Looking For The Best Teak Decking For Boats?
How to Spot Imitation “Fake” Teak
If you’re looking to renovate your yacht, and you’re interested in a brand-new teak deck, you’re making a great decision. Teak is not cheap, but it’s extremely pliable, weather-resistant, and easy to work with. Teak also has a rich, deep color that’s truly exceptional – and it makes your yacht look even more impressive.
But when it comes to buying teak, the buyer must beware! There are many different companies who are looking to sell you “teak” that isn’t really teak at all! In this article, OP Yacht Services will take a look at the top ways you can recognize fake teak – and ensure that you get the very best marine teak decking. Let’s get started!
The Most Common Types Of Fake Teak
Just because a wood has “teak” in the name doesn’t necessarily mean that it is truly teak. Teak, or Tectona Grandis, is native to southeast Asia – so you should immediately be suspicious of “teak” that’s been sourced elsewhere. Here are a few of the common types of “fake” teak you should be looking out for.
- Brazilian Teak – Also called Cumaru, Brazilian Teak is not related to teak in any way. While it is durable and versatile, it’s not as water-resistant as teak, and it’s harder to work into a teak deck.
- Rhodesian Teak – Rhodesian teak grows in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia), hence the name. It’s a dense hardwood with a reddish-brown finish, and a fine grain – and it is unrelated to real teak. It is difficult to cut and work with, because it’s much harder and less pliable than real teak.
- African Teak – The scientific name of African Teak is Afromosia. It is a hardwood from West Africa, with a yellowish brown color. It actually has properties that are quite similar to real teak, including water resistance, rot resistance, and easy workability. However, its export is tightly controlled, so it’s typically more expensive than real teak.
If you are looking to get a real teak deck, don’t fall for these “false teak” woods. Invest in high-quality teak to keep your yacht looking brand-new and beautiful.
How To Recognize Real Teak – Our Top Tips
Wondering how you can avoid getting hoodwinked by fake teak? Here are a few tips on recognizing real teak.
Before & After
- Ask for proof of where the teak came from – Almost all teak comes from Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Burma. Ask for proof of the teak’s origin, and you’ll quickly be able to find out if it’s real.
- Smell the wood – Teak has an unmistakable odor, similar to treated leather. It may seem silly, but if you give a teak sample a sniff, you’ll usually be able to tell whether or not it’s real.
- Work with a legitimate supplier – Make sure you partner with a legitimate teak supplier and installer, like OP Yacht Services. We only use the best materials, and we can prove the legitimacy of all of our teak products!
Follow This Guide – Find The Best Teak For Your Yacht!
A teak yacht is a big investment. So make sure you keep an eye out for those who may try to scam you or provide you with sub-par wood! Need a marine carpentry specialist you can trust in Fort Lauderdale? Contact OP Yacht Services today. We’ve got years of experience building and installing custom teak decks.