TEAK IMITATION OR INNOVATIVE PRODUCT?
Over the last thirty years, the nautical market has been enriched by new materials that have radically changed the way boats are built. Whether we think of stainless steel, Kevlar, or simply fiberglass, all of them, as well as synthetic attempts at... imitate teak, These are relatively recent materials that have been introduced to improve construction standards to what we now perceive as familiar, or what was simply unimaginable thirty years ago.
FROM THE FIRST TEAK IMITATIONS TO TODAY
This story also includes the story of the Flexiteek synthetic teak, a teak imitation Based on PVC, introduced to the market just under twenty-five years ago, teak has, through continuous research and development, become the material it is today, albeit with considerable difficulty. It's an elegant and technologically advanced solution, virtually indistinguishable from natural teak. In short, what are the advantages of teak imitation compared to traditional teak?
SYNTHETIC TEAK IMITATION OR TRADITIONAL DECK?
Reduced maintenance is undoubtedly one of the most attractive selling points for many customers. We all know, at least those of us who have owned a boat with a natural teak deck, that year after year it's necessary to sand, whitewash, oil—in short, do everything possible to protect and maintain the deck's appearance. This is one of the most tedious tasks for anyone responsible for maintaining a boat or for those who have to pay for that work.
But unfortunately, this isn't the worst of it. A traditional teak deck is made up of planks, and polymers are used between them to seal the joints, ensuring the deck's elasticity and water resistance. A good installation can guarantee that these joints will last for many years, but there will come a point when, year after year, sanding after sanding, maintenance will be necessary.
AN INNOVATIVE PRODUCT
Flexiteek it's a teak imitation Made from closed-cell inorganic material, it is completely waterproof and UV-stabilized. The planks are heat-welded at 580°C, ensuring the decking is a single, continuous, and completely waterproof piece. This allows the color to remain stable over time and requires no maintenance other than regular cleaning.
It can be washed quickly with a pressure washer and neutral soap, without the need for harsh products that could negatively affect other parts of the boat, and it's also environmentally friendly. If we had done the same with traditional teak, we would have worn down the surface very quickly.
Another great advantage of imitate teak In short, it's not necessary to process it directly on the ship's deck. The manufacturing process, after the templates are taken, is carried out in our laboratory, and the deck only arrives on the ship at the time of installation: a task that takes no more than a day or a few days.
This last point is clearly an advantage when carrying out the work, but it also has significant economic value. The supply and installation of a quality traditional teak deck (increasingly difficult to find) can cost between €900 and €1,200 per square meter. Choosing a Flexiteek deck will drastically reduce your investment by around €50%, which can be even more advantageous if you decide to do the installation yourself and try building a deck by hand.
