MODESTY INTERIORS Modesty was formed in 1999 by Phil Spear and Jon Winstanley and, due to a dedication to quality and customer service, quickly grew into one of the largest and most well respected carpentry companies in Mallorca. They have protected a revolutionary system for producing pre-fabricated decks. Using non-invasive laser measuring equipment and CNC machinery, Modesty is able to measure, design and fabricate a new deck accurate to within 0.5mm over 45mts. All aspects of the design, construction, varnishing and upholstery are carried out under one roof leading to a smooth trouble-free project. For more details Tel: +34 971 910 211 or visit
www.modesty.es
One company who have taken the entire DIY teak substitute concept a long way, is Florida based SeaDek Marine Products, who have a faux teak material made from soft yet durable, closed-cell PE/EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) in the form of pads with bevelled edges. The pads are supplied CNC cut to size, for the owner then to carefully position and apply by him / herself peeling off the adhesive backing paper and applying as easy as that!
VP Marketing, Jason Gardner, told us that even big name OEM’s have hooked in to the SeaDek system, no doubt tempted by the fact that an entire boat can be installed in just a few short hours, so I am told. “Our system is perfect for the marine environment. It has UV inhibitors reducing the sun’s effects and customers can order sheets of SeaDek and cut it themselves, but for the most finished look and feel we recommend they find a SeaDek Certified Installer or Fabricator in their area, with details on our website.”
Another company, this time using a franchise-based dealer/installer network I
A PROPERLY MADE TEAK DECK, WITH FULL DEPTH CAULKING SEAMS, QUALITY VERTICAL GRAIN AND FASTEN LESS VACUUM BAGGED INSTALLATION WILL NOT REQUIRE THAT MUCH WORK TO MAINTAIN
spoke to is Easy Tek (known as Tek-Dek in Europe), passionate people, with strongly- held views about their PVC composite pre- fabricated panels. Reinier Waardenburg from the Easy Tek training centre told us: “EVA is a nice optical and comfortable addition for a boat, but not as a replacement for teak and certainly no match for PVC in terms of durability, maintenance and cost! Most composites
contain organic materials
which can turn green with algae and can deteriorate. Real teak is expensive, not durable and environmentally it’s simply ‘not done’ anymore. I’d say at this moment in time PVC is the better choice on all fronts.
“Although Easy-Tek does not need any vacuum bagging or special tools to install, it’s definitely not a DIY product! We train all our dealers and installers to provide a 100% warranted product and installation! We always provide assistance for semi- professionals. However, for small items and boats (tenders, ribs etc), it is possible to buy from us pre-fabricated decks, suitable for installation by skilled boat owners. It saves money, but I would always recommend ‘full service’ where possible.”
Although I salute those companies who supply synthetic-only teak alternatives, with their popularist view to ‘save the planet’ through cutting down less tress.
Other suppliers and installers I talked to have recognised the commercial benefits of offering both genuine and alternative teak options to their customers.
Focussing on the North and South American markets, yet still with the ability to handle enquires from other parts of the world, Canada based Ideal Teak Inc have a no- nonsense website extolling the benefits of both natural and synthetic alternatives.
With traditional teak on offer and established alternatives from Esthec and Dek-King, both of which are well respected brand names I have come across before. I asked Aaron Nielsen what his view was on the commonly raised question of ongoing care and maintenance, and he said: “A properly made teak deck, with full-depth caulking seams, quality vertical grain and Fasten less vacuum bagged installation will not require that much work to maintain. Teak decks get a bad reputation for maintenance, due to an inferior quality wood used and bad installation on board.
“The look and feel of natural teak, as well as its sound insulation properties and ability to keep things cool or warm below deck level, are the kind of factors our customers love most about natural
teak.The synthetic decking we offer can be pressure-washed
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