As Traditional Teak Flounders, What's On the Horizon for Sustainable Sailing Decks?

A deck is more than just a wooden surface on which one can lounge, sipping a cocktail while watching a sunset in the middle of the ocean. It’s the living, breathing soul of a boat, projecting and encapsulating the essence of the maritime lifestyle. Traditionally, the unchallenged king of boat decking materials has been teak, thanks to its aesthetic appeal, endurance, and highly desired texture. But as concerns over the environmental implications of teak sourcing mount, the nautical world is being nudged towards a new frontier of sustainable alternatives. Suppliers like Teak Decking Systems, Wolz Nautic, and Amorim have been pioneering in this regard, exploring and testing different materials to replace or at least complement traditional teak. Plantation teak, a managed version of the classic material, ‘green teak’, produced from veneer and modified woods like Tesumo, are among the alternatives in discussion. Cork is another contender, thanks to its carbon-negative profile, recyclability attributes, easy maintenance, and pleasant feel underfoot. But the conversation is far from closed. Yacht builders like Feadship have been investing in research toward long-term sustainable teak alternatives. Navigating the narrow line between client aspirations, material performance, and environmental responsibility, these brands are breaking new ground and reshaping the face of decking for the future. However, even with innovations and new options, acceptance of alternatives to teak still faces resistance. Decking, for many, begins and ends with traditional teak, not just for its physical attributes but also the intangible values it carries - the colour, aroma, and the sensation it imparts when being worked with. Transforming such deep-seated preferences is a tall order, making the journey towards sustainable alternatives as exciting and unpredictable as an ocean sailing adventure.