A complete guide to boat decking

Boat decking is an important part of any vessel, as the material you choose affects how your boat performs, feels, and looks. A boat’s deck is safety-critical, exposed to the elements, and heavily used. It means that durability, weather resistance, and grip are just as important as aesthetics.

In this guide to boat decking, we discuss some of the most popular materials, their pros and cons, and other important considerations. We’ll also consider which decking might be best for your boat depending on your top priority.

Boat decking options

When it comes to choosing the right material for your boat deck, gaining a full understanding of the options available is a great place to start. The most popular types of boat decking include:

Teak

Teak is a traditional hardwood option, promising the classic sailing aesthetic. In addition to looking great, teak offers excellent grip and can increase the value of your boat. Due to being a natural material, teak decking is quite high maintenance and requires oiling to keep it looking its best. It’s also an expensive option as it needs to come from managed forests to ensure sustainability. But it is possible to find recycled teak, which is ideal for eco-conscious boatowners.

Synthetic teak (PVC)

If you like the look of teak but are searching for low maintenance boat decking, synthetic teak could be the right choice for you. It looks a lot like natural teak but requires less upkeep and is UV stabilised. It also doesn’t rot and helps create a non-slip deck. 

Like real teak, synthetic teak can be expensive, however many boatowners feel that its many benefits make it a great investment. When compared to real teak, synthetic teak is easier to maintain, has a longer lifespan, is cheaper, provides better grip, and is more environmentally friendly.

EVA foam decking

EVA foam decking is a popular option as it’s soft to walk on, lightweight, easy to install, and low maintenance. It also provides excellent grip, even when wet, making it ideal for both comfort and safety. 

Due to its texture, EVA foam decking can be damaged by sharp objects and may become flattened if subjected to heavy loads over time. While it looks good, it doesn’t have the classic aesthetic that many boatowners love. This can be a negative for some.

Cork decking

Cork is another material with many features that make it perfect for boat decking. It’s sustainable, fully recyclable, offers good thermal and sound insulation, has a natural feel underfoot, and is fairly durable. Cork is less common than other boat decking options, which can make it expensive depending on the supplier. However, it’s easy to cut and shape, which means you may feel confident enough to install it yourself.

Deck paint

Deck paint is popular with boatowners for many reasons. It’s lightweight, affordable, and easy to apply, making it ideal if you’re updating your decking on a budget. 

Deck paint is also highly customisable when it comes to colours and while traditional whites, creams, pale blues, and greys are readily available, you can opt for something different should you be looking for a personalised option. 

While deck paint has many benefits, it may not feel as nice under bare feet as other decking materials and sometimes requires recoating, especially in high foot traffic areas.

Rubberised sheets

Rubberised sheets offer excellent grip, even when wet, making them a great boat decking option if you’re prioritising safety. They’re also softer than other popular materials, able to absorb impact, and easy to cut and shape. 

While rubberised sheets have many benefits, they can get hot in the sun, don’t offer a premium aesthetic, and can be negatively impacted by sun and salt depending on the type you opt for.

Grip tape

Using grip tape on boat decking is simple, affordable, and can improve safety and functionality. It’s commonly used on sailboats, especially in high-risk areas or those with high foot traffic and is very easy to apply. 

Grip tape is also the cheapest option when it comes to renovating your boat decking. It’s often a popular choice for budget-friendly renovations. 

Things to consider when choosing boat decking

The right boat decking for you depends on a range of factors. Your preferred aesthetic, budget, and what you predominantly use your boat for – whether leisure or racing – will all play a part. Some of the main considerations include:

Weight vs durability – Heavier materials, like real teak, are durable but may affect performance. Lightweight options, including EVA and PVC, are good for speed but might not feel as solid underfoot.

Maintenance – Real teak is high maintenance compared to other boat decking options, which means it isn’t suitable for all boatowners. Opt for synthetic teak or EVA foam if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep.

Heat – Some materials, particularly dark PVC and rubberised sheets, can retain heat, which makes them uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet. Foam is generally cooler.

Installation – Some boat decking options, such as PVC panels, need professional installation while others, like EVA foam, can be good for DIY projects.

Cost – Real teak is typically the most expensive over the long term, especially when combining the upfront cost and maintenance. Foam or deck paint can be cheaper and better for budget-friendly upgrades.

The right decking for your boat

The right decking for your boat depends on the benefit that’s most important to you.

Aesthetics – Choose teak if you’re happy with keeping it well maintained
Comfort and safety – EVA foam is the best option for you
Sustainability – Opt for cork which is sustainable and recyclable
Budget – Consider deck paint and select a colour that suits your boat

Specialist boat insurance through GJW Direct

Now you know how to choose the right boat decking for your vessel, you might want to think about protecting it with specialist boat insurance.

Get your quick online quote today.