Why does a teak deck need sanding and restoration?

Sun, saltwater and foot traffic turn teak grey, rough and uneven, and they crack the seams. Sanding brings back a smooth finish and the natural color, and new caulking keeps water out of the seams, which helps the deck last.

How do I know if my teak deck needs re-caulking?

If the seams are cracked, shrinking, lifting, or missing material, re-caulking is needed. Proper caulking prevents water intrusion, protects the sub-deck, and keeps the teak planks secure.

What is included in teak deck restoration service?

The service includes professional sanding, seam inspection, caulking replacement if needed, deep cleaning, and optional teak treatment. Each step is done carefully to preserve plank thickness and structure.

Can improper sanding damage a teak deck?

Yes, aggressive or uneven sanding can remove too much material and shorten the deck's lifespan. We sand only as much as it takes to remove the grey layer, so as much wood as possible stays on the deck.

How often should teak decks be sanded and restored?

As seldom as possible. Each sanding removes wood, and a teak deck can only be sanded a limited number of times in its life. With gentle cleaning (a soft brush across the grain, no pressure washer) and seam repairs when needed, most decks can go many years between sandings, and we check how much wood is left above the seams and plugs before recommending one.

Do you use sealers or oils after teak restoration?

We offer optional teak treatments based on owner preference. Some clients prefer a natural weathered look, while others choose protective sealers to maintain color and reduce maintenance.

Can teak deck restoration increase my boat’s value?

It can help, though we can't promise a figure. A well-kept teak deck looks better and is safer underfoot, and sound seams keep water from soaking into the deck below, which is costly to repair.

Marine detailer using a professional dust-free sanding system

Marine detailer using a professional dust-free sanding system (2)

Teak Deck Sanding, Caulking & Restoration

Cracked seams and grey, fuzzy wood hurt the look and value of your yacht. We sand with dust extraction to remove the silvering, and restore the seams by routing out the old sealant and replacing it with UV-stable marine caulk.

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$150 /hr

Labor estimate Quoted after inspection

Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.

Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach

San Pedro$30
Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
Redondo Beach$60
Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
Marina del Rey$85
Newport Beach$110

Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members. The work of a visit is at least $150; the trip fee is on top.

Registered in California: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
Questions first: (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket

About this service

Premium Yacht Surface

Teak Deck
Rejuvenation.

A yacht teak deck defines luxury, but sun and use lead to silvering and split seams. Our teak deck restoration and teak deck repair work brings back the golden color and waterproof integrity of your deck with expert techniques.

Low-Dust Sanding

We use vacuum-attached sanders to remove only the oxidized top layer (silvering) of the wood, while the extractor captures most of the fine teak dust before it reaches the air or the marina.

Seam Routing

Failed seams are the primary reason for a leaking teak deck, so teak deck seam repair comes first. We meticulously rout out all old, cracked, and adhesive-failed caulking using dedicated seam routers, ensuring a clean substrate.

Re-caulking

We apply UV-stable, flexible marine-grade polysulfide or polyurethane sealants (Sika, TDS) over bond-breaker tape in the bottom of each seam to prevent three-sided adhesion, so the caulk can flex with the wood.

Precision Restoration.

From grey and tired to golden and waterproof.

Prep & Rout

We secure the perimeter, mask off borders, and remove all failed caulk from the seams using a specialty router.

Prime & Caulk

We lay bond-breaker tape in the bottom of the seams, prime the seam sides and apply the new flexible marine sealant, filling the seam completely.

Cure & Sand

After a full cure, we sand with dust extraction to level the new caulk flush with the wood, exposing the fresh teak color.

Finish

The deck is cleaned and rinsed, leaving a smooth, waterproof surface that protects the underlayment from water intrusion.

The Finished Look.

A dramatic change in looks.

Restored teak deck with fresh black caulking seams

Checking routed seam depth between teak deck planks

Dust-extracting sanding equipment used on a teak deck

Materials We Use.

Marine sealants and tools made for teak.

Sikaflex 290 DC Industry-Standard Caulk

TDS (Teak Decking Systems) High-Flex Sealant

Festool Rotex Dust Extraction System

Common Questions

How often should I sand my teak?

Teak deck sanding should only be done every 5-10 years, as sanding removes precious thickness. Between major restorations, teak deck maintenance should be limited to gentle teak deck cleaning (scrubbing across the grain).

Black or White Caulk?

Black caulk (the traditional look) absorbs heat and UV, which can cure it faster and occasionally lead to slight lifting. White is cooler but contrasts more heavily. For teak deck caulking, we recommend the classic black for yacht aesthetics.