ALTERNATIVES TO TEAK

Here at the boatyard, despite still being able to source Myanmar teak relatively easily, we remain on the lookout for workable alternatives. The answer isn’t easy.

In some applications synthetic teak, such as Permateek, is really effective – it works well for decking and toe rails but there are some occasions and jobs when a real wood solution is necessary. We will continue to use Kebony and will also try cork and Lignia, a modified Radiata pine, which has been used to good effect by Spirit Yachts. Accoya is another modified Radiata pine using a greener acetylation process, and although this wood has been around for many years it is not often used in the yachting market as it’s not the ‘correct’ colour to be a teak replacement, being more white than the orangey hue of teak when varnished.

Sykes timber are working with a plantation in Java to bring on stream sustainable plantation teak grown on a 40-year cycle, so that could certainly be an option to consider.

Our short-term approach at Jeremy Rogers Ltd is to encourage customers to use alternatives. For interiors, for example, they could consider other beautiful woods such as cherry, walnut or maple.

As for teak, in the short term and while stocks last, it should be treated like gold and used accordingly; repairing an existing set of toe rails could be an example of where it might be justified to use.

But the bottom line is, the marine industry’s insatiable appetite for Myanmar teak has got to end, and we all have a part to play.

Synthetic teak looks good and is very durable, but is not a natural material

Kebony is a highly durable modified maple but is less versatile than teak

Lignia is a Radiata pine, heat and resin treated to become like a hardwood

Woods such as cherry make good alternatives for internal joinery