Teaknotek, when synthetic teak decking is called Flexiteek

Imported and installed in Italy by Teaknotek, Flexiteek is the ultimate synthetic teak decking for boats. Invented in 2000, the product has progressively undergone an intense process of technological development which has brought it to achievements which were unthinkable at that time.

Initially opposed, synthetic teak decking has progressively entered the market. Its innovative features on one side, the destruction of Burmese forests on the other one have promoted the natural, unstoppable development of this product. Even the most conservative yachtsmen, confronted with a terrible combination of corrupt governments, war and drug trade – all financed by the wild deforestation of teak forests, become known as the “war wood” – have capitulated and deliberately get closer to synthetic teak.

Curious by nature, we’ve gone to see (and, above all, to touch) to what point the technological evolution of Flexiteek has advanced. The product has become so well-known that it is commonly used as a synonym with “synthetic teak decking”.

Federico Falchieri welcomes us in an enchanting place, Passo Segni, a 14th-century village situated in the province of Bologna, Italy, which is the location of the production site where Flexiteek is assembled.

” In addition to being the first one in its category, our product leads the market and it’s the world’s most popular synthetic teak”, tells Federico enthusiastically, ” Our leaderships reflects in Italy, too, where we sell over 5,000 squares meters of product a year, about 8% of  global production”.

Against this background, we enter the loft and start analyzing the material. We have to admit that Flexiteek 2G, the latest innovation introduced by Flexiteek International, currently reproduces not only the colour but also the shades of wood.

Advantages of Flexiteek synthetic teak

The advantages offered by this synthetic teak go beyond the mere similarity with organic teak. Its technical features indeed make us appreciate many other qualities. Here are the most important ones:

Stain resistance, cleanliness and low maintenance

Even if beautiful, wood is a material which tends to absorb all sort of dirt, especially liquids. Just a few water sprays and, once dry, unpleasant rings are there. And things get even worse if you drop a glass of wine or, while fishing, you start bringing fish on board: the look of your deck might be definitively compromised. Flexiteek, instead, prevents water from staining your deck since synthetic teak is stain-resistant!

Maintenance, too – another aspect which seriously concerns yachtsmen especially when summer season is just around the corner – is substantially reduced to zero. Flexiteek does not require expensive or difficult maintenance.

Slip-resistant

Flexiteek 2G provides amazing grip, which is a very important added value in terms of safety. Test it! Get it wet and walk on it barefoot or in boat shoes: the grip is clearly perceivable. It’s a considerable step forward which will prevent you from getting hurt.

UV-resistant

Introduced by Flexiteek in 2014, Flexiteek 2G is the only UV-resistant teak decking of the market. Along with improving the heat reflecting properties, this material has also been developed to reduce thermal transfer in hot climates. Flexiteek 2G cools 30% faster  under foot than traditional synthetic decking, allowing you to walk across it barefoot.

Light weight

Boasting a weight of just 4.5 kg per square meter, this synthetic teak establishes itself as a top product. 10 mm natural teak weights about 6.5 kg per square meter which become 9 in the 14 mm version. Synthetic teak of other brands (not many, we have to admit it) weight about 5.5-6 kg per square meter. This means that Flexiteek offers an important weight saving over rival synthetic decking systems, which inevitably results into better performance, greater fuel saving and, of course, greater stability.

Teaknotek: construction and installation

First of all, let’s debunk a myth: synthetic teak decking does not require less know-how than traditional teak decking. It is a different technique, of course, and selecting a leading company is really important. With this in mind, many shipyards choose this Italian company to build the decks of their boats. Prestigious brands like Solaris, Cantieri del Pardo, Mylius, Azimut, Zar and Capelli turn to Teaknotek to build their decks every time owners ask for this.

Every single steps in the construction process is precise and accurate, from template to planks while the various trim profiles make the difference.

Expertise is another essential aspect. Only a long experience can result into specific know-how which becomes a crucial factor in the installation and gluing phases.

Synthetic teak planks are joint with a special sealant welded at 700 degrees and require no special maintenance or interventions.

If we consider that Flexiteek has a 5-year guarantee, is 100 recyclable and, above all, is cheaper and lasts longer than traditional wood, we really cannot find a single reason to not want it on our sailboats or motorboats.

And if, despite all this, you still have some doubts about it, all we can do is to suggest you a visit to the laboratory. There’s nothing better than seeing with your own eyes with what quality and passion those people work and how kind and helpful they are, probably influenced by the beauty of this wonderful Italia village where time seems to have stopped

Teaknotek Srl – Via Guidetti, 45 – Passo Segni (BO)  – Tel. 388 3422028

WWW.TEAKNOTEK.COM