Marine Lumber and Boat Material

Let's explore the unique characteristics that have cemented teak's reputation as the gold standard in marine lumber and why it continues to be a preferred choice among boat owners. Read More

Teak is Stronger and More Water Resistant Than Most Woods

One of the main reasons teak is used for marine lumber is because it is hardwood. This makes it denser and stronger than softwood options like Douglas fir and pine. It also has a distinct advantage over other hardwoods like hickory, maple, and oak not being as heavy or expensive.

Teak wood is also a top material for boats, custom boat parts and dock accessories thanks to its incredible ability to survive wet conditions. Teak is taken from tropical environments and has a natural resistance against the build-up of moisture and does not encourage the growth and spread of mildew or mold. Simply put, teak will not rot as quickly as other types of wood, which is a quality that is really desirable in the material used to build boats and marine accessories.

The oils that make teak resistant to moisture and the consequences that can occur as a result of it are also the same oils that provide resistance against pests like ants and termites.

Teak is Easy to Look After

It will come as no surprise when you consider the points above to learn that teak requires a lot less maintenance than other woods. It is not difficult to clean, and you do not need to regularly reseal it to make sure pests don’t make a home for themselves in it or that water gets trapped inside it. At the first sign of teak starting to weather you can apply a variety of teak-specific cleaners and protectants. These products will help seal, protect and restore the color of teak wood.

Teak Has Non-Slip Properties

Another reason why teak is used for marine-treated lumber is that it has natural non-slip properties. While it’s true that fiberglass and aluminum offer unique benefits, they are still more slippery than teak.

While teak wood has long been a staple in marine decking and furnishings, its high cost and environmental concerns have prompted the exploration of alternative materials. Read More

Other Hardwoods

There are other woods besides teak that have similar weather-resistant qualities like; cedar, cypress, shorea, and redwood. However, they do not have the same iconic maritime look as teak. Some of these other woods are also very expensive and hard to source.

Marine-Grade Plywood

Plywood has been one of the most common building materials used in marine projects since the 1950s. Plywood is popular because it is strong and relatively inexpensive. Ironically marine plywood is not waterproof and will rot if exposed to water. Marine plywood’s inability to resist water has driven the demand for better, longer-lasting marine-grade building materials like coosa board and starboard.

Coosa Board

You may or may not have heard of the Coosa board already, but to make sure you are clued up about it, we are going to explain what it is as well as the pros and cons of using it.

Coosa Board is a specially designed high-density polyurethane foam that has reinforced fiberglass layers. The idea behind its inception is that you get a building material for boats that is superior to plywood in terms of its rigidity, and longevity but more lightweight.

Pros of Coosa Board

• Easy to fabricate with standard tools
• 30 to 40% lighter than marine plywood
• Does not require any special maintenance or cleaning
• Easy to laminate
• Highly water, rot, mold, mildew, and pest resistant

King Starboard

King Starboard is another alternative to teak and plywood that has become something of a standard within the marine sector. It utilizes high-density polyethylene to create a super versatile weatherproof building material. The ease of fabrication and longevity of starboard make it a common material for replacement teak wood parts.

Some vendors categorize starboard as marine lumber, however, starboard has no wood or natural components. Therefore, it’s only appropriate for starboard to be considered a plastic sheet material, not marine lumber.

Pros of Starboard

• Extremely robust material and impervious to discoloring and rot
• Easy to fabricate with standard woodworking tools
• Does not require any special maintenance or cleaning
• Matte finish does not need to be laminated or polished after it has been installed

The simple and most effective way to keep any marine teak lumber in the best condition is to regularly wash it as you would any wooden decking using freshwater with a soft bristle brush. Once or maybe twice a year you should also clean the marine lumber using a special teak cleaner, following the directions on the packaging, and making sure you follow the grain direction when scrubbing.

Teak wood will last as much as 40 years or more if properly maintained.

Yes, there are different grades of teak wood. These grades refer to the age and quality of the wood, from mature heartwood all the way to fresh sapwood. The premier grade of teak wood is FEQ, which stands for finest European quality, this means no sapwood, knots, or worm holes. Here at Boat Outfitters we only offer the highest grade FEQ teak wood, perfect for everything from boat building to fine furniture making. ​

If you want to check if the teak wood you are buying or have bought is genuine marine teak lumber, look for straight grains that resemble streaks or lines of darker colors to the rest of the wood. It is also a good idea to ask the seller if the wood you are interested in has been stained as this can make the true color. When teak is not stained it will have a dark golden-brownish to yellowy-white color. ​

Marine plywood is not waterproof, the waterproof glue used to laminate the layers is what qualifies plywood to be marine grade. If not properly sealed and maintained, damp marine plywood will rot and break down.