Alternative to teak

lumphammer

lumphammer

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I have been looking at the prices for teak boards to make up a set of grab rails. Was rather shocked to find the price of 75 x 32 sawn board was £23 per metre.

Is there an alternative wood that would work? I want to keep the wood finish and don't want to go to stainless? For example, iroko at the same size was selling at £6.50 a metre.
 
Iroko used to be called the poor-man's teak. It is very resistant to the marine environment. I would recommend it.
 
True the Force 4 grab rails are cheaper, but they are also .4m too short and made in 25mm wide wood as opposed to the 30mm that I am looking for. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
The principal alternative woods are - Afromosia, Ipe and Iroko. However none of them are as good as Burmese Teak in marine applications. They all require regular treatment whereas good quality teak can be left to weather. I understand that Iroko is prone to "facechecking" - hairline surface cracks that appear with age.
 
Visited Hamilton Island recently and spotted a 40+ footer with an all timber deck and coach, all mirror finished and looked spectacular.

The grab rails were white as was the area around the anchor and it's chain, also some raised hatches; all were made of Starboard, the stuff like whit cutting boards.

The contrast of the rich timber grain and stunning white not looked fantastic but needed no maintenance other than wipe to clean it.

Hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend......
 
People will tell you Iroko etc, but to be honest there is no alternative. You should be able to get some secondhand teak, or offcuts.
 
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that wont look like a Pro Job

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Don't see why not, if done well. In fact it can make it easier to follow the curve of the coachroof rather than bolting on a plank. Depends on whether you have the time/skill/wood to match the grain reasonably!
Personally I think stainless rails suit many boats better, being thinner they don't alter the lines of the roof so much. Would look silly on a pilot cutter of course! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
As you appear to be selling the boat I would advise iroko. Not many will tell the difference, especially if you varnish or oil it.

OTOH, if you are keeping her you should swallow hard and go for teak. I had a similar problem once when repacing three name boards. I had the wood but what about the letters? About six quid for plastic, sixty quid to have them hand painted.

I spent the sixty - and have never regretted it. Small price for a perfect result and nothing in the greater scheme of things.
 
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that wont look like a Pro Job

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I agree with lw395 - a properly laminated handrail, using epoxy resin, saves timber and makes it easier to make a decent job of the underside. The glue lines will be hardly noticeable as they are with the grain. Through-bolting will ensure that it is just as strong as one cut from the solid, and neatly plugged holes in the top will finish it off.
In fact I'd go as far as saying that it is actually the more correct way to produce a handrail, and definitely the way I would, and have, made one.
Teak vs iroko? Teak if you can afford it, but iroko is an acceptable substitute, though not so nice to work with. Many boats are fitted out with iroko. I agree with you on the thickness issue - 25mm looks too skinny, even my Corribee has got 30mm grabrails.
 
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