Three months ago, I watched my neighbor carry a $180 "premium skateboard display system" into his apartment. Two weeks later, I spotted the same unopened box sitting by the trash room with a note taped to it: "Free—I'm just using command strips now."
That box haunted me for days. Here was this beautifully engineered piece of furniture, rejected in favor of $8 worth of adhesive strips. It made me realize something: the skateboard rack industry has a serious problem. They're either selling you overpriced solutions you dont need, or cheap garbage that falls apart after a month.
So I spent the last three months testing everything from $12 IKEA newspaper holders to $300 custom oak systems. I ruined two walls in my apartment, built four different IKEA hacks, and interviewed collectors who've been displaying boards for decades. Heres what actually works.
Why Most Skateboard Racks Fail (And What to Look For Instead)
Before we get into specific recommendations, you need to understand why most skateboard racks are terrible. The problem isnt that they're badly made—its that they're designed for the wrong use case.
Most commercial skateboard racks are designed for skate shops or garages where you're storing functional boards you actually ride. They prioritize density (how many boards can you cram in) over aesthetics. The hooks are too close together, the mounting hardware is industrial and ugly, and they assume you're hanging beat-up street decks, not Renaissance art.
When you're displaying skateboard art—especially high-quality pieces like DeckArts Renaissance collections—you need something completely different. Your rack needs to:
- Give each board enough breathing room (minimum 8-10 inches between pieces)
- Use mounting hardware that doesnt overshadow the art
- Allow for easy swapping when you want to rotate your display
- Support the weight of quality maple decks without sagging
- Look intentional, not like garage storage that accidentally ended up in your living room
With that framework in mind, lets look at what actually works.
The Budget Winner: IKEA Hacks That Actually Look Good
I'm going to save you dozens of hours of research: for most people, the best skateboard display solution costs between $12 and $35 at IKEA. You just have to know which products to hack.
According to Architectural Digest's comprehensive guide to IKEA hacks, the Kallax shelving unit is the most "hackable" piece of IKEA furniture, with 119 documented modifications. But for skateboard display, Kallax is actually overkill. Youre better off with simpler solutions.
Hack #1: The Newspaper Holder Method (My Top Pick)
The IKEA Kvissle newspaper wall rack costs $12.99 and holds one skateboard perfectly. The wire basket design creates an industrial-minimalist look that works in modern interiors, and the open design lets you see the full deck graphic.
I have three of these mounted in my hallway displaying my Botticelli and Caravaggio decks, and guests consistently ask where I got the "custom display system." When I tell them its newspaper holders from IKEA, they dont believe me.
Installation tips:
- Space them 16-18 inches apart (center to center) for visual balance
- Mount at 60 inches from floor to center of holder (standard gallery height)
- Use the provided screws—they're surprisingly robust
- Line up multiple racks with a laser level for a professional look
Pros: Cheap, looks intentional, easy to install, can add or remove holders as your collection grows
Cons: Wire design might not suit all interior styles, holds only one board per unit
Hack #2: The Pot Lid Holder Transformation
This one sounds ridiculous until you see it. The IKEA Variera pot lid organizer ($6.99) can be mounted sideways on a wall to create individual skateboard slots. I tested this in my studio, and it works shockingly well for horizontal displays.
The key is mounting multiple units in a row to create a gallery wall effect. I used five Variera holders spaced 12 inches apart to display a horizontal sequence of decks, and the result looks like a $400 custom shelving system.
Installation tips:
- Mount with the open side facing up for horizontal board display
- Add small felt pads to the metal edges to prevent graphic scratching
- Use wall anchors rated for 20+ lbs—these things get heavy with real maple decks
Pros: Incredibly cheap, super versatile, creates a unique look
Cons: Requires some DIY confidence, metal finish might not match all aesthetics
Hack #3: The Picture Ledge Gallery
The IKEA Mosslanda picture ledge ($9.99) wasnt designed for skateboards, but it might be the most elegant solution I tested. These slim shelves hold boards horizontally with just the wheels touching the ledge, creating a "floating" effect.
This works especially well for Renaissance art boards where you want the full graphic visible. I use this method in my bedroom for my Girl with a Pearl Earring diptych, and it looks museum-quality.
Installation tips:
- Use the 45-inch length for single boards, the 75-inch length for multiple boards
- Mount with a very slight upward tilt (use a shim) to keep boards from sliding
- Stack multiple ledges at different heights for a dynamic display
Pros: Sleek and minimal, shows off full graphics, affordable, easy to rearrange
Cons: Boards can slide if bumped, might need additional securing method for high-traffic areas
Mid-Range Solutions: When You Want Something More Polished
IKEA hacks are great, but sometimes you want something that looks finished right out of the box. In the $50-150 range, theres actually some decent stuff if you know where to look.
The Home Depot 5-Layer Mount ($89)
The Angel Sar 5-Layer Wall Mount (available at Home Depot) is the best "ready-made" solution I tested under $100. Its a black metal rack system that holds up to five boards vertically, with individual hooks spaced far enough apart that graphics dont overlap.
What makes this one work is the adjustable hook system. You can configure it for different board widths and even mix in some horizontal displays. I used this in my home office for a rotating selection of boards, and its held up perfectly for three months of regular swapping.
Key features:
- Holds 5 standard-width decks comfortably (or 3 with generous spacing)
- Matte black finish works with most interiors
- Comes with all mounting hardware and drywall anchors
- Individual hooks can be removed for custom configurations
Installation reality check: Despite what the instructions say, you absolutely need to hit at least one stud. I tried the drywall anchors alone, and after two weeks the whole thing started pulling away from the wall. Find a stud, use 3-inch wood screws, thank me later.
Custom Wood Mounts from Local Makers ($60-120)
This is where it gets interesting. Local woodworkers on platforms like Reddit's r/woodworking or local maker spaces often create custom skateboard mounts for way less than you'd expect. I commissioned a simple oak mount from a local carpenter for $75, and it's nicer than anything I found commercially for under $200.
The advantage here is customization. Want it to match your existing furniture? Want specific spacing for a triptych display? Want it stained to match your baseboards? A local maker can do all of that.
I found my carpenter through a local Facebook maker group, showed him photos of what I wanted, and had a custom three-board horizontal display rack two weeks later. Total cost: $75 plus $20 for staining.
Premium Options: When Budget Isnt a Concern
Look, Im going to be honest: most premium skateboard racks aren't worth it. But there are a few situations where spending $200+ makes sense.
When Premium Makes Sense
You should consider premium racks if:
- You're displaying valuable limited-edition boards (investment pieces over $500 each)
- You're creating a permanent gallery installation in a dedicated space
- You need a system that can handle 10+ boards with museum-quality presentation
- Youre willing to pay for integrated lighting systems
In these cases, custom-built systems from companies specializing in sports memorabilia display can be worth the investment. But for most collectors—even serious ones—you're better off with multiple well-executed IKEA hacks than one expensive premium system.
The Hidden Storage Approach
Here's an alternative that almost nobody considers: built-in storage that doubles as display. According to The New York Times' feature on hidden storage solutions, interior designers are increasingly focusing on custom storage that serves multiple purposes.
I applied this concept by building a shallow wall cabinet (8 inches deep) with glass doors that displays boards while protecting them from dust and UV damage. This cost about $200 in materials, but it looks like $2,000 worth of custom millwork. Plus, it adds actual resale value to my apartment, unlike wall-mounted racks.
What I Actually Use (My Current Setup)
After testing everything, here's what I landed on for different rooms in my apartment:
Living room: Three IKEA Kvissle newspaper holders displaying my rotating favorites. Currently showing Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Vermeer. Cost: $39 + installation.
Bedroom: Two IKEA Mosslanda picture ledges stacked at different heights, holding four boards horizontally. Creates a really cool asymmetric gallery wall. Cost: $20 + installation.
Home office: The Home Depot Angel Sar 5-layer system holding my work-in-progress collection and boards I'm considering rotating into the main displays. Cost: $89.
Hallway: Custom oak three-board horizontal mount from local carpenter. This is my "showpiece" displaying my most valuable boards. Cost: $95 including staining.
Total investment: $243 for displaying 14 boards across four rooms. Compare that to buying commercial "skateboard display systems" at $50-100 per board, and I saved over $400 while creating something that looks significantly better.
Common Mistakes That'll Ruin Your Display
Mistake #1: Mounting too high
I see this constantly. People mount skateboard racks at 72+ inches (6 feet) from the floor because they think it maximizes wall space. But this puts your boards above natural sight lines, making them feel like decoration you're trying to hide near the ceiling. Mount your center board at 60 inches from floor—the same height galleries use for art. Trust me on this.
Mistake #2: Ignoring weight distribution
Quality maple skateboards are heavy—real heavy. A Renaissance art board from DeckArts weighs 2-3 pounds, and the weight is all at one end (the trucks). If you're using drywall anchors alone, you need ones rated for at least 20 lbs per board. I learned this the hard way when a rack full of boards crashed down at 2 AM.
Mistake #3: No spacing strategy
Random spacing looks chaotic. Either go perfectly even (16-18 inches center-to-center) for a clean gallery look, or use intentional asymmetry with a clear rhythm. The worst look is "sort of even but not quite" spacing that reads as sloppy.
Mistake #4: Fighting your architecture
If you have 8-foot ceilings, dont try to create a floor-to-ceiling board display. If you have narrow walls, dont try to fit five boards in a row. Work with your space's proportions. Sometimes less is more. For more on this, check out my earlier article on horizontal versus vertical display psychology.
Mistake #5: Neglecting lighting
Even the most beautiful skateboard art looks mediocre in bad lighting. You dont need expensive gallery lights—a couple of $15 LED picture lights or some well-placed track lighting makes a massive difference. I cover this extensively in my guide to skateboard art lighting.
The "Just Starting Out" Recommendation
If you're reading this and feeling overwhelmed, heres exactly what to do if you're just starting to display skateboard art:
Step 1: Go to IKEA and buy three Kvissle newspaper holders ($39 total). These work for 90% of people.
Step 2: Find a wall with at least 60 inches of horizontal space. Measure 60 inches up from the floor and mark it with a pencil.
Step 3: Mount the first holder at your mark. Then mount the second one 18 inches to the right (or left), and the third one 18 inches from that.
Step 4: Put your three favorite boards in the holders. Step back. Admire your new gallery wall.
That's it. You now have a better-looking display than 80% of skateboard collectors, and you spent less than $40. As your collection grows, you can add more holders, try other IKEA hacks, or eventually invest in custom solutions.
But start simple. The neighbor with the abandoned $180 system in the trash room? He overcomplicated it. The guy using command strips who's still happily displaying boards three months later? He kept it simple and figured out what worked for his space.
Final Thoughts: Good Design Beats Expensive Systems
The skateboard rack industry wants you to believe you need their $200 "precision-engineered mounting systems." But after three months of testing, I can tell you with certainty: thoughtful use of $15 IKEA products beats expensive dedicated racks almost every time.
The key is understanding what you're actually trying to achieve. You're not storing functional skateboards—you're displaying art. That requires different thinking than what most rack manufacturers are designing for.
Start with the budget IKEA hacks. See what works in your space. Pay attention to spacing, height, and lighting. Add gradually as your collection grows. Save the premium solutions for when you're 100% certain about your long-term display goals.
And if you see an expensive "premium system" abandoned by a trash room? Leave it there. Your IKEA hack will look better anyway.
For more insights on building a skateboard art collection and display strategy, explore our complete guide to skateboard room ideas and discover how different mounting approaches can transform your space.
About the Author
Stanislav Arnautov is the founder of DeckArts and a creative director originally from Ukraine, now based in Berlin. With extensive experience in branding, merchandise design, and vector graphics, Stanislav has worked with Ukrainian streetwear brands and organized art events for Red Bull Ukraine. He combines his passion for Renaissance art with skateboard culture, exploring how classical masterpieces can transform modern spaces through thoughtful interior design. Connect with him on Instagram or visit his personal website. Follow DeckArts on Instagram or shop the collection at DeckArts.com.