Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the panels made of?
A: The panels are extruded from flexible PVC. Additives for UV protection and anti-fungal agents are included.
Q: How much UV protection does it have?
A: It contains highest UV protection available. Rated as Automotive Grade, it is mixed through the material.
Q: Is synthetic teak a new product?
A: No. They are actually a variation of flexible PVC that has been used as base cove molding in commercial kitchens for many years. The non-skid deck material has become an added option on many famous name boat manufactures of private and passenger vessels. A reference list can be provided.
Q: Is the product slippery when wet?
A: No. Synthetic teak has a sure foot grip when wet which is better than teak or non-skid fiberglass areas.
Q: How wide are the planks of synthetic teak?
A: The plank including the caulk line is 1 ¾ inches up to 2 3/8 inch wide depending on the product that you choose. A margin board strip is usually custom width according to the application or the width of material chosen.
Q: How is synthetic teak attached to a deck?
A: With a one-part urethane-epoxy hybrid flexible adhesive. The marine glue is applied with a trowel. The deck is applied; any bubbles are rolled out with a floor roller in the direction of the caulk lines. If you to have a certified installer install a custom built deck, they are trained to lay the lines straight and glue cleanly to ensure quality does not suffer. We want your deck to look good for a long time.
Q: What kind of surface can synthetic teak be applied over?
A: The adhesive will bond to wood, fiberglass, steel, and aluminum. It will also bond to epoxies or fillers used to level or repair the sub-surface, if needed.
Q: Is synthetic teak hot?
A: Synthetic PVC decking is warmer in temperature than real teak wood. You can hose down the deck as you would with any teak or fiberglass deck without the worry of slipping. You may also wear deck shoes.
Q: Does the caulking come in different colors?
A: The caulking can be either off-white or black in color.
Q: How resilient is Synthetic PVC decking?
A: It will not dent from a blow to the deck by a heavy object such as an air tank or heavy tool. Heavy foot traffic is not a problem. It is currently on many passenger vessels with everyday heavy traffic with great success.
Q: What is a refit?
A: After 8 months or less teak wood starts turning grey, causing many owner to sand their decks to make them look new thus causing the wood to be removed to the point a new deck has to be put in. When it has to be removed for new teak wood this job is called a refit. Continual sanding to make the deck look new is not necessary with synthetic teak decking.
Q: How does the product arrive at my boat?
A: If you choose the ‘do-it-yourself' installation, the material is shipped to you as rolls in boxes, shipped by parcel or on a pallet by truck If you chose to go with a certified installer they will arrive at your boat to make a template of the area to be covered. The panels will be custom constructed by heat welding and finished, then sent by parcel truck or the installer may bring it with them when they come to do the install.
Q: How heavy is synthetic teak?
A: It is lighter than real teak. The weight spec is about 1 to 1.4 pound per square foot depending on which product is chosen. It is about 1/4 inch thick also depending on the product chosen.
Q: What is a margin board?
A: Along the perimeter of a panel, a border strip can be added for a classic look. Originally the teak boards needed the end-grain protected so the decks were framed with margin boards that are a bit wider than the ribs. Margin board is the outside perimeter board that looks like it frames the deck or hatches.
Q: What is the price?
A: The price varies depending on the complexity of the deck area. A simple square area will be less than an area with many hatches, cleats, railings, stairs, etc. to work around. A deck with margin boards takes longer to manufacture so it will cost more than a deck without margin boards. Speak with a certified installer to discuss your deck options to get a price quote.
Q: Can I install the deck myself? Is it a ‘do-it-yourself' product?
A: You can purchase the ‘do-it-yourself' system. Additional tips and instructions for this method are available online or can be mail to you.
Q: Does the non-skid have to be ground off?
A: No, typically it does not need to be removed. However each application should be assessed for the individual needs of the application
Q: How do I care for the deck after it is on my boat?
A: Routine cleaning, as with any living area, will keep your deck looking its best. It may be pressure cleaned with a smaller power washer about 1200 - 1500psi. DawnTM dish soap and water is effective. Never bleach. Never use Acetone. Painting or coating with sealants is not necessary and will void any manufacture warranty. Synthetic teak is not a veneer, a light manual sanding may be needed to remove any marks left after a washing. Synthetic teak is low maintenance, never turning grey.
Q: Is there any warranty on synthetic teak decks?
A: There is usually a 3-5 year warranty on the material by most of the manufactures. The installer would provide their own warranty for their installation services.
If you if you have more questions, please feel free to call or email Dan Skene using the information below:
Direct Cell: 905-830-2188
Email: dan@skenemarine.ca