Practical skateboard manufacturing guides from Empire covering deck construction, veneer, 7-ply vs 8-ply, blanks, custom production costs, brand launches, concave and wheelbase.
See how maple skateboard decks move from veneer selection and glue-up through pressing, machining, sanding, finishing, graphics and quality control.
Read the guide →
Compare 7-ply and 8-ply skateboard deck construction, including thickness, stiffness, weight, application and why ply count is only part of the design.
Read the guide →
Learn the difference between pressed uncuts, shaped blank skateboard decks and print-ready blanks so you can order the right amount of manufacturing work.
Read the guide →
Understand the major cost drivers in custom skateboard manufacturing: quantity, tooling, veneer, shape, printing, finishing, samples, packaging and freight.
Read the guide →
A practical guide to starting a skateboard brand: choose a deck platform, understand minimums, approve samples, plan graphics, price the product and prepare for reorders.
Read the guide →
Learn how skateboard wheelbase, width, perimeter, nose and tail geometry, concave and mold shape relate when specifying a custom skateboard deck.
Read the guide →Our veneer section covers natural maple, dyed maple, face/core/crossband construction and a complete layup guide.