How to Replace Teak Decks

When the teak deck of your boat finally wears to the point where you must replace the planks, the process is a straightforward one. You will have to remove the old planks and caulk in preparation for installing the new deck planking. As the old teak deck planking comes off, though, the notes you take along the way will guide the sequence in which the new planking is installed on your deck.

Marlinspike
Screwdriver
Bag
Measuring tape
New deck planking
Chop saw
Teak oil or varnish
Polyurethane caulking

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the tip of a marlinspike -- the metal, pointed spike you use for rope work -- under the end of the caulk between the teak deck planks. Lift the end of the caulk and pull it from between the planks. Repeat until all of the deck caulking is removed.
- 2
  Remove the screws from the plank closest to the right, or starboard side, of the boat, with a screwdriver. Place the screws into a bag for sake-keeping. As you remove the screws that hold the plank in place, remove the teak planks from the boat. Measure and record the length of each plank with a measuring tape. For example, record the location from which the first plank was removed as "No. 1." Remove the screws from the adjacent plank. Remove, measure and record that plank as "No. 2." Repeat until the teak planking is completely removed.
- 3
  Use a chop saw to cut replacement planking to length, using the recorded notes regarding the length and location of each plank. Move all of the replacement planks onto the boat.
- 4
  Place the No. 1 plank on the boat and secure it in place with the screws you removed from the previous decking. Continue to replace the planks in order. Finish the planks to your taste, either with teak oil or varnish. Caulk between the planks with polyurethane caulking.

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