Materials
Teak vs synthetic decking: an honest comparison
We make real teak decks. That makes us the wrong people to ask for a neutral opinion — so here is the comparison with our bias declared, and the cases where we would tell you to buy synthetic instead.
The short answer
Real teak costs more, lasts as long as its thickness allows, and can be renewed by sanding. Synthetic costs less, needs almost nothing done to it, and cannot be renewed — when it is worn, it is replaced. If the vessel is maintained and the deck is part of its value, buy teak. If it is worked hard and nobody will maintain it, buy synthetic. We make teak, and we still say that.
Real teak
When only real teak works
- A yacht where the deck is part of what the buyer is paying for.
- A vessel that will be maintained properly for decades.
- Complex geometry where planks must follow the sheer.
- An owner who wants the deck renewable rather than replaceable.
- A refit where the original deck set the standard to match.
Synthetic
When synthetic is the better choice
- A charter boat that gets hard use and needs to look the same in year five as in year one.
- A tender or RIB where weight matters more than appearance.
- A budget that does not stretch to teak of a thickness worth fitting.
- An owner who will not commit to any maintenance at all.
- A vessel operating where sourcing certified teak is a compliance problem.
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What teak decking is, and why it is still the standard
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What teak decking is, and why it is still the standard
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What teak decking is, and why it is still the standard
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What teak decking is, and why it is still the standard
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What teak decking is, and why it is still the standard
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Side-by-side comparison
Cost per m²
€450–900 fitted
€180–350 fitted
Expected lifespan
Decided by thickness
Fixed, not renewable
Annual maintenance hours
Cleaning, occasional sanding
Cleaning only
Surface temperature in sun
Cooler underfoot
Warmer underfoot
Grip when wet
Good
Good
Repairability
Plank by plank
Section replacement
Effect on resale
Expected on larger yachts
Accepted on working boats
Environmental documentation
FSC chain of custody
Manufacturer declaration