How to Repair Teak Grates?

[Dockhead]

A couple of my teak grates are starting to fall apart. I can't seem to find any information on how to fix them. Do you glue them back together and clamp them with furniture clamps? Or what is their structural principle? I will be grateful for any advice.

[svHyLyte]

When the teak grating in our cockpit began to fail, I repaired the connections by separating the failed joints a bit and injecting water proof wood glue into the joint using a plastic syringe and then weighing the grating down on the floor of our garage with some sand-bags. Once the glue set up, I counter-sunk some very tiny wood screws set in glue in all of the joints in the grating from the underside. It was a somewhat tedious process considering the number of joints but the grating has held up well for the last 10+ years since. I periodically clean and then oil the grates which may help preserve the glue joints but I am not certain of that.

Note that our cockpit grates do not sit on the deck but span a life-raft storage well on the bottom of the cockpit so that they have air circulation around the entire grate and can dry out. Simply laying on a deck, the constant damp of the grating joints may prevent the foregoing fix from working too well.

FWIW...

[Dockhead]

Thanks. Are they made with glue originally, or are they just fitted together? I just don't understand the principle of them.

[Cheechako]

Lots of possibilities... Pic?

[ShaunJ]

Good question Dockhead, I have been meaning to ask this. I look forward to any info forthcoming.
When mine came apart, I managed to line all the pieces up and drop it back in place, I don't think I will get that lucky next time. I do need to clean under it as it is over top of me scuppers.

[Cheechako]

Possible to take apart, clean (they are usually pretty mucky in between the mating surfaces) and put a dab of 5200 at each joint? then weight it down and wait a few days.

[Ironhorse74]

For what it is worth my teak cockpit grating was falling apart also. I put this in a gouple of moths ago. I trimmed it to fit my cockpit. With a hole saw I cut a hole the same size as my cockpit drains over the drains. Much easier on bare feet. Self draining and it comes up in a flash if I need it to. Teak Snapping Decktiles: Le click by INFINITA

[bobconnie]

Thank you Ironhorse !! Thats a great site !! love the teak decking. And did ya look at the lights they have !! man makes me think about a great anchor light LOL But really thanks

[Ironhorse74]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Thank you Ironhorse !! Thats a great site !! love the teak decking. And did ya look at the lights they have !! man makes me think about a great anchor light LOL But really thanks

you are welcome. I never noticed the lights before, however floating bordello comes to mind.

[bobconnie]

Ahhh but can't ya just see that 12 in white one hanging from the riggin in netting for a anchor light ??? I kinda like it myself !!LOL

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Thanks. Are they made with glue originally, or are they just fitted together? I just don't understand the principle of them.

Our grates have interlocking notched joints and were originally glued. The grating material itself is quite thick so the notches are fairly deep and I suspect the joints were originally quite tight although age (26+ years) and weather have loosened them some. The glue I used here (USA) was Elmer's Exterior Waterproof Wood Glue although I have no idea what an equivalent material would be on your side of the pond. The Brits and French, however, were pretty expert wooden yacht builders so I am certain there's plenty of resources where you are.

FWIW...