Skateboarding
Skateboarding
Understanding skateboard deck rails
This is your guide to all things rails-related, from deck rail functionality to types of skateboard rails.
The history of skateboarding dates back to the ‘50s when kids in California built their boards by hand. It’s a culture born on the fringes of society, no matter how big the billion-dollar industry becomes. As skateboarding handrail innovator Jamie Foy puts it, having the best time skating is all about simplicity.
“Just me and my board, having fun,” he says.
Jamie Foy at Red Bull Drop In Tour 2023 in Melbourne, Australia
© Anthony Acosta / Red Bull Content Pool
When it’s just you and your board, you want to make sure that your equipment stays in top-notch condition. Skateboard modifications, like deck rails or ‘ribs,’ are a popular part of skating for good reason. Installing deck rails on a skateboard can protect the board from damage and allow for smoother tricks.
In this piece, you’ll learn what skateboard deck rails are, their benefits, and how to install them.
01
The history of skateboard deck rails
First introduced in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, skateboard deck rails came about with the increased popularity of skateboard culture and trick experimentation. Originally made out of wood, deck rails, known as ‘Grab Rails,’ allowed skaters better control of the board on a ramp or bowl. These rails were thin strips of wood attached to the underside edges of the board.
The rails helped protect the deck itself since it lacked the concave shape of modern designs. Now, they’re more commonly made of plastic to accommodate a smoother slide rather than a skateboard grip and control when performing tricks. Deck rails are a great way to protect your board, preserve graphics, and enhance skateboard durability.
While the most popular material is plastic, metal is also used as a skateboard rail material. You can also find customized deck rails to accommodate your riding style, from heavy-duty rails for maximum protection to lightweight rails for greater flexibility.
02
How skateboard deck rails impact performance
Best skate shoes
© Fred Mortagne/Red Bull Content Pool
The benefits of skateboard rails largely outweigh the cons of this skateboard customization. When experimenting with new tricks, they offer board protection and an easier glide. Using rails can improve the smoothness of boardslides and lipslides, allowing you to go farther and faster, ultimately using less wax on the skating surface. If these aren’t your style, rails can still give you improved grip and control when practicing grab tricks.
Protecting your skateboard deck is essential, especially if you’ve invested in a board with a sick graphic on the underside. Deck rails are a great way to increase your board’s lifespan and keep it looking great no matter how long you’ve been riding it.
03
What are skateboard deck rails made of?
The overwhelming majority of deck rail brands make plastic rails. Metal rails do pop up, though, and over the years, the retro wood style has made an appearance as well. However, with plastic being the most common type, you should consider size and quality when purchasing deck rails. If you’re looking for a higher quality plastic rib, consider ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) rails, a durable plastic that stands up to abrasion.
You can experiment with different rails to find the perfect glide for your board. It’s been said that the thinner the rail, the less abrasion, but the difference is slight. With properly fitting deck rails, you’ll get a safeguard against deck damage, a smoother slide for tricks, and a fun vintage flair. Make sure to double check if your deck rails are secure often, though. One of the downsides to skateboard deck rails is the need to frequently retighten them after installation.
04
Installation guide for skateboard deck rails
Get these skateboarding accessories on your deck in a few simple steps.
- Gather your tools. You’ll need a drill or screwdriver (using a screwdriver can give you a better fit), a pair of deck rails, and screws. The screws should come with the rails.
- Line up your rails vertically. Once you have your rails, line them up vertically along the deck with even spacing between your wheels. The key here is to make sure the rails are centered to avoid the wheels rubbing up against the ribs.
- Line up your rails horizontally. When they look good vertically, check them out from the horizontal perspective. You’ll want them close to the edge of the deck while still relative to the center of the board. This is to ensure you’re sliding on the rails rather than the board when doing tricks. For reference, this is usually one to one and a half inches away from the deck’s edge.
- Attach your rails. Now, it’s time to finish this DIY skateboard modification and screw the rails into the deck. Start with the screws at either end of a rail to get them securely in place. When doing this, make sure you apply enough pressure so the screws sit lower than the rail itself. You don’t want the screws sticking up and getting caught while trying out a trick. Hold the other end of the rail down to keep it steady. Then move down the rail, tightening one screw at a time until your rails are secure.
05
Maintenance and care for skateboard deck rails
Skateboard deck rails are simple to maintain. You’ll look over them often to ensure they’re secure on the board. If you notice any substantial damage to the deck rail functionality, it might be time to replace them. If you want rails that last, go for a higher-quality UHMW material. The lifespan of a deck depends on how well you maintain it — along with the overall quality of the board and its accessories.
To ride with rails or not
Skateboarding is a professional sport, but as Jamie Foy said, it’s also about having fun. Now that you know what skateboard deck rails are, their pros and cons, and how to install them, you can decide for yourself. If you’re looking for a smoother boardslide or a barrier between the bowl and your deck, consider rails. Plus, you can always take them off, or swap them out to experiment with what works best. It’s just you and your board — so have some fun.
