While boat decks have traditionally been clad in wood, recent technologies may lead boat owners to resort to more practical, sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives. The use of exotic woods, while still commonplace, raises a number of issues in the context of sustainable development, particularly in relation to deforestation and environmentally unfriendly intensive cultivation practices. Synthetic teak is currently the most promising and interesting material to work with: the look of authentic wood, but with low maintenance and unrivalled durability. This is the material of the future for boat deck cladding.
Wood
Many types of wood are suitable for deck cladding, whether for full or partial coverage. The disadvantage is that wood, when subjected to external attack such as sea water or spray, requires regular maintenance with products that are often not very environmentally friendly, and has a limited lifespan.
Teak is a noble material widely used for deck cladding. The only true marine-grade teak comes from Southeast Asia, but its import is limited and has been regulated by the European Union since March 2013. Teak is not a constant material, however, and requires a great deal of maintenance: it discolors and can sometimes crack quickly.
Iroko is also used to cover boat decks. This exotic wood of African origin is appreciated for its many qualities, but is currently classified as a near-threatened species. Oregon pine is appreciated for its light color and lightness, but its lifespan is relatively limited.
Cork is a multi-purpose material that can also be found on boat decks in the form of strips or sheets, but its resemblance to wood is quite distant.
Synthetic wood
To compensate for the rarity of quality woods and their maintenance drawbacks, synthetic alternatives have been available since the 2000s. The most widely used today is synthetic teak.
It is now widely used by the most prestigious boat builders. The installation of a synthetic teak deck, assembled using professional thermowelding techniques, is a simple matter of gluing it to the boat, with minimal downtime. Manufacturers offer synthetic teak that resembles real wood in every way.
Available in various shades, imitating the different stages of teak’s ageing process or in custom shades, it is lighter and more durable than wood. With the latest generations on the market, this material never ceases to amaze with its qualities.
Maintenance
Maintenance is often one of the main drawbacks of natural coverings. Pine requires applications of turpentine to resist seawater. Natural teak must be treated frequently with protective oil or other environmentally unfriendly maintenance products.
One of the main advantages of synthetic teak is that it is stabilized and will not discolor, even under UV light. It resists weathering and seawater without cracking. Rot-proof and stain-resistant, it’s easy to clean with soapy water and a high-pressure cleaner.
