Bamboo vs Maple Skateboard

When it comes to skateboards, there are a variety of different materials that can be used for the deck. Two of the most popular options are bamboo vs maple skateboard. Both materials have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to know the difference between them before you make a purchase.

Bamboo skateboards are a newer option on the market. Bamboo is a sustainable material that is growing in popularity due to its eco-friendly properties. Bamboo decks are often lighter than maple decks, which makes them a good choice for street skating. They are also less likely to warp or break than maple decks. However, bamboo decks can be more expensive than maple decks.

Maple skateboards are the traditional option. Maple is a strong and durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Maple decks are often heavier than bamboo decks, which makes them better for tricks and jumps. It can help you in bearing your extra weight.

I hope that the basic confusion will be solved, let’s move down toward the in-depth guide.

What Are Bamboo Skateboards

Bamboo skateboards are the newest and coolest boards made with a new technology that makes them light, durable, and very strong. Special resin and bamboo are used to create these types of skateboards. And this doesn’t only make those boards sturdy but also flexible.

Mostly the upper and bottom layer of the skateboard deck is made with bamboo material. But I have ridden so many boards made with a mixture of bamboo and maple. Even the fiberglass is also been used.

Talk about the deck, The deck is the main part of the skateboard where the rider stands. Bamboo decks are typically constructed by layering thin bamboo veneers together with adhesive. This construction method provides strength, flexibility, and longevity to the deck. And the rider can use the board for even years.

Whenever I ride their board, I enjoyed their strength a lot while performing tricks. Because bamboo is known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, making it sturdy and capable of handling the impact and stress associated with skateboarding tricks. Also, bamboo decks increase overall skateboarding performance because of their flexibility.

Construction:

Bamboo skateboards are made by layering thin bamboo veneers together. These veneers are obtained by cutting or peeling bamboo stalks into thin strips, typically around 1-2 mm in thickness. The bamboo veneers are pressed together and adhesive epoxy glue is applied between each layer.

The bamboo veneers will come in the alternating 90 degrees with their grain direction. Now, the bamboo veneers are pressed through the hydraulic press with higher pressure and then leave the deck for curing and shaping.

Benefits Of Bamboo Skateboards

1- One of the main advantages of bamboo skateboards is their eco-friendliness. Because they are made from a sustainable resource.

2- Bamboo decks tend to be stronger and more durable. They can withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding, making them suitable for various skateboarding styles and terrains.

3- These skateboards are often lighter, which can be advantageous for performing tricks that require more control and agility.

4- The flexibility of bamboo decks can provide a smoother ride, absorb impact better, and reduce strain on the rider’s joints during landings.

Drawbacks Of Bamboo Skateboards

1- Bamboo skateboards can be more expensive. The cost of manufacturing bamboo decks and their eco-friendly appeal may result in higher price points.

What Are Maple Skateboards

Maple skateboards are skateboards that have their decks constructed primarily from maple wood. Maple is a hardwood known for its strength, durability, and popularity in skateboard manufacturing. The majority of traditional skateboards are made from multiple layers of maple veneers, which are glued together and compressed to create a sturdy and reliable deck.

Construction:

The deck of a maple skateboard is made from thin layers of maple wood, typically 7 to 9 plies. These veneers are obtained by slicing or peeling the maple logs into thin sheets. The maple veneers are stacked together with each layer’s grain direction alternating 90 degrees from the previous one. This cross-grain lamination is crucial for enhancing the deck’s strength and preventing it from splitting or delaminating during use.

High-quality adhesive, such as epoxy resin or water-resistant wood glue, is used to bond the maple veneers together. The entire assembly is then placed into a hydraulic press and subjected to intense pressure and heat. This pressing process ensures a strong and solid bond between the veneers.

Once the deck is pressed, it is cut into the desired shape and size for different skateboarding styles. The shapes can vary, ranging from traditional popsicle shapes for street and park skateboarding to various longboard shapes for cruising and downhill riding.

Benefits of Maple Skateboards

1- Maple wood is renowned for its strength and toughness, making maple skateboards highly durable and capable of withstanding the impacts and stresses of skateboarding tricks and maneuvers.

2- Maple decks are known for their excellent “pop,” which refers to the deck’s ability to snap back after being flexed. The strong and springy nature of maple wood provides skateboarders with the right amount of pop necessary for performing tricks like ollies and kickflips.

3- The cross-grain lamination of maple veneers provides stability to the deck, reducing the likelihood of warping or twisting during use. This stability contributes to a more predictable ride and better control over the skateboard.

4- Maple skateboards are generally more affordable compared to decks made from alternative materials like bamboo or carbon fiber.

5- These material skateboards are widely available and you can get them from anywhere even your nearby skateboarding shop.

Drawbacks Of Maple Skateboards

1- The primary drawback of maple skateboards lies in the environmental impact of using hardwood trees.

2- These are slightly heavier as well if we talk about other material skateboards like bamboo.

Differences Between Bamboo And Maple Skateboards

The differences between bamboo and maple skateboards lie in their construction materials, properties, environmental impact, and performance characteristics.

Let’s explore them all step by step:

Bamboo skateboards have decks made from bamboo, a type of grass that is a rapidly renewable resource. Bamboo veneers are layered and bonded together to form the deck. On the other hand, Maple skateboards are made of multiple layers of maple wood veneers.

Bamboo is considered a more environmentally friendly option as it is a rapidly renewable resource. While the Maple comes from hardwood trees that take a longer time to mature.

Bamboo is known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and provides higher flex for smooth riding. While Maple skateboards are renowned for their strength and durability with excellent “pop” for better tricks experience.

Bamboo skateboard decks are generally lighter and easy to carry while maple decks are slightly heavier than bamboo decks.

Bamboo decks often feature a natural grain pattern that provides a distinct and appealing aesthetic. But the Maple deck lacks the natural grain pattern.

Bamboo skateboards are more expensive than Maple skateboards.

The performance of bamboo skateboards can vary depending on the specific construction and quality of the bamboo used. Lower-quality bamboo decks may not offer the same level of performance as high-quality maple decks.

Maple decks, when made by reputable manufacturers, provide consistent and reliable performance across various skateboarding styles.

FAQs

Conclusion

The choice between bamboo vs maple skateboards boils down to individual preferences, skateboarding style, and environmental considerations. Bamboo skateboards offer several advantages, such as their eco-friendliness and sustainability. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, making it an environmentally conscious choice for skateboarders who want to reduce their impact on natural forests. Bamboo decks also provide a degree of flexibility, absorbing impact and delivering a smoother ride, which can be beneficial for executing tricks and landings.

On the other hand, maple skateboards have long been the industry standard and are widely used by skateboarders worldwide. Maple is renowned for its strength, durability, and excellent pop, making it a reliable choice for various skateboarding styles, especially those that require snap and responsiveness. While bamboo decks may be more expensive compared to maple decks due to the cost of the bamboo material and eco-friendly manufacturing. The investment may be worth it for skateboarders who prioritize sustainability and seek a distinct aesthetic.

Ultimately, the performance of both bamboo and maple skateboards can vary depending on the specific construction and quality of the deck, rather than the material alone. Skateboarders should consider their preferences, budget, and the availability of options in the market when making their decision.