Mahogany, is it non-slip?

[Graham Pearson]

Have been offered some reclaimed mahogany parquet (strip lengths) which was considering to use for wheelhouse & cabin sole (to replace carpet). Can someone tell me if it has same non-slip properties as teak? ...and while on the subject, is it the oil content in teak that makes it non-slip or something else?

 

[Gordonmc]

Mahogany is a generic term for a range of hardwoods, all different in characteristics but, in general, they are all less resilient in the marine environment than teak.
The oil in teak, which makes the wood rot resistant, does not add to its non-slippiness. Rather the oil allows the top surface to weather without deep moisture penetration. The grain of the wood is what stops slip.
If you decide to go ahead and use the mahogany parquet it must be well sealed from the elements to prevent rot. I speak as a former owner of a Brazilian mahogany planked boat. If left unprotected the wood would rot black from the end-grain in.
After sealing a non slip surface can be created. An additive can be used with Coelan, for example. I have seen sugar sprinkled on wet varnish, then washed out when dry to leave a grippy surface.

 

[rob2]

It is the perversity of human nature that the ownber of a car with rubber mats goes out and buys carpets and the owner of a de luxe model buys rubber mats to protect the carpet! I have a solid wood strip cabin sole, oiled finish, and its fine in deck shoes or boots. It does, however get dirty quite quickly as the muck just sticks to the oiled surface. I have a rubber backed runner along the main area and very rarely lift it! Actually its relatively quick and easy to wash the sole and give it a fresh lick of oil (on leaving the boat, so it has a couple of days to dry).

Rob.