Boat teak deck replacement, repair and re-caulking
Quick answer
Replacing a boat teak deck means removing the worn timber, repairing and preparing the substrate, then bonding and caulking new natural or synthetic teak planks. It is usually needed when the wood is thinner than 4–5 mm, plugs keep popping out or water is leaking below. In Spain it typically costs €600–1,200 per m² for natural teak and €250–550 per m² for synthetic teak, depending on the boat and deck complexity.
When should you replace your boat's teak?
Teak is the most common timber for decks, cockpits, swim platforms and steps thanks to its natural water resistance and grip. Even so, years of wear and sanding make it thinner. These are the signs that it is time to replace rather than repair:
- Planks are thinner than 4–5 mm or screw heads are showing.
- Caulking seams have lifted in many areas and keep failing after re-caulking.
- There are leaks below deck or the sandwich core under the teak is wet.
- Planks are cracked, cupped or move when you step on them.
- Many plugs are missing or keep coming loose.
If the problem is localised, re-caulking, replacing a few planks or a light sanding is often enough. Read more in how long does boat teak last.
What a professional teak replacement includes
- Survey and measuring: the marine carpenter checks the deck, measures the area and tests substrate moisture.
- Removal: deck hardware, cleats, stanchions and the old teak are taken off.
- Substrate preparation: old screw holes are filled, wet areas repaired and the surface faired.
- Panel fabrication: templates and made-to-measure natural or synthetic teak panels.
- Installation: bonded with epoxy or a dedicated adhesive (usually screwless), vacuum-bagged or weighted.
- Caulking and finishing: seams filled with caulking compound, sanded and cleaned.
- Refitting hardware with fresh sealant to prevent leaks.
See the full step-by-step process in how to replace a boat teak deck.
Natural teak, synthetic teak or alternatives
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Natural teak (Tectona grandis) | Premium look, grip, adds value | High price, needs upkeep |
| Plantation teak | More affordable and sustainable | Slightly less dense and stable |
| Synthetic teak (PVC or composite) | Low maintenance, lower price | Gets hotter in the sun, different look |
| Marine cork | Light, insulating, cool underfoot | Less common, different look |
Compare every option in types of boat teak decking.
How much does teak replacement cost?
Cost depends on square metres, material, substrate repairs and deck complexity (curves, hardware, hatches). We break down guide prices and ways to save in boat teak deck replacement cost.
How to make new teak last
A well-kept new deck can last over 20 years. The essentials: wash with salt water or mild soap, never use a pressure washer, scrub across the grain and inspect the caulking every season. Everything is covered in how to clean boat teak and our teak maintenance guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a boat teak deck?
As a guide, €600–1,200 per m² for natural teak and €250–550 per m² for synthetic teak, fitting included. A small cockpit or swim platform may cost a few thousand euros; the full deck of a 12 m sailing yacht considerably more. Get several quotes to compare.
How long does teak deck replacement take?
A swim platform or cockpit can be done in a few days. A full deck usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the area, the condition of the substrate and curing times for adhesive and caulking.
Should I repair or replace my teak deck?
If the timber is still thicker than 5–6 mm and the substrate is dry, re-caulking and sanding usually make sense. If it is very thin, leaking or plugs are failing everywhere, replacement is the most cost-effective option in the medium term.
Can teak be replaced with the boat in the water?
Small jobs (swim platform, steps, a few planks) yes. A full deck is best done ashore or under cover to control humidity and temperature while bonding and caulking.
Teak deck replacement by port
Teak deck replacement: professionals by area
Related guides
How to replace a boat teak deck: step-by-step process
From stripping the old deck to the final caulking: how boat teak is replaced and what to watch for if you hire someone.
Types of boat teak decking: natural, plantation, synthetic and alternatives
Natural, plantation, synthetic or cork: which deck material to choose for your boat based on budget, use and maintenance.
How much does it cost to replace a boat teak deck? Guide prices
Guide prices per square metre, what pushes the cost up and how to compare quotes for a new teak deck.
How long does boat teak last? Lifespan and signs of wear
A well-kept teak deck lasts 15 to 25 years. Here’s what wears it out, how to measure it and when it’s time to replace.
How to clean boat teak without damaging it
Salt water, a soft brush and always across the grain: the basic rules for cleaning teak without wearing it out, plus how to tackle tough stains.
Boat teak maintenance: a complete season-by-season guide
Cleaning, protection, caulking and sanding: everything a teak deck needs through the year to last for decades.
Other maintenance services
Polishing & waxing
Polishing a boat removes the oxidised layer and fine scratches from the gelcoat using a rotary or dual-action polisher and abrasive compounds, followed by wax or sealant for protection. In the Mediterranean, polish once a year and wax twice a season.
View serviceGelcoat repair
Gelcoat is the pigmented resin layer that protects a boat’s fibreglass. Chips, deep scratches and cracks should be repaired promptly so water cannot reach the laminate. A professional repair opens up the damage, fills it with gelcoat or epoxy filler, sands through the grits and polishes until colour and gloss match.
View serviceBoat cleaning
Professional boat cleaning covers washing deck and hull with marine products, gentle teak cleaning without a pressure washer, rinsing stainless steel and cleaning interiors. The bottom can be cleaned in the water by a diver between haul-outs to keep performance up.
View service