Jun
Teak has been the preferred material for boat building for centuries. But at a time when sustainability and environmental protection are more important than ever, we need to ask ourselves: how can we use this proven material responsibly? In this article, we discuss the use of teak in boatbuilding.
The traditional role of teak in boatbuilding:
Traditionally, teak with closely spaced annual rings was used for boat building. These rings indicate slow growth and therefore a high density and durability of the wood. However, such “old” teak is rare nowadays and is often associated with problems such as illegal logging. The import of illegally felled wood is also prohibited by law.
The origin of teak: plantation wood and recycled teak
Nowadays, the majority of teak comes from either plantations or recycled sources, which is an environmentally friendly alternative. However, it is important to note that the traditional qualities with tightly spaced annual rings are often not achieved with plantation wood. This is due to the fact that plantation wood is often felled after just 15 years, resulting in a lower quality.
The teak used for our decking boards, on the other hand, comes from trees that are between 20 and 25 years old. As a result, the boards already have a significantly higher content of the desired oils, such as rubber, which make teak so durable.
The importance of the cut:
When selecting teak for boats, the type of cut is crucial. In the reef cut (radial cut – vertical growth rings), the growth rings run parallel to the short side of the board profile, which provides an even texture and high stability. This is the best and most valuable cut, as wood cut in this way has, technically speaking, the best properties and can only be cut from a small part of the tree trunk. The half-grain cut (cross-section), on the other hand, consists mainly of vertical annual rings and can also be suitable for boat building. The so-called flader cut (tangential cut – horizontal annual rings – flats) with horizontal annual rings is generally not used for boat building.
| Type of cut | Annual rings Alignment | Water absorption and swelling/shrinkage behavior |
| Tangential flap cut | Horizontal annual rings – Flads | High water absorption and thus high swelling and shrinkage behavior |
| Cross section | Half rift | Average water absorption and thus average swelling and shrinkage behavior |
| Radial section | Vertical growth rings – Rift | Low water absorption and therefore less swelling and shrinkage |
The importance of wood fiber:
The alignment of the wood fibers in teak is essential for boat building. Well-aligned fibers ensure the stability and durability of the wood, which is particularly important in damp and changeable conditions. It is also essential that the wood is fixed correctly. In shipbuilding, permanently elastic adhesives are often used for this purpose, which are applied over the entire surface. Sikaflex is the standard for this application.
Our sustainable teak:
At Betterwood, we use teak from sustainably managed plantations. Our teak meets the high demands of terrace construction. However, we do not sort our wood according to special cuts and the requirements of boat building. If you want to use our wood for your boat project, we therefore recommend that you also order sufficient wood. Please also take a look at our sorting criteria for more information.
Conclusion:
Thanks to its outstanding technical properties and natural durability, teak is the first choice for wooden decks in the maritime sector. However, due to centuries of intensive use of the wood, teak from the world’s primary forests has become a rare commodity that needs to be protected. Alternatively, other deck coverings are often offered for boats. You will find a list below:
- Synthetic teak: imitates the look of teak wood
- PVC: A versatile material that is well suited for decking and is available in various colors and textures.
- Cork: An environmentally friendly and non-slip material that feels pleasant underfoot.
- EVA foam: Lightweight, shock-absorbing and non-slip, often used in yacht decks.
- Rubber: A robust and non-slip option suitable for harsh conditions.
- Natural fibers: Materials such as bamboo.
- Aluminum.
- Fiberglass: A strong and durable option used in many boatbuilding applications.
- Rubber: Elastic and resistant to UV rays and salt water.
- Wood: In addition to teak, other woods such as mahogany or ash are also used for deck coverings.
If you don’t want to do without the naturalness of wood, you should make sure you use teak from sustainable plantations that is at least 20 years old. Even if it cannot compete with the time-honored giants that were felled from the forests of the tropics long ago, it still has a comparatively high durability against moisture and salt water compared to other types of wood when used correctly.
For specific questions about our teak range or to select the right wood for your project, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.