Teak deck: maintenance, caulking, renewal
A teak deck's worst enemy isn't the sea, it's the wrong care: a hard brush, a pressure washer and needless sanding wipe out years. At Care the decision is made by measurement - the teak thickness and seam condition are read, and only the work that's needed is proposed. Unless a full replacement is genuinely required, you'll see it in the quote on a "not recommended" line.
Scope
Teak maintenance
Correct washing, colour-lifting and protection routines - the routine that extends its life
Caulking (deck seams) renewal
Removing opened and hardened seams, renewing with a manufacturer-approved caulking compound
Partial repair
Bung/plug replacement, localised renewal of damaged boards - with no need for a full replacement
Sanding decision
Tied to the thickness reading: every sanding takes life off the deck; when needed, and only as much as needed
Full renewal
Stripping and laying new teak on a deck that has reached the end of its economic life
Synthetic teak
Flexiteek-class alternatives: introductory check, comparative quote, installation
How it works
Deck reading
Teak thickness and seam condition are recorded with photos; which area needs what is mapped out.
Quote with scope options
Only the work that's needed; where relevant, with economy/recommended/premium options and the reasoning.
Documented installation
Caulking compound brand and quantity logged; stage photos and your warranty record go into your file.
Tools
Real teak or synthetic?
Caulking or full replacement?
Compare the estimated cost of the two scenarios based on deck area and seam condition. The final decision comes from measuring teak thickness and mapping the seams; we do not recommend full replacement unless it is truly needed.
Saving from early caulking
Caulking instead of full replacement: ~12,400 € less
Caulking time is approaching: done early, the underlying plywood is protected and full replacement is pushed back for years.
Indicative cost
Figures are indicative; the final decision is made with a thickness reading.
Send the result on WhatsAppComparison
| Feature | Real teak | Synthetic teak (Flexiteek class) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural timber | Very close, texture differs |
| Maintenance | Regular, correct technique essential | Markedly lower |
| Heat in the sun | Cooler | Warmer |
| Repair | Needs craftsmanship | Easy, localised |
| 10-year cost | High maintenance share | Low maintenance share |
See the proof
Example quote: 14 m² of caulking - full replacement not recommended
Opening was found in 40% of the seams; instead of a full deck replacement (-6,400 €) only caulking renewal was recommended. You can see what the quote actually looks like.
FAQ
How many years does a teak deck last?+
With the right care, 15-20 years; with the wrong care, it's finished in 5-8. The deciding factors are how often it's sanded and whether the seams are renewed in time - both are tracked by measurement.
Should I have my deck sanded?+
No one can answer that honestly without measuring the thickness. If the teak is below a certain thickness, sanding will finish it off; at that point the right answer is localised repair or renewal. We measure first, then talk.
The seams have opened - is it urgent?+
Yes, it shouldn't be left: water getting in through an open seam reaches the plywood beneath, and the cost of localised replacement runs to 3-4 times that of caulking. Early caulking is the most economical of all teak jobs.
Does synthetic teak look like real teak?+
On quality systems the appearance is very close, while the maintenance need and cost are markedly lower. There is a difference in heat build-up and texture - when you're deciding, we show you on a sample and put the 10-year cost of both options side by side.
How should I handle daily care?+
Fresh water, a soft brush and brushing across the grain; pressure washing and hard brushes are banned. Our short care guide is added to your file at handover.
How is the price determined?+
Square metres, seam depth/condition and scope (just the opened seams, or all of them) decide it. The quote states the m², caulking compound brand and cartridge count - you see the scope options next to their prices, side by side.
On this topic: guides & glossary
For those wondering about the terms: the guide and glossary entries below explain this service in depth.
Let us see your boat on site
Start with a free introductory check; both the quote and the decision in writing.
⭐ Google 4.9 · 82 reviewsTÜRSAB memberSame-day for emergencies
Takes 30 seconds