Teak decks, swim platforms and tables take a beating from sun and salt. How to tell whether yours needs a clean-up, a repair or a new build.
Teak is on boats for a reason: it is stable, naturally oily and holds up to water better than almost any other wood. But South Florida sun, salt and constant use still wear it down. The question owners ask us most is whether their teak can be saved.
Signs your teak deck is wearing out
- Proud grain. The soft wood between the grain lines has worn away and the deck feels ridged underfoot.
- Failing seams. The black caulking between planks is cracked, lifting or pulling away.
- Loose or missing bungs. When the wooden plugs over the fasteners pop out or the screw heads start to show, the planks have become thin.
- Soft spots, stains or water getting below. These point to problems underneath the teak, not just on the surface.
Repair and refinish
If there is still good thickness in the planks, a deck can often be brought back: re-caulking the seams, replacing damaged sections, and a careful sanding to level it out. Tables, rails and trim with tired varnish can be stripped and re-coated to a deep gloss.
Replace
When the teak is worn thin, sanding only makes it thinner. At that point a new deck, swim platform or table top is the better investment. We template the area, build the new piece in our shop and fit it on the boat, so time at the dock is as short as possible.
Why marine carpentry is different
A boat moves, flexes, gets wet and bakes in the sun, often all in the same day. Joints, adhesives, finishes and fasteners all have to be chosen for that. The cabinetry, bar units, stair treads, hatches and headliners we build for yachts are made with that in mind, and fitted to curves and angles you will never find in a house.
Have a look at our yacht project gallery to see recent decks, tables and interiors, then send us photos of your boat for a quote.