Teak Deck Maintenance: Keeping the Warm Tone Instead of Grey

A teak deck is a boat's most beautiful but most demanding surface. With the right care it lasts decades; neglected, it thins, its seams open and it starts to leak. Here are the essentials of keeping teak healthy.

Why does teak turn grey?

Grey isn't damage but the natural oils on the surface oxidising under UV. Even if it's not the look you want, as long as the teak itself is sound the grey can be brought back to a warm tone with gentle cleaning.

How should it be cleaned?

• Brush with a soft brush along the grain, not across it — a stiff brush erodes the soft summer grain.
• Don't overdo aggressive acid teak cleaners; they thin teak fast.
• Rinse well and don't let dirt build up in the seams.

Should teak be oiled?

A debated topic: oil gives teak a lovely tone temporarily, but goes tacky in heat, can hold mould and needs regular renewal. Many professionals prefer oil-free care (regular gentle cleaning) at sea. We decide together based on your use.

Don't neglect the seams

The black seams are the key to watertightness. Seams that crack, lift or drop below the teak level leak and threaten the structure beneath. They should be renewed before the problem grows.

If your teak is grey, its seams have opened or it has thinned, we'll assess it on site under our teak decking and renewal service and tell you whether care or renewal is needed.