While the main structure of most of our boats is fiberglass, they still contain an amazing amount of wood. If you do your work, you will invariably be faced with choices between many different kinds of wood in order to get the job done.
Knowing the difference between those woods is important when it comes to completing small projects successfully. Is it easy to work with? How does it stand up to weather? How does it react when wet? Will it do the job you want it to do?
Rather than trust the answers to the local supply shop, it pays to actively choose your materials.
PAUL ESTERLELuan plywood is used for templates and in jobs that do not require strong wood. While entire volumes have been written about the beauty and utility of wood, there is no need to go back to school. Learning some simple basics will help you choose products that best suit your applications – and make your boat stronger.
PLYWOOD AND VENEER
Let's start with the most widespread kind of wood used on boats: plywood. There are a dizzying number of plywood types available – enough to warrant its own discussion (see link for sidebar).
Plywood is made of layers of wood veneer glued together to form a sheet. How that sheet is constructed will determine a great deal about its strength and how it will hold up in the marine environment.
Select a marine-grade plywood that is made with waterproof glue – you can test it by boiling a piece to see if the glue holds – and that is free of major defects. Another key factor in the quality of plywood is the number of plies making up the sheet. We have all seen cheap luan plywood available in home improvement stores, with a thick center ply and two very thin exterior plies. This should be avoided for serious jobs. Look for five or more plies for the best strength and stability.
Most species of wood are also available in veneers, sold by the square foot. Veneers can be molded or bonded to a flat surface, usually for decorative purposes. Marquetry, the art of producing designs for tables, cabinets and other furnishings using various colored woods, often uses veneers.
PAUL ESTERLEThis teak veneer was laminated to a paper backing to form a flat, flexible veneer sheet. Veneer is also available bonded to a phenolic paper backing. This paper-backed veneer is much more flexible and less likely to split than natural veneers. It can also be easily bonded using regular contact cement.
TEAK AND MAHOGANY
The premier boat wood has always been teak. A heavy, oily wood with high silica content, it has been used for boatbuilding for centuries.
Native teak stocks are declining, however, raising the cost. Plantation-grown teak is becoming more common, easing environmental concerns about deforestation.
Most marine stores carry a wide range of stock teak trim, including corners, battens and pin rails. Prefabricated units such as racks and drink holders are also available.
Because of teak's high silica content, it is hard on tools. Carbide toothed tools are best. Teak can also be somewhat brittle. It takes mechanical fasteners fine, but if you are using epoxy or other adhesive, wipe down the surface of the teak with acetone before gluing. This will remove some of the surface oil and give you a better bond.
PAUL ESTERLETeak is available in as lumber, moldings and finished accessories in most marine stores.
Teak can be left unfinished in exterior applications. It gradually weathers to a light gray color. It offers easy maintenance, if you like that sort of thing. If you don't like that look, there is an incredible range of teak finishing products. Oils, varnishes and proprietary coatings abound.
One good way to start a discussion – or an argument – on any dock is to ask a group of sailors about the best teak coating. But you may learn a lot. Checking to see which coatings are working best in your area is a good idea.
Of course, there are less expensive alternatives to teak and mahogany is one good example. I have often used mahogany instead of teak to cut costs. If I want it to look like teak, I've found that the reddish color of the wood, in conjunction with Minwax Special Walnut Stain, mimics varnished teak well.
While there are many species identified as mahogany, African, Honduran and Philippine are the most common. Honduras or South American Mahogany is the classic furniture material, and it is getting more rare and expensive. African mahogany actually comprises at least five species, each with slightly different characteristics. Philippine mahogany is also a good boatbuilding wood if you can find it.
