DIY Skateboard Deck Shelf Upcycle

If you have some old skateboard decks that you’re not using anymore lying around the house, or if you’re just looking to give your wall a new look, decks can be the best new update to your home decor in a few easy steps!

Since we’d already parted ways with our old skateboards from back in the day (along with our Walkmen and Tamagotchis from middle school, RIP), we had to get some new (but inexpensive!) decks from Amazon. For this project your skateboard decks need to be completely bare, so make sure that your decks do not have grip tape on them, or if they do have grip tape, go ahead and remove it.

Step 1: First, decide on a fun design! We decided to paint this deck with white borders on both sides, leaving the middle bare. With painter’s tape, we added two diagonal strips of painter’s tape to outline where we wanted to place our design. From there, we added a zig zag pattern to decorate both ends to make them look symmetrical and extra playful. But hey, this is just what we came up with- the design is all up to you!

Step 2: Begin painting your board with the first coat of paint. For this board, we chose white paint to keep it clean and minimal. Based on how colorful you want your board to be, we recommend painting 2 to 3 coats for the color to look smooth on the deck. Let dry between each coat, or if you’re impatient like us, feel free to use a hair dryer to make it dry faster.

Step 3: After the paint has completely dried, carefully remove the painter’s tape and reveal your masterpiece!

Step 4: You can leave the board as is, or of course you can add to the design! As a finishing touch, we added a fine black border to the outline of the zig-zag pattern to make the design pop, and to channel that nostalgic “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” feel. Let the decks dry completely.

Step 5: As you’re letting the boards dry, it is time to spray paint those L-brackets gold! Make sure to spray the entire front part of the bracket that will be visible on the wall. You can even paint the screws for a more uniform look.

Step 6: After the boards and the brackets are completely dry, drill the L-bracket to the deck with a 1/2 inch screw. Keep in mind that the boards are curved from the bottom, so they will not align completely with the L brackets and might wobble a little. As long as you have it drilled securely in between the truck holes, your shelf will be fine. Repeat the same for the other side of the deck, and repeat for any other boards you are shelving. You can also use extra secure wooden shelf supports if you’re going to be placing heavier items on the shelf.

Step 7: Now that your boards are connected to the L-brackets, drill the deck to the wall with a 1-inch wall screw. Make sure that your board is parallel to the ground by using a level (or the level on your iPhone). If you are adding multiple shelves, make sure to keep them at least 1 1/2 inches apart when stacking them on top of one another.
Step 8: Now that your shelves are installed, it’s time to decorate for the ultimate #shelfie moment! Add your favorite books, candles, plants and bowls to your shelf to make it look great. Pro decorating tip: style the shelves in groups of three, so everything looks symmetrical and balanced when looked from afar. Nifty, huh?

And that’s it! Your skateboard wall shelf is ready to be on display! We added some of our favorite knick knacks and past projects here at Makeful, like our DIY gold polkadot glassware, air plant terrarium, water-marbled planters (coming soon!), and handmade canvas art !

If you liked this project, show us how you made it your own by using #BeMakeful on Instagram! Happy DIYing!