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Teak Deck Restoration & Repair
Teak decks are the visible signature of a serious cruising boat — and one of the most expensive systems to maintain. The good news: most teak decks can be recaulked and restored to functional service decades into their life. The bad news: when replacement is needed, it's one of the bigger refit checks.
What goes wrong
- Caulking failure: Black sealant cracks, lifts at the edges, lets water under the teak.
- Fastener migration: Screws that secure planks corrode or pull through the teak.
- Plug loss: The bungs covering screw heads pop out.
- Teak thinning: Years of cleaning and weathering reduce thickness.
- Plank lifting: Loss of bond between teak and underlying laminate.
Restoration options
| Option | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spot recaulk | $500–1,500 | Worst seams only |
| Full recaulk (40 ft) | $2,500–4,500 | ~25 m² of teak |
| Recaulk + screw plug replacement | $3,500–6,000 | Both at once |
| Spot teak replacement | $200–800/m² | Failed sections |
| Full teak deck replacement | $20,000–50,000+ | Depends on extent |
| Synthetic deck (Flexiteek, Plasdeck) | $12,000–30,000 | Alternative to teak |
Where teak work is done well
- Turkey (Bodrum, Marmaris, Finike): Outstanding traditional woodworkers at competitive prices.
- Thailand (Phuket): Strong Asian teak skill base.
- Greece (Preveza, Kalamata): Skilled local teams; competitive on smaller jobs.
- Italy / France: High quality, higher cost.
- US East Coast: Specialists in major refit hubs; expensive.
Frequently asked questions
How long do teak decks last?
15–30 years depending on thickness and care.
Recaulk or replace?
Recaulk if teak is still 5mm+. Replace when thin or lifting.
Cost of recaulk?
Full deck on 40-footer $2,500–4,500.
Full replacement cost?
$20,000–50,000+ depending on extent.
Best locations?
Turkey, Thailand, Greece for value. US/EU for premium quality.