01 / LAMINATION
Proper Glue-Up
Layer orientation, glue coverage, working time and stacking — shown with real production photos.
Read guide →Knowledge from the factory floor
Learn to build a skateboard.
Understand why it works.
Real construction methods, experiments, failures, fixes, geometry and production knowledge from people who manufacture skateboard decks every day.
Featured guide
Inside a proper glue-up.
Coverage. Timing. Layup. Pressure. Squeeze-out.
The Builder's Manual
Start with the process.
02 / PRESSING
Optimal Squeeze-Out
Too little, about right, and excessive squeeze-out — and what the edge of the stack is telling you.
Read guide →03 / EQUIPMENT
DIY Shop Press
A practical Harbor Freight press setup, mold support, modifications and lessons learned.
Read guide →04 / DESIGN
Deck Studio Guide
Turn concave, kicks, wheelbase and pockets into measurable skateboard geometry.
Read guide →Photo Inspiration
Here's what we mean by “show the process.”
These are AI-generated reference boards — not photos from Empire's factory. Use them as a shot list and composition guide when you photograph a real glue-up. The finished site will be strongest when these references are replaced by your actual shop photography.
Builder Lab
Don't just copy the process. Understand the variables.
Concave, kick angle, press force, veneer width, glue timing, springback and mold geometry — explained visually instead of hidden behind industry jargon.
Deck section / exampleBuild Lab 021
Troubleshoot
When the deck goes wrong.
Real problems are often the best way to understand the process.
Builder Stories
Show us what you built.
Garage builders, school projects, independent brands, custom presses and weird experiments. We want to feature people actually making things.
For Educators
Build skateboards in your classroom.
A hands-on project combining design, engineering, woodworking, art and skateboarding.
Powered by Empire
Ready to go from one deck to one hundred?
Learn how the process works here. When building becomes production, Empire can manufacture it.