What Is a Skateboard Riser Pad?
A riser pad is a rectangular plastic pad that sits between your deck and your truck baseplate. It has 4 holes that line up with your standard bolt pattern, so installation is exactly the same as mounting trucks without risers — you just have an extra layer in between.
Riser pads come in flat (same thickness throughout) and wedge (thicker on one side) variants. Flat risers add height. Wedge risers change truck geometry. For most beginners, flat risers are all you need.
Do I Need Riser Pads?
You need risers if your wheels touch the deck when you push the nose or tail down firmly by hand. That's wheel bite, and it'll throw you off your board while riding.
Quick test: Place your board on the ground. Grab the nose and push it firmly toward the ground — not a kickflip stomp, just a firm press. Do the same with the tail. If either wheel scrapes or touches the underside of the deck, you have wheel bite.
- Street/park skating, wheels 49–54mm: Usually no risers needed
- All-around, wheels 54–58mm: 1/8" (3mm) risers recommended
- Cruisers, wheels 58mm+: 1/4" (6mm) or more required
- Longboards and big soft wheels: 3/8" (10mm) or more
Flat vs. Wedge Risers
Flat risers are the same thickness everywhere. They push your trucks away from the deck by a uniform amount. The trucks still ride exactly the same — same lean, same turn radius, just more clearance. This is what most people need when they just want to prevent wheel bite.
Wedge risers are thicker on one edge. When installed with the thick edge inward (toward the board center), they tilt the baseplate so the kingpin points more toward center — making the truck turn more aggressively. This is used in surfskate and longboard setups to create a more carvy ride.
If you're not sure which type you need, start with flat. Wedge risers noticeably change how the board turns and can be disorienting if you're not expecting it.
How to Install Riser Pads
- Remove your trucks — unscrew all 8 bolts (4 per truck)
- Place the riser pad flat against the deck, holes aligned with the deck holes
- Place the truck baseplate on top of the riser, holes aligned
- Insert the bolts through the deck, through the riser, and into the baseplate
- Thread the locknuts onto the bolts and tighten evenly
Important: You may need longer bolts. Add the riser thickness to your bolt length. If you were using 7/8" bolts, a 1/4" riser means you need 1-1/8" bolts. Use the Bolt Length Calculator to get the exact length.
Standard Riser Pad Sizes
| Thickness | Common Use | Extra Bolt Length Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8" (3mm) | Street, 52–56mm wheels | +1/8" |
| 3/16" (5mm) | All-around | +3/16" |
| 1/4" (6mm) | Cruiser, 54–60mm | +1/4" |
| 3/8" (10mm) | Large wheels, 60mm+ | +3/8" |
| 1/2" (13mm) | Longboard, 65mm+ | +1/2" |
Can I Make My Own Riser Pads?
Yes — that's exactly what RISER 3D is built for. Design a riser pad at any height, choose the hole pattern (New School, Old School, 8-hole, or slots), and export an STL file ready to 3D print. Print in PETG at 100% infill for a durable outdoor riser. You can also customize the outer shape, add wedge angles, or match a specific thickness that isn't available in standard hardware.
FAQ
Do I need riser pads on my skateboard?
You need riser pads if you have wheel bite — when the wheel touches the deck during turns. Street skaters with small wheels (49–54mm) typically don't need risers. Cruisers and longboards with 56mm+ wheels almost always do.
Do riser pads affect how a skateboard rides?
Flat risers add height without changing truck geometry — the ride feel stays the same. Wedge risers change the effective lean angle of the trucks, which noticeably changes turn response. For beginners, flat risers are recommended.
What size bolts do I need with riser pads?
Add riser thickness to your standard bolt length. If you were using 7/8" bolts, you'll need 1" bolts for a 1/8" riser, or 1-1/8" bolts for a 1/4" riser. Use the RISER 3D Bolt Calculator for exact sizing.