Whether it's your kid's worn-out skateboard or a relic from your own skating days, don't toss it in the trash. Old skateboards can be upcycled into unique, eye-catching shelves that add character to any room.
As a former avid skater, I recently transformed my old boards into functional shelves—and honestly, my walls appreciate them more than my feet ever did. Here's how I did it in just a few straightforward steps.
- 1 or more disused skateboards.
- 2 metal brackets per skateboard.
- A dozen screws: longer ones for the wall and shorter ones to avoid piercing the board.
- Wall anchors (dowels).
- Drill/driver.
- Hair dryer.
1. If the skateboard is complete, detach the wooden deck from the trucks (the metal parts holding the wheels) using a Phillips screwdriver and a pipe wrench.
2. Remove the grip tape (the sticky top layer) with a hair dryer and a plastic scraper, leaving just the clean wooden deck.
3. Get creative with decoration: painting, collaging—the options are endless. I started by roughly sanding the boards to brighten them up, then applied vinyl glue and covered the top with a patchwork of newspaper clippings.
4. For mounting, drill holes in the wall at the correct spacing using the brackets as a guide. Secure the brackets to the wall with longer screws and anchors, then attach the skateboard deck with shorter screws. For detailed wall-mounting tips and hardware advice, check our guide here.
This simple project is perfect for recycling skateboards, and kids can join in too. What do you think? Share your own upcycling ideas or experiences in the comments below.
