Teak deck inspection
A teak deck looks good and costs money. Check how much teak is left, the caulking, and whether water has reached the deck core.
Updated 2 min read
Key points
- Teak wears away with cleaning and sun. Measure what remains.
- Failed caulking and screw plugs let water into the core.
- A full replacement is a large job, so get a quote before you offer.
How a teak deck is built
Thin teak planks are glued, and often screwed, to the fibreglass deck, with caulking in the seams. The strips start thin and wear thinner every year from sun, cleaning and foot traffic. On sandwich decks, the teak sits on a laminate over a core, and water that enters the seams can reach it.
What to check
- Remaining thickness. Look at the plank edges at hatches and fittings. A surveyor can measure it. Planks worn to a few millimetres have little life left, and screw heads may show.
- Caulking. It should sit full and flush, with a sound bond to the planks. Cracked, shrunken or lifted caulking lets water in.
- Plugs and screws. Loose plugs, rust stains and holes suggest water paths.
- Loose or lifting planks. Walk the deck and listen for hollow sounds.
- Moisture readings under the teak, and tapping, to look for a wet or rotten core. See Hull moisture readings and delamination.
- Cleaning damage. Pressure washing and hard brushing across the grain leave ridges and soft fibres.
Age and life
A teak deck on a boat in the Med sun often needs major work between 15 and 25 years, depending on thickness and care. Judge the deck by its condition as well as its date.
What it costs
- Local repair: re-caulk a section, replace a few planks.
- Full re-caulking: a large job, done on a boat with sound planks.
- Full replacement: removing all teak, repairing the core, and fitting new planks or synthetic decking. This is among the most expensive deck jobs, and takes weeks.
Get written quotes. See How to read a survey report and cost the findings.
Alternatives
Some owners replace worn teak with a synthetic decking, or a non-slip paint. The change can be cheaper to run and lasts well in strong sun. It also changes the look, and some buyers prefer teak. See Cosmetic staging and detailing.
Related guides
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check your own case with a professional or ask us.