Why Teak?

[Chuck Healey]

I'm sure Teak is the wood of choice on most boats for good reason, but how necessary for below decks? I'm planning on doing some winter mods that call for a little woodwork, (bookshelves, shelf under head sink, frames for curtians etc.). I have seen teak for sale at West Marine for ridiculously high prices. I was thinking of going with some red cedar at Home Depot, that is much more reasonable. I would also think the properties of cedar, (resistant to rot for example), would be good for marine use as well. Of course my cabin might end up smelling like a cedar closet, but that's not necessarly a bad thing. Any thoughts?

[kmclemore]

While I'd love to have some teak to use in my boat, like you I look at the cost and wonder why pay those prices. So, recently when I had to make a replacement table for the MacX I used oak plywood and then trimmed it with oak vineer. Your idea to use red cedar is a good one, too... it would look really pretty. My Boston Whaler has mohogany brightwork and seats, so that's another choice, but like teak it's pretty expensive, too.

The main thing about teak is that it's virtually impervious to rot. Red cedar isn't quite as rot resistant, and oak even less so... but after all, if you're using it inside the boat and you've got enough moisture to make wood rot then you've got more problems than how to trim out the cabin!!

[Jim]

I made a new head door out of oak veneer, as well as new front for the galley, a cupboard for holding glasses and cups as well as the stereo and a box to hold the vhs all out of cherry. Works well and a fraction of the cost of teak

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

Cedar, while really good in water, very rot resistant, is also very soft. This makes it easy to work, but also easy to damage. I wouldn't want it below where things get banged around. Cedar also is bear to finish with anything but stain. It contains a lot of tannin which will bleed through any paint other than pigmented shellac. You have to prime it with the shellac if you are going to paint it.

You would be better off with one of the hard woods such as oak or cherry. They will take a lot more wear and tear before they look like crap.

[dclark]

Forget the cedar, it's too soft. Go with a hardwood. Oak is a good and reasonably priced choice.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I expect there are places to buy teak which are a heck of a lot cheaper than West Marine. Afterall, a lot of Nordic type furniture is made from that wood.