When it comes to selecting a company for your new deck, transparency and trust are essential. While we at Teakdecking Systems believe in the superior quality and craftsmanship of our decks, we also understand that we are not the cheapest option. While cost is an important factor, it’s equally crucial to consider the long-term value and durability of your investment. If you decide not to entrust us with your new deck, we strongly encourage you to do your due diligence and ask the right questions before committing. Our top priority is ensuring you make an informed decision, no matter whom you choose to work with. A new deck is a significant investment and balancing cost with quality and durability is key to avoiding costly mistakes down the line. To help you navigate this process, here are six crucial considerations to guide your decision-making process: 1. Research the Company’s Reputation The first step in evaluating a decking company is to research its reputation. A quick online search can provide valuable insights into their track record through reviews, ratings, and testimonials from fellow yacht owners. Social media groups, forums, and word-of-mouth recommendations are also great sources of information. Pay close attention to any recurring themes in feedback—positive or negative—as they often reveal the company’s strengths or potential red flags. 2. Understand the Quality of the Teak Not all teak is created equal. High-quality, seasoned old-growth teak is far superior to plantation or fast-growing teak. Old-growth teak has tighter growth rings, which make it denser, less permeable, and significantly more durable. Plantation teak, while more readily available, lacks these qualities and may not hold up as well in the long term. Knowing what kind of material you’re putting on your yacht will ensure you make a well-informed investment. 3. Verify the Legality and Availability of Materials Legal sourcing of teak is not only an ethical concern but also impacts project timelines. Some companies may not stock the teak they use, instead purchasing it only when an order is placed. This could lead to delays, particularly if the company encounters sourcing challenges. Ensure the company you choose has legal teak readily available in their possession. This not only guarantees compliance with international laws but also reduces the likelihood of unforeseen delays in your project. 4. Compare Decking Materials While teak is a popular choice for yacht decking, there are alternatives like EVA foam, PVC, Polyurethane, and cork that you may consider. Each material has its own pros and cons in terms of cost, durability, and appearance. For instance, EVA foam is lightweight and budget-friendly but lacks the longevity of teak, while PVC and Polyurethane offer varying levels of durability and cost-effectiveness. Carefully evaluate these options and discuss them with the company to determine the best fit for your needs and budget. 5. Review Past Projects and Current Workloa d A company’s previous work speaks volumes about its capabilities and standards. Request to see examples of past projects, ideally ones similar to your vessel, to gauge their expertise. Additionally, inquire about their current workload. If a company is overbooked, your project could face delays, leaving your boat out of commission longer than expected. Asking for a clear manufacturing and installation timeline can help you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly. 6. Select a Reputable Yard Where the work is performed is just as important as who performs it. Opt for a reputable yard that has experience handling yacht projects. A good yard can coordinate with subcontractors, enabling multiple tasks to be completed simultaneously, which saves time and ensures a smoother process overall. Effective project management is crucial in these situations, so ensure the yard has a proven track record of handling yacht renovations. 7. Warranty & Service When evaluating decking companies, it is important to check if they offer a warranty and ask detailed questions about its coverage. Does it cover both materials and installation? What is the duration, and are there any conditions or exclusions? Clarify where warranty work will be carried out and any associated costs, such as transport, subsistence, lodging, and logistics required for repairs. 8. Global Service For yacht owners constantly on the move, choosing a company with reliable global support is essential. Evaluate the company's operational reach and its ability to respond and travel to your vessel if needed. For total peace of mind, TDS decks are covered by a worldwide warranty, ensuring customers receive top-tier service and support wherever they are. Final Thoughts Choosing the right company for your yacht’s decking is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Transparency, reputation, and quality should be your top priorities when evaluating potential companies. By asking the right questions and thoroughly researching your options, you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your deck meets your expectations in both quality and longevity. While cost is always a factor, remember that value is about more than just the upfront price, it’s about the durability, craftsmanship, and long-term performance of your deck. A well-informed decision will not only protect your investment but also enhance your enjoyment of your yacht for years to come.

As 2024 drew to a close, illegal teak dominated headlines across yachting industry media, highlighting growing scrutiny of regulatory compliance in relation to the importation of Myanmar teak in violation of EUTR and UK timber regulations. This development intensified concerns about non-compliance with the European Timber Regulation (EUTR), spotlighting the challenges the industry faces in ensuring sustainable and legal timber sourcing. Furthermore, the broader and more stringent EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) is set to be implemented by 30 December 2025 for large companies and 30 June 2026 for micro- and small companies. Under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a large company is defined as one that meets at least two of the following criteria: more than 250 employees, an annual turnover exceeding €50 million, or an annual balance sheet total exceeding €43 million. In contrast, a small company is defined as one with fewer than 50 employees and either an annual turnover or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €10 million. This will introduce a requirement for any operator or trader placing commodities on the EU market (or exporting from it) to prove they did not contribute to forest degradation or recently deforested land – including a requirement for companies to provide geolocation data down to a specific plot of land for each tree felled. With all of this in mind, it can feel like there is more to navigate than ever where sourcing teak is concerned. Depending on the preferences of each project and owner, high-quality, sustainable alternatives to teak (such as polyurethane composite decking or cork decking) are also available – these can be explored here and here . However, many superyacht owners are traditional by nature and still have a strong preference for the classic, warm look of teak. If it is teak which is required, how can you ensure that your teak is sourced legally? Mike Doyle, Wood Sourcing Manager at TDS , emphasizes the importance of ensuring compliance when selecting a teak decking company. He advises focusing on the company’s adherence to international regulations, such EURT / EUDR or other relevant laws, and verifying their sourcing practices to ensure the timber is legally harvested and traceable. Proper due diligence in this area can help you avoid serious legal or regulatory issues down the line. Understand Relevant Legislation & Regulations Make sure you are familiar with the relevant legislation and regulations associated with teak and that the companies you are buying from are in compliance with EUTR /EUDR. This requires companies to exercise due diligence in sourcing timber to ensure that it has been harvested legally according to the laws of the country of origin. Due Diligence System A due diligence system (DDS), as required under the EUTR and EUDR, is a structured process designed to ensure that timber and related products are sourced legally and responsibly, without contributing to deforestation. It involves gathering detailed information about the origin of the wood, such as the country of harvest, the tree species, and supporting documentation to verify legality. The system also includes assessing the risks associated with the supply chain, such as whether the wood comes from regions with weak enforcement of environmental or forestry laws. If any risks are identified, companies must take appropriate actions to reduce or eliminate them, such as seeking additional documentation or switching to more reliable suppliers. This approach promotes sustainable practices and helps companies comply with regulations while protecting global forests. Carry Out Regular Audits and Monitoring To ensure compliance with their due diligence system, companies must conduct regular audits of their supply chains. This should encompass both internal audits (in which they periodically review internal processes and supplier compliance with legal requirements) and third-party audits. In third–party audits, companies engage independent auditors who specialize in forestry and sustainability to assess compliance with EUTR and other relevant standards. Train Employees and Stakeholders Training is vital to ensure that all employees involved in procurement, sales and supply management understand the importance of sourcing legal timber. These programs should encompass the implications of illegal logging, best practices for verifying supplier claims and specifics of EUTR / EUDR compliance. Engage with Certification Programs To demonstrate your commitment to sustainable sourcing practices, companies can participate in recognized certification programs like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These will require adherence to strict guidelines for sustainability and legality. Establish Clear Policies and Procedures Develop clear policies for timber sourcing which outline your commitment to both legality and sustainability. These should be readily available to suppliers and communicated throughout your organization. Collaborate with Industry Groups and NGOs Collaboration is key! Engaging with non-governmental organizations (NGOS), industry groups and other stakeholders will bolster your resources and support and offer insights for implementing best practices for legal timber sourcing. It can also improve transparency within supply chains. Keep Informed About Changes in Legislation It’s crucial to stay updated on the latest timber regulations, such EUTR or EUDR and international agreements on forest management. These regulations are constantly evolving and understanding them ensures that the teak used in your deck is legally sourced and compliant with current laws. Work closely with your supplier to confirm they are monitoring changes in legislation and have systems in place to meet compliance standards. Ensure they can provide documentation verifying the legality of their timber and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable sourcing practices. By staying informed and partnering with suppliers who prioritize compliance, you can minimize risks and contribute to responsible forest management efforts. Finally, Mike’s takeaway message would be:“If you need to hire external help to ensure your timber is compliant, just do it! A third-party company like Preferred by Nature or Double Helix will do a lot of the leg work for you.

Modern Sailing Deck with Gray Caulking