How far apart should anti-skate studs be installed?

Recommended Anti-Skate Stud Spacing

Studmarc’s default spacing recommendation for anti-skate studs is 500mm centres. There is, however, no one-size-fits-all solution for every installation. The important point is to position them close enough together to prevent a skateboard getting on and off a ledge with ease.

More exposed or higher-risk locations may require closer spacing; this may also be the case if skaters are ollieing up into a tail stall on the wall. Lower-risk or less exposed locations may require fewer anti-skate studs and therefore wider spacing.

What Determines the Correct Spacing Between Anti-Skate Studs?

There’s not really a single correct spacing, only what’s most effective given several factors such as the installation substrate, the level of skateboarding observed, the type of anti-skate stud and appearance requirements.

The Width and Shape of the Surface

Generally, we’re aiming for a standard spacing of 500mm centres, but the shape and size of the wall can dramatically affect how close to that spacing we can get.

Narrow wall edges – These may require studs only on a single side of the wall, depending on what is on either side. If the wall itself is very slim, something like a hemisphere anti-skate stud can sit across and protect both edges of the wall.

Wide coping stones – Depending on what is on either side of the wall, the installation may require studs on both sides to prevent skating. These can then be installed at staggered distances from each other along both sides.

Benches – Benches are mostly used for a short grind into another trick, so depending on the size of the bench, sometimes a stud at the start, end and/or middle of the backrest may suffice.

Curved and irregular surfaces – A curved or irregular surface can decrease the number of studs needed, particularly if it is already difficult for a skater to maintain contact with the surface while grinding.

The Level of Skateboarding Risk

Areas that are known to attract skateboarders, particularly those with obstacles, straight edges, handrails and other skateable architectural features, may require tighter spacing to prevent skaters from finding a usable gap between studs.

These are generally places such as:

• Public plazas
• Schools
• Shopping areas and precincts
• Bus stations
• Train stations
• Stair sets

The Type of Anti-Skate Stud

Different anti-skate stud designs occupy different amounts of space, which can affect both their positioning and the spacing required between them.

A round stud occupies a relatively small area and is often installed centrally on slim walls or coping. Where skaters are boardsliding along a surface, the studs need to be positioned closely enough that there isn’t an easy usable section of wall between them.

Longer studs without a radius, such as the Sleeper anti-skate stud, can be installed perpendicular to the edge of the wall to provide greater coverage. They can also be positioned diagonally where less installation space is available. Because these designs obstruct a greater area than a round stud, their orientation can influence the spacing required along the surface.

Anti-skate studs such as sphere, bar and torpedo designs have a fixed horizontal orientation. The width of the stud and the amount of usable surface it obstructs should therefore be considered when determining the spacing between each unit.

If the stud itself has not yet been selected, our guide to choosing the right anti-skate stud explains how the installation surface, shape, fixing method and appearance can affect the choice.

Appearance and Architectural Requirements

Anti-skate studs are often chosen because they’re less visually intrusive than other skating deterrents, and one way of reducing their visual impact is to use wider spacing. This means fewer studs are required, making them less of a feature on the wall or architectural surface and allowing them to blend in more effectively.

How Should Anti-Skate Studs Be Positioned on a Ledge?

Quite simply, anti-skate studs should be positioned on the ledge that has been observed being used for skating, or on any ledges that are suspected of being used in this way.

They’re also useful for dissuading skaters from using vulnerable surfaces that have weathered or cracked, or where the underlying structure is no longer as strong as it once was. In this instance, studs can be installed on either side of the vulnerable area to discourage skaters from making contact with it.

For continuity, anti-skate studs can also be installed along curved and irregular surfaces where a skater may try to follow the shape of the ledge.

Should Anti-Skate Studs Be Installed in a Straight Line?

A straight-line installation is the most common and often the most desirable layout, as it reduces the level of complication when specifying and installing the studs. Wider surfaces may require a line of studs on either side of the surface, or even an additional line running through the middle.

Irregular surfaces or unusually shaped walls will require the layout to be adapted to suit the available space. In these situations, the priority should still be to achieve effective coverage and suitable spacing rather than perfect visual alignment.

How Many Anti-Skate Studs Will I Need?

Once the installation has been planned and the required coverage calculated in linear metres, it is relatively simple to estimate the number of anti-skate studs required.

As a general guide, using our recommended 500mm centres, allow approximately two anti-skate studs per linear metre.

For example, a six-metre ledge would typically require approximately 12 studs. The final quantity may vary depending on where the first and last studs are positioned, the shape of the surface and any changes made to the spacing.

Again, 500mm centres is our standard recommendation rather than a fixed requirement.

Does Anti-Skate Stud Spacing Need to Be Exact?

No, and in many installations it can’t be exact. There are always things that don’t show up on plans, such as an unstable section of the surface, a crack, an unexpected mortar joint or another obstruction that prevents a stud from being installed at exactly 500mm centres.

There is no specific regulation or guidance prescribing a fixed spacing for anti-skate studs, so some variance from the recommended 500mm centres is not an issue. The priority is to maintain an effective deterrent across the surface rather than achieve an exact measurement between every stud.

Where studs are being installed using a drill-and-resin fixing, our guide to using epoxy resin to install architectural studsexplains the installation process in more detail.

Need Help Planning an Anti-Skate Installation?

Studmarc can advise on the appropriate stud, fixing method, positioning and quantity based on drawings, photographs or details of the area that needs protecting.

You can view our full range of anti-skate studs, or see the fitting process in our anti-skate stud installation video.