Introduction

A well-maintained deck can dramatically enhance the appearance and functionality of your boat. Synthetic teak deck panels are a popular choice among boat owners due to their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. This guide will walk you through the basics of PVC synthetic teak decks

Why choose PVC synthetic teak deck panels?

Synthetic teak offers several advantages over traditional teak wood:

• Durability: Highly resistant to weather, UV rays, and heavy foot traffic.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to natural wood, which needs regular sanding and oiling.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Mimics the rich, warm look of natural teak.
• Cost-Effective: More affordable over the long term due to lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan.

Selecting synthetic teak deck panels

randWhen choosing synthetic teak deck panels, consider the following factors:

• Quality: Opt for high-quality brands that offer a natural appearance and proven durability preferably made with 100% virgin PVC for maximum strength
• Colour Options: Select a colour that complements your boat and stick with the more conservative colours to protect higher resale values.
• Texture and Finish: Our decking materials are coarse sanded at the factory and then finer sanded on completion of the panels to give a richer and lifelike texture .
• Warranty: Ensure the brand offers a manufacturers panel warranty to protect against possible weld defects as well as material defects. Ensure the warranty is for the fabrication of the panel itself and not just the synthtic teak decking material as the warranty is otherwise virtually useless!!!! 

Basic process of PVC synthetic teak decks

• Create Templates: Using cardboard or another sturdy material, create templates that match the shapes and sizes of the deck panels on your boat. These templates will guide the cutting and welding process.
• Cut the Synthetic teak decking to shape on the reverse of template: Using a utility knife and straight edge, carefully cut the synthetic teak decking strips along the traced lines. Ensure all pieces fit together snugly without gaps. The deck is essentially made upside down to weld the strips together from the back.
• Inserting the Welding Rod: Place the heated welding rod between the edges of the synthetic teak decking strips and backweld each profile strip together with a weld gun. The weld rod should be made of the same material as the synthetic teak to ensure a strong bond which is why 100% virgin PVC works best
• Detailing and margins: Once the deck has been backwelded it is time to add any detailing of the deck with margins/kingplanks etc. These are topwelded in place and therefore the deck is turned face up, trimmed as required,  and any necessary synthetic teak decking margin/detailing profiles are topwelded in place. 
• Final sanding and finishing: The factory finishing is coarse and the deck panels are fine sanded to giove a multi- texture finish for maximum realism.

Conclusion

Welding synthetic teak decking strips to fit custom deck panel templates is a precise and rewarding process that results in a beautiful, durable, and seamless deck for your boat. Skilled professional deckmakers are able to make lifelike teak decks in the traditional style that is very familiar to all boat owners. A PVC synthetic teak deck will enhance both the look and functionality of your vessel.