Teak decking maintenance - some golden rules

Burmese teak is a material that, in addition to its premium look, possesses numerous qualities that make it ideal for life at sea.

Teak wood is naturally water-resistant and combines strong, hard grains with soft fibers, which give it a beautiful color and appearance. Its characteristics make it the best choice for crafting yacht decking.

With high-quality and careful maintenance, you can significantly extend the life of your teak decking. Upon initial installation, the color is golden brown, and over time, silvery grains appear, which are completely natural.

The Golden Rules of Teak Decking Maintenance

Teak wood does not like rough mechanical treatment. The reason for this is the uneven "removal" of the material's structure.

During mechanical processing, the soft layer of fibers is removed more drastically than the hard layer of fibers. This makes the surface of your Burmese teak decking uneven, rough, and causes it to lose its beautiful and luxurious appearance.

What NOT to do:

Quality maintenance of yacht teak decking involves less scrubbing and more attention to detail:

• Avoid scrubbing with coarse brushes.
• Do not use abrasive or other types of household detergents that you would use at home.
• Do not use toxic products that could harm marine flora and fauna.
• Do not plane/sand the decking yourself if you lack experience.
• Do not use pressure washers or other high-pressure equipment that could damage the wood.
• Do not use "professional products" and do not apply varnishes or sealers without consulting a specialist.

Instead:

• Clean the decking regularly (once a week) with sea or fresh water and a soft brush or cloth. Motions should be circular and in the same direction, without applying excessive pressure.
• If necessary, treat parts of the surface with "green soap" - you can seek advice from the mechanic assisting you with seasonal yacht maintenance. The main tip is to minimize the use of detergents, especially in the open sea.
• Remove all dirt promptly, as well as any damage that could lead to such.
• If you notice mold forming, treat that part of the surface with a non-toxic chlorine-based product or plain bleach.
• Once or twice a year, entrust a specialist to diagnose, sand, and treat the decking with a special product.

Patina in Teak Decking Maintenance

Modern photographs of luxury yachts and premium boats usually showcase shiny decking with an impeccable color. Natural materials, however, do not look like that forever. Teak decking has the property of acquiring a specific gray shade, known as "patina." This is a completely natural result of the wood being exposed to sunlight and sea water for a long time.

During annual yacht maintenance, part of this process is reversible through special treatment with specific products. If you take careful care of your teak decking, you will extend the life of the flooring. You should not worry, however, that its original look will be "dimmed" by the patina. According to some, the specific change in color adds an aristocratic air to your yacht.

How are cracks treated?

Burmese teak is a natural material and as such is not immune to wear and tear. Cracks are usually treated similarly to a dental cavity. The first step is to remove the damaged fibers. Then, the crack is dried and filled with an epoxy product.

Replacing individual damaged areas of the decking is also possible, which, however, will lead to a color difference between the new and old boards. For this reason, prevention and maintenance prove to be key.

Additional bonus!

Besides a beautiful look and a premium feel, professional yacht teak decking maintenance also brings several additional bonuses. First and foremost is your safety. Well-maintained decking won't let you slip, neither literally nor figuratively.

Furthermore, strong and durable decking acts as additional insulation from the elements. This also includes cooling under the deck on hot days.

Your yacht

If you are looking for a way to restore the feeling of luxury and a VIP experience on your yacht, contact us. We also offer yacht customization services, supply and branding of accessories, and more.