Snowboarding is a sport that has been steadily growing in popularity. It can be a lot of fun and provide hours of enjoyment. For those new to the sport, learning to make a snowboard may seem like an overwhelming task.
In this article, we will walk through the steps on how to make a snowboard. We will discuss what you need for materials, where to find them, how much it should cost, and some tips on preparing your work area to avoid losing any of the small parts!
Finally, once you finish your board, we’ll cover how to care for it so that it lasts all winter long.
Table of Contents
What is a Snowboard?
A snowboard is a piece of sporting equipment used for sliding on snow during the wintertime.
A person will stand or sit down while using one, and they are usually made out of solid materials like metal, plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber to withstand all of the pressure that comes with riding it at high speeds.
They have four metal edges that grip the snow to help steer and control the board while in use.
Snowboarding is a great way to have winter fun with friends or family. You can even make your our board from scratch! So let’s get started.
Materials Needed to Make a Snowboard
- Snowboard mold (can be bought or made)
- Base material (plywood, MDF, HDF, etc.)
- A core material (foam, wood, metal)
- Fiberglass cloth and resin
- Epoxy glue
- Masking tape
- Sandpaper (180 grit and up)
Optional but recommended:
- Paint
- Wax for the base of your board to make it slide better on snow
Where Can You Find Materials?
Most places will sell the individual parts needed, but if you want a complete set, there are online marketplaces like Amazon, where everything is available at once!
Check your local hardware store if you don’t have access to the internet or feel more comfortable buying things online.
They should have a good selection of materials for you to choose from and the staff can usually help with any questions you may have.
How Much Will It Cost?
Again, this depends on where you get your materials, but as a rough estimate, it should be around $200-300. This price includes the cost of the mold which can be reused for future boards if made correctly.
Process of Making The Board
Prepare Your Work Area
Now that you have all of your materials, it’s time to start assembling them! The most important thing is to set up a workspace where you can quickly lose small parts – we don’t want any accidents.
If you’re working in a garage or shed, try to clear an area big enough for you to work in comfortably. Lay down some newspapers or cardboard to protect the surface, and make sure you have all your tools within reach.
Assemble the Board
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to assemble the board!
Cut the Base Material
The first step is to cut your base material to size. This will be the foundation of your snowboard and will determine its shape and length.
If you’re using a pre-made mold, be sure to follow the instructions closely to cut it out. If you’re making your mold, use a ruler or compass to draw the shape onto your board and use a jigsaw to cut away excess material.
When cutting, remember that you need room around the perimeter of the base material for attaching everything else later on!
You can either leave an inch or so gap all around or have edges sticking over each side – make sure you don’t create any holes in your board.
Attach the Core Material
Next, we need to attach the core material – preferably wood core. This is where you will stand, so it needs to be strong enough to support your weight!
Lay down a layer of fiberglass resin onto the base with a paintbrush and place strips of fiberglass cloth into the wet epoxy resin.
Use epoxy glue to secure them before the resin dries (usually around 20 minutes), and then apply another layer of fiberglass over the top.
Repeat this process until you have a nice, firm core that can’t be dented by pressing your fingers into it!
If you’re using metal for your core, make sure to lay down some plastic cling wrap underneath so you don’t damage the base material.
Assemble the Edges of the Board
While you let the resin dry, we can move on to assembling the edges of our board! Using masking tape and a marker pen, mark out where your metal will go along each side to create four separate sections for maximum grip.
The width should be around an inch or so wider than the core you just made. If it’s too narrow, then your board will be unstable. But if it’s too wide, you’ll have too much room for slippage.
Once the epoxy resin has dried enough so that you can touch it without getting stuck (usually about an hour), carefully remove the fiberglass cloth from around the edges of your base material.
Next, take a metal edge and coat it in a layer of resin and glue before carefully laying it onto the base. You should have enough to cover all four sides but if you need more, make sure not to use too much at once as this will weaken the grip!
Once your metal is firmly stuck down, attach pieces of fiberglass cloth around each edge until they meet up in the center of your board.
Use epoxy glue to hold them together, and if possible, clamp each edge to have a firm bond once dry. Repeat this process on all four sides before trimming off any excess cloth with scissors or wire clippers.
To attach your bindings, drill holes through either side of the board and use screws to fasten them in place. If you’re using a pre-made mold, the holes will already be drilled for you – make sure they’re in the right places!
Finishing Touches
Now that you have assembled your board, it’s time to give it some finishing touches! Paint or decorate it however you like – if you’re using a pre-made mold, then it’ll already be the correct color.
Next up is to attach your bindings! Drill holes through either side of the board and use screws to fasten them in place. If you’re using a pre-made mold, the holes will already be drilled for you – make sure they’re in the right places!
How To Care For Your Snowboard
Once you’re done, your snowboard will last for years to come if it’s properly maintained.
When you store it away between seasons, remove all bindings, so there is no extra weight on top to not damage the base material!
Snowboards should also be cleaned after each season with a soft brush and soapy water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a mixture of one part bleach and ten parts water for an extra deep clean. This will also prevent the growth of bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors!
Make sure to keep your board in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it, and it’ll be good as new for the next time you hit the slopes!
Safety Tips For Riding Your New Board
Snowboards are a great way to get around the slopes, but you should follow some essential safety tips while using them!
For instance, always make sure you appropriately fasten your boots and bindings before going out on your board. If they come loose while riding, it can be dangerous.
Never attempt stunts on your snowboard that are beyond what you’re comfortable with. It’s always better to go slowly and not risk injury!
Make sure never to ride in crowded areas such as busy sidewalks or ski parking lots. Avoid using your board during periods of high traffic like the start or end of the day when everyone is trying to get to and from work or school.
If you’re feeling tired, it’s best not to go out on your board at all. After all, safety should be your number one priority!
Also, always check the weather conditions for high winds and intense snowfall before heading out. It’s not worth risking your safety for a few runs down the hill!
Make sure to keep your board in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it, and it’ll be good as new for the next time you hit the slopes!
If you do fall off or lose control of your board for any reason, tuck it into a ball so that nothing is damaged. This will protect you from serious injuries.
Finally, always check the weather conditions for high winds and intense snowfall to make riding a bit more challenging! Make sure to keep your board in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it, and it’ll be good as new for the next time you hit the slopes!
Final Thoughts on How to Make a Snowboard
Now that your board is all finished, it’s time to hit the slopes and show everyone what you’ve got! Remember, practice makes perfect, so start slowly and work your way up to more complex tricks and maneuvers.
If you need any help with this process or want more information about making snowboards, leave us a comment below. Have fun and be safe out there!
You can check out our article on “The Best Snowboard Mittens With Wrist Guards in 2021: A Complete Buying Guide” for some ideas about what accessories to buy to go with your new board!
