Construction The Core – Using pallets, the wood (Beech is a common type of wood used to make snowboards) will be cut into long, thin vertical strips (Snowboards tend to be from cm long). The strips are laminated together to form the core of the board. Since the tail and nose of the board are curved, the wood must be milled into shape. The base – The base will be made of polyethylene, just like the top sheet. The base is the part of the snowboard that touches the ground. The layer is pressed into shape just like the core. The Top sheet – The top sheets will be made of polyethylene, a very common plastic. The topsheet protects the insides of the snowboard and is a surface for graphics. The top sheet is the very top of the snowboard where the bindings are placed. The Edge – The edge of the board which allows for sharp turns and allows the board to produce enough friction to ride on ice. The edge is usually made of a strip of metal, running on the edge of both sides of the board. The Insides – The insides of the board sandwich the board’s wooden core with two fiberglass layers added for extra torque for more mobility for the rider.
Plank-It Blueprint
Features With sharpened metal edges, Plank-It’s are able to maneuver rapidly on slippery and icy terrains, giving the rider much more mobility. Using the fiberglass insides, the board is very flexible, giving the board torque and a smoother riding feel.
Design and Customization The bottom or top of the board can be customized with your choice of thousands of different graphics. The board is also customizable with your own images, text, or colors. Different designs allow Plank-It’s to incorporate designs made for beginner riders and for terrain riders as well.
Pricing The boards range from around $150-$300. The average cost of a new snowboard is approximately $300, significantly more than the value of Plank-It’s customizable boards. The cost of one of these wooden boards (materials, manufacturing, assembly) is around $60 for a board costing $200, a 70% profit margin.