly, and the kingpin. The baseplate is attached to the deck. The wheel bearing assembly is where the axle sits and attaches to the wheel. The kingpin is the bolt that goes through the baseplate and connects the two together.
Skateboard trucks are metal or plastic pieces that hold the wheels on the skateboard deck. They are usually located near the nose and tail of the skateboard and are adjustable so you can change the height of the board. By raising or lowering the trucks, you can change the amount of pressure on the wheels, which is necessary for different types of skating.
Trucks come in either a high or low style. High trucks hold the wheels higher off the ground, and this is especially beneficial for tricks and jumps, while low trucks are more stable and are better for cruising.
Wheels
Wheels are what makes a skateboard roll, and the most important part of any skateboard. There are many different types of skate wheels, including high-performance wheels, street wheels, cruiser wheels, and soft wheels.
The wheel has a tread on the outer side that allows it to grip the ground. The wheel is made of polyurethane or nylon, and the inner side is made of metal or composite. The tread is made of either a smooth or knobby texture. Knobby wheels are great for grinding, while smooth wheels are more suitable for cruising.
The type of wheels you choose will depend on the style of skating you prefer. For example, high-performance wheels are great for doing tricks, while soft wheels are more comfortable and easier to ride.
Bearing
The bearings in a skateboard are what allow the wheels to roll smoothly. There are two types of bearings, made out of either ball or roller bearings. Ball bearings are made of plastic, and they are used in cheaper skateboards. Roller bearings are made of metal and they are used in high-end skateboards.
Final Thoughts
Skateboarding is a great way to get in shape, stay in shape, and have fun at the same time. Skateboarding can also be used as a great form of transportation, whether you’re cruising to school or just commuting to work.
If you are a skateboard enthusiast you must know about all parts of a skateboard, including the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape.
We hope this article helped you understand the different parts of a skateboard. If you want to learn more about skateboarding we encourage you to check out our other skateboard articles.
Thank you for reading!

Hi, my name is Eric and I live for skateboarding! I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post? If you have it would make my day if you could share it with your friends and family. The more people I can get active and skateboarding the better. I’m here to help you think less and skate more so please keep following my work.