I love discovering artists that make beautiful things out old, broken stuff like a skateboard. One of the reasons that make skateboards ideal for recycling or upcycling is because they are made out of sturdy wood. You can be sure that whatever object it is transformed into, it is bound to last a long time performing its new purpose. The colorful wood veneer lends that touch of fun, a bit of quirkiness to the design as well. And the story that has become a part of the skateboard for when it was in its original state adds to its uniqueness.
If skateboarding happens to be your passion, you may find yourself drawn to these well-crafted pieces simply because of what they are made from. I personally am not a skateboarder, but I think I’ve found some really interesting pieces, not only because they look great, but a lot of these are both functional and decorative at the same time.
The Stackton Credenza from AdrianMartinus is the Grand Prize Winner in this year’s Etsy Design Awards. It features horizontally sliding tambour doors made from upcycled skateboard, and adjustable shelves. Apart from furniture, the design studio from Alberta, Canada also offers home wares and decor – all made by hand from a mix of hardwoods and repurposed skateboards.
This pencil holder can be used to hold all kinds of writing utensils, and also takes advantage of the multi-colored veneer from a discarded skateboard. Get it from Drawback Clothing (Boston, Massachusetts)
Looking for a unique accent to a bare wall? This large gray sperm whale may just be what you’re looking for. Cut into shape from a full Canadian Maple recycled skateboard blank, and the flexible fin is made from recycled Virginia state license plate. From RockinDBrand (Stafford, Virginia)
Wheelbite Toys from Portland, Oregon sells toys crafted from broken skateboards such as these colourful snails with articulated necks. They also have dinosaurs, racing cars, and spin tops.
French shop, 7PLIS offers a wide range of accessories that incorporate recycled skateboard – from cufflinks, sunglasses, watches, and others. This USB flash drive features a colored maple skateboard holder.
Board Thing is a shop from Krakow, Poland that is focused on making good things out of old skateboards. These rings are a combo of silver and wood. The inside contains four colorful layers of Canadian maple recycled skateboard.
How cool is this cable stop to keep your gadget cables out of sight from scene3designs? Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, they make all kinds of handy things to keep your desk clutter-free, using rescued skateboards.
Skate Betty is from Winnipeg, Canada, making adorable bling out of recycled skateboard. These rings feature the original design of the boards, cut and mounted on a sturdy silver plated adjustable ring base.
Vennuck Skate Crafts from Puerto Rico is another shop focused on repurposing broken skateboards and other types of reclaimed timber. This planter is made from a mix of reclaimed woods – including recycled skateboard.
Do you have a skateboard that’s broke and no longer serving its purpose. If you’re done with it, don’t just throw it out. Check if you can find an artist in your local area who can turn your skateboard into something new again, for you or for others to enjoy.