About Synthetic 
Decking

Traditionally boat decking was pieced together from multiple wooden planks to form a structural watertight covering. The most common type of wood used was teak but others include European Oak, Iroko, Western Red Cedar, and Douglas Fir.

 

Today's boats are built using a much simpler one-piece moulded non-slip GRP deck. This does much the same job as a traditional wooden deck, but lacks many of the practical and aesthetic properties that boat owners value such as grip, warmth, comfort underfoot and, of course, style.

 

This combined with environmental and sustainability issues has led to the rise of synthetic alternatives that offer the appearance of natural wood.

 

​What is Synthetic Teak?

 

Synthetic teak looks like natural teak but is manufactured from plastic composites. The advantage is that it is hard wearing, UV resistant and largely maintenance free.

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It can be applied to various substrates such as steel, wood and polyester and is suitable for both external and internal areas on a boat or ship.

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You can choose from a large pallet of colours and styles, from traditional to a growing number of finishes that are no longer intended to look like real wood, but offer a lighter, more modern alternative.

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​Lifespan of Synthetic Teak

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Synthetic teak is less susceptible to external factors such as UV, salt water and mould. Thsi resistance to the elements contributes to the long life of the deck. With proper maintenance, most synthetic teak decks can have a lifespan of 20 years or even longer, whilst retaining its original appearance.

 

​Maintenance of Synthetic Teak

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Synthetic teak deck is low maintenance. 

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Regular cleaning of the deck with water and a mild soap is often all that is required. This simple operation helps keep the deck fresh and prevents accumulation of dirt.

 

In cases of more stubborn stains or caked-on dirt, using a high-pressure cleaner can be an effective solution. However, it is advisable to be careful with the pressure settings to avoid damaging the surface. Any other marking can usually be removed with a light sanding.

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What if my deck gets damaged?

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Most indentations normally recover either using very hot water or a heat gun to regain its shape. Heavy staining can usually be sanded out with 60 grade sandpaper.

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If the damage is more than cosmetic, then synthetic teak is easy to repair compared to traditional teak. The damaged section can be cut out and removed and a new section welded in without the need to replace the whole panel.​​