The longevity of fake (Flexiteek) teak decks

[demonboy]

Fake teak decks seem to have come a long way in the last few years. No longer the bright oranges of first generation decks, they now look pretty convincing IMHO. However my main concern is the longevity of them. Since I am in Malaysia/Thailand the cost of shipping out composite decks will be around the same price as a new, real teak deck.

A real teak deck, if laid properly, should last at least 10 years before it starts to wear, so do composite teak decks last as long, or do they have their own properties that make them looked aged too? If composite decks last 30 years it's a no-brainer.

Interested to hear from anyone with first-hand experience, especially with Flexiteek.

 

[Elessar]

Fake teak decks seem to have come a long way in the last few years. No longer the bright oranges of first generation decks, they now look pretty convincing IMHO. However my main concern is the longevity of them. Since I am in Malaysia/Thailand the cost of shipping out composite decks will be around the same price as a new, real teak deck.

A real teak deck, if laid properly, should last at least 10 years before it starts to wear, so do composite teak decks last as long, or do they have their own properties that make them looked aged too? If composite decks last 30 years it's a no-brainer.

Interested to hear from anyone with first-hand experience, especially with Flexiteek.

I've no experience of longevity but am delighted with the product.

Points of note, all the products will darken over time with UV. They can be sanded to restore the colour or repair scratches etc. This would I would think be what finishes it off eventually. The amount sanded is very small and the product quite thick. Ask them for hard facts on this. If they say their product is UV stable then move on.
Note that flexi teek is so realistic as it isn't a solid colour, it emulates the natural shade variations in real wood. These stripes go all the way through the product so you can sand and not spoil it.
There is a vast range of colours, go for slightly lighter as that will make a big difference to the temperature.

 

[LadyInBed]

"Since I am in Malaysia/Thailand" - Wouldn't that be the place to get the real thing made to measure?

 

[Eyore]

A real teak deck, if laid properly, should last at least 10 years before it starts to wear, so do composite teak decks last as long, or do they have their own properties that make them looked aged too? If composite decks last 30 years it's a no-brainer.

Can't help you with fake teak, but real teak decks properly maintained will last indefinitely and even "pretend real "teak decks which are a cosmetic layer over either plywood or grp will last many years longer than you suggest.

 

[Daydream believer]

A real teak deck, if laid properly, should last at least 10 years before it starts to wear,.

I jolly well hope you are understating that !!!!!!

 

[demonboy]

I jolly well hope you are wrong there !!!!!!

We're liveaboards based in the tropics. I suspect your experience is different to ours.

 

[richardbrennan]

Had DEK-KING fitted to cockpit seats and sole at the beginning of the season so cannot really comment on longevity. However the supplier tells me you can clean it with anything you like, including a high pressure washer. Then, if does start to look a bit tatty after 10 years or so, you can and sand it down and start again, and it's clearly thick enough to repeat this process at least a couple of times, if the supplier is to be believed.

The usual spills such as diesel (my filler is in the cockpit sole) and red wine do not stain and can simply be mopped up, but I have noticed it does mark if you drag a fender across it, albeit one that is slightly degraded with UV.

 

[Elessar]

Had DEK-KING fitted to cockpit seats and sole at the beginning of the season so cannot really comment on longevity. However the supplier tells me you can clean it with anything you like, including a high pressure washer. Then, if does start to look a bit tatty after 10 years or so, you can and sand it down and start again, and it's clearly thick enough to repeat this process at least a couple of times, if the supplier is to be believed.

The usual spills such as diesel (my filler is in the cockpit sole) and red wine do not stain and can simply be mopped up, but I have noticed it does mark if you drag a fender across it, albeit one that is slightly degraded with UV.

For regular cleaning i use star brite non skid deck cleaner. For marks use neat starbrite and a scotchbright pad along the "grain"

 

[PCUK]

You can now get weathered (grey) decking in various shades.

 

[maby]

I jolly well hope you are understating that !!!!!!

10 years is not bad, judging by the condition of boats of around that age belonging to friends.