Nothing dates a yacht faster than a tired deck. Weathered teak, black seams, cupped or splintering planks, exposed screws, and once water starts getting underneath the teak, the problem stops being simply cosmetic.
Whether your deck needs a localised repair, a re-caulk and sand, or complete replacement, our specialists lay and finish teak that's built to endure time at sea and looks beautiful doing it.
Full teak deck replacement, templated and hand-laid
We template the deck on board, mill the planks to suit, and lay them by hand with the sweeps and margins following the lines of the boat. Bonded rather than screwed wherever the substrate allows, so there are no fastenings to leak and no plugs to lift.
Re-caulking, sanding and restoration
Where the teak still has thickness left in it, a full re-caulk and sand transforms a deck at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Old caulking is raked out, seams are cleaned and primed, new caulking is laid and cured, and the deck is sanded flat and even.
Repairs invisibly matched to existing decking
Individual planks, sections around damaged hardware, repairs after a fitting has been moved or removed. We match the grain, the colour and the plank width so the repair disappears into the deck.
Synthetic teak alternatives
For owners who want the look with less maintenance, synthetic decking such as Flexiteak, has come a long way. It's cooler underfoot, needs no oiling or sanding, and can be templated and laid to the same standard. Available on request, and we'll give you an honest comparison of both.
Teak wears down over time and the deck's life is governed by how much thickness remains above the fastenings or the bond line. As a general guide:
Caulking proud of the planks means the teak has worn and the deck is due a sand.
Black, split or lifting seams allow water in and should be re-caulked before the substrate is affected.
Plugs popping out indicates the teak has worn down to the fastenings.
Soft or springy patches underfoot suggest water has reached the core, and needs investigating urgently.
"Cupped" or splintering planks usually mean the deck has been sanded as far as it can be.
If you're unsure which stage your deck is at, a survey will tell you - and will often show that a re-caulk buys you several more seasons.
Caulking is the weak point in any teak deck, and it fails long before the timber does - so it pays to walk the deck every few weeks and look at the black lines rather than the planks. Split, lifted or missing caulking, particularly around deck fittings lets water straight into the substrate beneath. Caught early it's an afternoon's work. Left for a season, it can mean replacing a deck that still had years of life in it.
It's also worth being careful with what sits on teak: rubber-backed mats, unprotected fenders and anything left in one place all summer will mark the timber. Pressure washers will destroy a deck faster than anything else on board.
Teak actually needs less care than most owners think and far less scrubbling. Hard brushing across the grain and aggressive cleaners strip the soft grain, and shorten the deck's life considerably. Instead, rinse with fresh water, wash gently with the grain, and let the silver-grey patina develop if you like it.
Our cleaning and valet team can take care of it as part of your regular maintenance.
How long does a teak deck last?
With reasonable care, fifteen to twenty-five years is typical, depending on original thickness, use and how it's been cleaned. Harsh cleaning can halve that.
How long does a full replacement take?
Several weeks, depending on the area of deck and the complexity of the layout. It's usually planned as winter work.
Can you replace just part of the deck?
Yes, though a newly laid section will be lighter than aged teak around it until it weathers in. We'll show you what to expect before you decide.
Is synthetic teak worth considering?
For many owners, yes - particularly on boats used hard, chartered, or berthed in strong sun. It won't have the depth of real teak up close, but the maintenance saving is substantial.
Can you re-caulk without replacing the planks?
If there's sufficient teak thickness remaining, yes, and it's by far the more economical route.
We'll assess what your deck needs and quote for repair, restoration or replacement - with no obligation. Telephone: +44 (0)2381 103160 · Email: [email protected]
