Last updated: · By Stanislav Arnautov · Berlin
Quick answer
Skateboard wall art is a full-size skateboard deck (typically 85 × 20 cm) hung on a wall as decorative art — not a miniature, not a frame, not a replica toy. The decks are made from Grade-A Canadian maple, printed with UV archival inks, and hung on the wall using hardware. They are warmer, more material, and more culturally specific than a canvas print. DeckArts Berlin from ~$140.
Skateboard wall art is the use of full-size skateboard decks — the wooden boards that form the riding surface of a skateboard — as wall-mounted decorative objects displaying art, photography, or graphic design. Unlike miniature decorative skateboards or skateboard-shaped frames, skateboard wall art uses actual full-size decks (typically 85 cm tall and 20 cm wide) in their correct dimensions, hung vertically on a wall using wall anchors or display brackets. DeckArts Berlin makes skateboard wall art featuring classical masterworks — Van Gogh, Klimt, Hokusai, Rembrandt, Botticelli, and others — on Grade-A Canadian maple, from approximately $140 per deck.
What Skateboard Wall Art Is
A skateboard wall art piece is a skateboard deck that has been printed with an image — a work of art, a photograph, a graphic design, or an original illustration — and is intended to be displayed on a wall rather than ridden. The deck is a functional object repurposed as a display object: it has all the structural and material properties of a rideable deck (Grade-A maple, 7-ply laminate, correct dimensions and concave profile) but is treated with UV archival print inks rather than functional grip tape on its riding surface, and is mounted on a wall rather than assembled with trucks and wheels.
The skateboard deck as a display surface has a 50-year history in visual culture. From the early 1970s, when skateboard companies began commissioning artists to design deck graphics, the deck evolved into a legitimate canvas for visual art. Artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Shepard Fairey, and Takashi Murakami have all produced skateboard deck art editions. The DeckArts proposition inverts this tradition: instead of contemporary art on a deck (the skateboard industry's standard programme), DeckArts places classical masterworks on the same Grade-A Canadian maple substrate.
The result is a wall art format that is: materially specific (warm amber maple grain, not a white canvas or a white frame); culturally specific (the skateboard deck format carries 50 years of visual art history alongside its athletic function); format-specific (85 × 20 cm vertical, a proportionally unusual format that creates a distinctive compositional crop of classical paintings); and technically durable (7-ply cross-grain laminate, UV archival inks, 100+ years lightfastness).
What Size Is a Skateboard Deck?
A standard full-size skateboard deck is approximately 85 cm tall (33–34 inches) and 20 cm wide (7.75–8 inches). DeckArts decks are this standard size: 85 cm × 20 cm per single deck. The deck has a slight concave profile (the board curves slightly upward along its width, which is a structural feature of skateboard manufacturing) and has a slightly raised nose and tail (the ends of the board curve upward slightly). When displayed on a wall, the board hangs in its natural vertical orientation, with the nose at the top and the tail at the bottom.
The 85 × 20 cm format is a highly specific and unusual format for wall art: most wall art formats are wider than they are tall (landscape) or roughly square. The skateboard deck format is extremely tall and narrow — an aspect ratio of approximately 4.25:1. This creates a compositional constraint and a compositional opportunity: classical paintings must be cropped to fit the deck's format, and the crop is a specific editorial choice that concentrates the composition's most visually significant element into a narrow vertical format.
The specific visual impact of the narrow vertical format on a wall: a single deck at 20 cm wide is visually quiet on a wall, creating a concentrated accent rather than a dominant architectural element. A triptych of three decks at approximately 70 cm wide (including gaps) creates a more substantial horizontal installation. The format's scalability — from single deck to multi-deck gallery — allows the installation to be calibrated precisely to the wall and furniture dimensions.
What Material: Canadian Maple and UV Archival Print
DeckArts skateboard wall art is made from Grade-A Canadian maple (Acer saccharum, sugar maple) in a 7-ply cross-grain laminate — the same construction used in professional-grade rideable skateboard decks. The specific properties of this material that make it superior to canvas or paper for wall art applications:
Hardness: Janka hardness approximately 1,450 lbf (pounds-force) — among the hardest commercially available North American hardwoods. A DeckArts deck resists dents and scratches from normal domestic contact that would damage softer substrates.
Dimensional stability: The 7-ply cross-grain laminate is approximately 90% more dimensionally stable than solid wood, with approximately 0.3–0.5% dimensional change per 10% relative humidity change. This makes it suitable for rooms with humidity variation, including bathrooms, without the warping, cracking, or peeling that affects canvas and paper prints in humid environments.
Warm amber grain: The Canadian maple's specific warm amber colour (approximately 2,800–3,200K colour temperature) is visible at the deck's edges and subtly beneath the UV archival print. The warm grain participates in the room's material palette as a warm organic element — more similar to warm oak furniture than to a white canvas or white frame.
The UV archival print uses UV-curable pigment inks printed directly onto the maple surface and cured by ultraviolet light (photopolymerisation). The inks are rated at ASTM I lightfastness — expected to retain at least 90% of initial density for 100+ years under standard indoor illumination. The UV curing process bonds the inks chemically to the maple surface; the print does not peel, crack, or fade under normal domestic conditions.
Formats: Single, Diptych, Triptych, Gallery
DeckArts skateboard wall art is available in multiple formats, each created by combining multiple decks side by side with standard 15 cm gaps between adjacent decks:
| Format | Decks | Approx. width | Approx. height | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 1 | 20 cm | 85 cm | Accent, hallway, bedside, bathroom | ~$140 |
| Diptych | 2 | ~45 cm | 85 cm | Small sofas (90–120 cm), compact rooms | ~$230 |
| Triptych | 3 | ~70 cm | 85 cm | Standard sofas (120–160 cm), primary walls | ~$310 |
| 4-deck gallery | 4 | ~95 cm | 85 cm | Large sofas (160–200 cm) | ~$430 |
| 5-deck gallery | 5 | ~120 cm | 85 cm | XL sofas, large walls | ~$560 |
Each format displays a different section or width of the original artwork's composition, cropped to fit the deck format's proportions. The DeckArts editorial team makes specific crop decisions for each work and each format to maximise compositional impact in the deck format.
Skateboard Wall Art vs Canvas Print: The Key Differences
| Element | Skateboard wall art (DeckArts) | Canvas print (standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate | 7-ply Canadian maple laminate, Janka ~1,450 lbf | Cotton/polyester canvas stretched over pine frame |
| Surface | Smooth maple with warm amber grain visible | Canvas weave texture visible through print |
| Dimensional stability | ~90% more stable than solid wood; bathroom-suitable | Canvas and frame move with humidity; corners sag over time |
| Print permanence | UV archival, ASTM I, 100+ years | Varies widely; often 25–75 years for pigment, less for dye |
| Material warmth | Warm amber maple grain (~2,800–3,200K colour temperature) | Neutral canvas; warmth depends on frame choice |
| Format | Vertical 85 × 20 cm per deck; scalable to gallery | Any standard format (landscape, portrait, square) |
| Cultural context | 50 years of skateboard deck art history; culturally specific object | Neutral decorative format; no specific cultural context |
| Installation | Stainless hardware included; 5 minutes per deck | Sawtooth hangers or D-rings; typically 5–10 minutes |
| Price | ~$140 per single deck | ~$30–$300 depending on size and quality |
Where to Hang a Skateboard Deck on a Wall
Above the sofa (primary living room position): The most common skateboard wall art installation. Single deck for compact sofas (90–120 cm); diptych or triptych for standard sofas (120–160 cm). Centre height at 155–165 cm from the floor (standard for all domestic wall art). Gap between sofa back and art bottom: 15–20 cm. The narrow vertical format of the single deck creates a quiet concentrated accent above the sofa; the triptych creates a more architecturally scaled installation.
Above the bed (primary bedroom position): Single deck or diptych above the bed. Centre height at 165–170 cm from the floor, or 15–20 cm above the headboard top — whichever is higher. The deck's narrow format suits the above-bed space well: it is not so wide as to compete with the bed's horizontal expanse, and not so small as to appear lost on the wall.
Hallway: Single deck on a narrow hallway wall. The 20 cm width fits most hallway walls without crowding, and the vertical format suits the hallway's typically narrow proportions. At 50–80 cm viewing distance in a hallway, the single deck's detail is visible at close range.
Bathroom: Single deck on the wall beside or facing the washbasin. The 7-ply maple laminate is more moisture-stable than canvas or paper; the UV archival ink layer is water vapour resistant. Install away from direct water spray.
Home office / study: Single deck above or facing the desk. The deck's narrow vertical format suits the typical dimensions of a home office wall above a desk (often 60–80 cm wide). The concentrated compositional crop of the classical work creates a focused intellectual ambient.
How to Hang a Skateboard Deck: Step by Step
DeckArts decks arrive with stainless steel wall anchor hardware included. Installation takes approximately 5 minutes per deck.
Tools needed: Pencil, tape measure, spirit level (or phone level app), drill with appropriate bit for wall type (masonry, plasterboard, or wood stud), screwdriver.
Step 1: Determine hanging height. Measure 155–165 cm from the floor (standard art centre height) and mark with pencil. For above-furniture installations, also measure the furniture height and calculate the gap (target: 15–20 cm between furniture top and art bottom).
Step 2: Mark the wall anchor position. The DeckArts deck's wall hardware attaches at a specific point near the top of the deck; this point is documented in the included installation guide. Measure from your target centre height to locate the anchor position above centre.
Step 3 (for multi-deck formats): Mark all anchor positions with a spirit level to ensure the decks are horizontally aligned. For a triptych, mark three anchor positions with 15 cm gaps between the deck edges (i.e., 15 cm + 20 cm deck width = 35 cm centre-to-centre spacing between adjacent deck anchors, or 35 cm measured between anchor centres).
Step 4: Drill anchor holes and install wall anchors appropriate for your wall type (plastic rawlplugs for masonry, toggle bolts for hollow plasterboard, direct into wood stud). The stainless hardware is corrosion-resistant and suitable for bathroom installations.
Step 5: Hang the deck(s). The DeckArts hardware uses a hook system: the deck's rear hardware hooks onto the wall anchor, allowing the deck to hang flush against the wall without visible mounting hardware. Adjust to vertical using a spirit level or phone level app.
Which Rooms Suit Skateboard Wall Art
Skateboard wall art works in every domestic room. The specific considerations by room:
Living room: Triptych or larger above the sofa for the primary wall statement. The vertical deck format creates a gallery-like installation that is more physically present and more culturally specific than a canvas print. Works especially well in contemporary, Japandi, Scandinavian, and dark academia living rooms.
Bedroom: Single deck or diptych above the bed. The warm maple grain is specifically compatible with the warm-neutral palette of most bedrooms. The narrow format doesn't dominate the room but provides a concentrated artistic presence.
Home office: Single deck above or facing the desk. The skateboard deck's cultural context — associated with creative practice, active culture, and independent artistic production — suits the home office ambient of creative or professional work.
Bathroom: Single deck, moisture-stable. One of the few wall art formats that is reliably bathroom-suitable without special treatment.
Hallway: Single deck, vertical format suits narrow spaces. The threshold position creates specific ambient arguments (the Medusa as threshold guardian, the Pearl Earring as the face you see leaving and entering).
Kitchen: Single deck, away from the cooker (heat and grease proximity). The Milkmaid or Birth of Venus for the kitchen: works with domestic culinary contexts.
Nursery: Single deck, Van Gogh Almond Blossom, warm white wall. The upward-looking composition designed for a baby in a crib.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
When buying skateboard wall art, the five most important quality indicators:
1. Substrate quality: Grade-A Canadian maple 7-ply cross-grain laminate. Not MDF, not pine, not composite board. The maple laminate is the correct substrate for wall art applications; cheaper alternatives warp, dent, and fade. Ask the seller to confirm the wood species and ply count.
2. Print permanence: UV archival pigment inks, ASTM I lightfastness rated. Not standard inkjet, not dye-based inks, not solvent inks. Only UV archival pigment inks provide 100+ year lightfastness. Ask for the ink specification.
3. Correct deck size: A full-size skateboard deck is approximately 85 cm tall × 20 cm wide. "Mini" or "display" decks at 30–45 cm are not the same object — they are scaled-down decorative objects, not full-size decks with the full structural and material properties of a professional deck.
4. Installation hardware included: Wall anchors and screws should be included. Stainless steel is preferable (corrosion-resistant for bathroom installations and longevity). Some cheaper products ship without hardware, requiring the buyer to source their own mounting solution.
5. Return policy: A 30-day return policy is the standard for any reputable wall art retailer. DeckArts offers 30-day returns on all orders.
FAQ
What is skateboard wall art?
Skateboard wall art is a full-size skateboard deck (approximately 85 × 20 cm) printed with art, photography, or graphic design and hung on a wall as a decorative object. Unlike miniature display skateboards or skateboard-shaped frames, skateboard wall art uses actual full-size professional-quality decks — Grade-A Canadian maple 7-ply laminate — with UV archival print inks. DeckArts Berlin produces skateboard wall art featuring classical masterworks (Van Gogh, Klimt, Hokusai, Rembrandt, and others) from approximately $140 per single deck.
How big is a skateboard wall art piece?
A single skateboard deck is approximately 85 cm tall × 20 cm wide (33 × 8 inches). This is the standard full-size deck format. Multiple decks combined side by side create larger installations: diptych (2 decks, ~45 cm wide), triptych (3 decks, ~70 cm wide), 4-deck gallery (~95 cm wide). All are 85 cm tall. The narrow vertical format is one of the most distinctive visual properties of skateboard wall art. DeckArts from ~$140 single to ~$430 4-deck.
Is skateboard wall art the same as a canvas print?
No. Skateboard wall art uses a 7-ply Canadian maple laminate substrate (Janka hardness ~1,450 lbf, 90% more dimensionally stable than solid wood) with UV archival pigment inks (ASTM I, 100+ years). A canvas print uses cotton or polyester canvas stretched over pine frame, typically with shorter-lived inks. The skateboard deck's warm amber grain is visible at the edges and beneath the print; a canvas print has a neutral canvas weave surface. The deck format (85 × 20 cm vertical) is specific to skateboard culture; canvas comes in standard formats without specific cultural context. DeckArts from ~$140.
Can skateboard wall art go in a bathroom?
Yes. DeckArts skateboard wall art is suitable for bathrooms. The 7-ply Canadian maple cross-grain laminate has approximately 90% more dimensional stability than solid wood — normal bathroom humidity cycling (40–90% RH) causes negligible dimensional change (~0.015–0.025 cm width change for a 20 cm wide deck). The UV archival ink layer is water vapour resistant. The stainless steel wall hardware is corrosion-resistant. Install on an adjacent wall, not directly above the shower. DeckArts from ~$140.
How do you hang skateboard wall art?
DeckArts decks arrive with stainless steel wall hardware included. Mark the wall anchor position (art centre at 155–165 cm from floor for standard rooms), drill and install appropriate wall anchor for your wall type, hook the deck onto the anchor. Approximately 5 minutes per deck. For multi-deck installations (diptych, triptych), use a spirit level to align anchor positions horizontally before drilling. Gap between adjacent decks: 15 cm between edges (35 cm between anchor centres). DeckArts from ~$140.
Article Summary
Skateboard wall art: full-size skateboard decks (~85 × 20 cm) printed with art and hung as wall decor. Not miniature toys or skateboard-shaped frames — actual professional-quality decks. DeckArts material: Grade-A Canadian maple 7-ply cross-grain laminate (Janka ~1,450 lbf, ~90% more stable than solid wood) with UV archival pigment inks (ASTM I, 100+ years). Formats: single (~$140, 20 cm), diptych (~$230, ~45 cm), triptych (~$310, ~70 cm), 4-deck (~$430, ~95 cm), 5-deck (~$560, ~120 cm). vs canvas print: more dimensionally stable, warmer material (maple grain ~2,800–3,200K), UV archival vs typically shorter-lived inks, culturally specific format vs neutral canvas. Rooms: living room (triptych above sofa), bedroom (single/diptych above bed), home office (single above/facing desk), bathroom (moisture-stable), hallway (single, narrow format suits space). How to hang: included hardware, 5 minutes/deck, 155–165 cm centre height, 15–20 cm gap above furniture, 35 cm between deck anchor centres for multi-deck. Buying guide: Grade-A maple 7-ply (not MDF/pine), UV archival pigment inks (not inkjet/dye), full-size (~85 cm, not mini), stainless hardware included, 30-day return. DeckArts Berlin. Ships worldwide.
About the Author
Stanislav Arnautov is the founder of DeckArts and a creative director originally from Ukraine, now based in Berlin. With experience in branding, merchandise design and vector graphics, Stanislav connects classical art, skateboard culture and contemporary interior design through premium skateboard wall art.
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