A Guide to Caring for Yacht Teak From Antibes Ship
Teak decks are a standout feature on any luxury yacht, known for their beauty and durability. Walking barefoot on a well-kept teak deck is a real treat. But if you own a yacht, you know this level of elegance needs some work. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been working on yachts for years. It’s important to know how to take care of your teak deck to keep it looking great and staying strong.
At Antibes Ship, located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur. We’ve assisted many yacht owners, captains, deckhands and bosuns in maintaining and restoring their teak decks. In this straightforward guide, we’ll share practical tips, product suggestions, and simple steps to help you keep your yacht's deck in pristine condition for years.
Why Teak is the Favourite for Yachts
Teak has always been a favourite for yacht decks, and it’s easy to see why. Its natural oils help it resist rot, insects, and harsh marine conditions. The wood’s dense grain gives a non-slip surface, which is key for safety on the water. Over time, teak develops a nice silver-grey look that some yacht owners prefer. But life on the water can be tough on teak. Sun, salt, grease and foot traffic can cause it to weather, stain, and wear down if you don’t take proper care of it. Regular maintenance is key!
Fed up with cleaning teak? Learn more about synthetic teak alternatives.
Routine Teak Deck Maintenance
1. Rinsing and Cleaning Teak Decks
When: Every day
Start simple: rinse your teak decks with fresh water. This helps remove salt, dust, grease and dirt before they can cause stains or mould. If you're out at sea and freshwater is limited, rinsing with clean seawater works, but try to follow up with freshwater later.
Pro Tip: Stay away from high-pressure washers; they can damage the soft grain of the teak and harm the caulking. For regular cleaning, use a soft brush or a Brite pad. Always scrub across the grain to avoid grooves that trap dirt and moisture. For a deeper clean, use a quality teak cleaner designed for marine use. At Antibes Ship, we are happy to advise and recommend different products based on your yacht and needs.
If you notice stains on your teak deck, you can effectively remove them using a dedicated teak cleaner such as MattChem TECK NET (200ml). This product is specially formulated to tackle a wide range of stubborn stains, including food and drink spills, fuel stains, blood, rust, and even seagull droppings, without the need for hard scrubbing or sanding. Simply spray it on the stained area and watch as it brings your teak back to a freshly sanded look, making stain removal quick and effortless while being safe for your deck.
Check out all of the brands we stock!
2. Deep Cleaning teak decks
When: Every 3-6 Months
Even with regular cleaning, grime, algae, and mildew may build up. It’s time to do a deep clean. Use a two-part yacht teak cleaner: the first loosens dirt and oils, while the second neutralises and restores the wood’s colour. For a deeper clean, use a quality teak cleaner designed for marine use, such as ClinAzur 200 Teak Cleaner, Semco Teak Cleaner and Teak Wonder Teak Cleaner. Always follow the instructions and rinse thoroughly to get rid of any leftover cleaner.
Pro Tip: Never use bleach, strong acids, or household cleaners on teak. These can strip oils, weaken the wood, and damage the caulking.
Restoring Teak's Natural Beauty
1. Sanding teak decks
When: Annually or as needed
If your teak deck feels rough or looks stained, light sanding can help. Use 80-120 grit sandpaper and always sand across the grain. Be careful, teak decks are usually only 8-12mm thick, and too much sanding can shorten their lifespan. We stock and highly recommend using product brands such as DeWalt, 3M and Orbital.
Pro Tip: After sanding, vacuum or brush away the dust before applying any treatments.
2. Oiling and Sealing teak decks
Teak’s natural oils offer some protection, but it is not enough to retain the condition in harsh marine environments. Consider using teak oil or a yacht teak sealer; teak oil boosts the wood’s colour and grain but needs regular reapplication (every 4-12 weeks) and could encourage mildew if overused.
Teak sealers provide longer-lasting protection and include UV blockers and biocides, helping to maintain the wood's colour while resisting stains. We recommend applying only to clean, dry teak. Use a lint-free cloth or brush, working with the grain and wipe away any excess product to avoid stickiness.
At Antibes Ship, we have a selection of oils and sealers, see below.
- ClinAzur 212 Teak Oil Sealer
- Epifanes Teak Oil Sealer
- MattChem Golden Oil for teak
- StarBrite Premium Golden Teak Oil
Our team at our local yacht chandlery can help you pick the right one for your needs. Contact us today!
Caulking for Yacht Teak Decks
Caulking fills the seams between teak planks, keeping water out and preventing movement. Good yacht caulking is vital for your deck’s structure and its watertight seal. Over time, caulking can crack or pull away, letting water seep in and cause damage. That’s why checking and re-caulking regularly is important.
How to Check Teak Caulking?
When: Every 6 months
Look for cracks or gaps. Press gently on the seams; if the caulking feels brittle or loose, it’s time to address it. Check for signs of water leaking below the deck, like damp spots or a musty smell.
How to Re-Caulk a Yacht Deck?
1. Remove Old Caulking: Use a caulking removal tool to carefully cut along the seams and pry out the old caulking, taking care not to damage the teak.
2. Clean the Seams: Vacuum out any debris and wipe with a recommended solvent for a clean surface.
3. Mask the Edges: Apply tape along both sides of the seam to protect the wood.
4. Apply New Caulking: Use marine-grade caulk such as TDS Deck Caulking or MattChem MATT FLEX and fill the seam, slightly overfilling it. Smooth with a spatula, StarBrite Caulk-Rite or just your finger.
5. Remove Tape and Let It Cure: Take off the tape while the caulk is still wet. Let it cure completely, which may take from 24 hours to a few days.
6. Finish the Surface: Once cured, use a chisel or scraper to remove any excess caulking and sand lightly if needed.
Common Teak Care Mistakes
- High-pressure washing erodes grain and harms caulking.
- Using harsh chemicals strips oils and weakens the wood.
- Over-oiling can attract dirt and mildew.
- Ignoring caulking leads to water damage.
- Over-sanding reduces deck thickness and lifespan.
Count on Antibes Ship for Teak Care
Taking care of your yacht’s teak deck is an investment in its beauty and longevity. With regular upkeep and the right products from Antibes Ship, you can enjoy a stunning teak deck for many seasons.
Visit us at Antibes Ship for yacht deck products and more! From brushes to cleaners to expert tips. Our team is here to help you find the right products and give you practical advice suited to your yacht and the Mediterranean climate.
Antibes Ship is here for you, contact us today.
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Yacht Teak