Cockpit Grates

[Tristan]

What would be your second choice of wood (after teak) for the cockpit grates?
Thanks
T.

[Sand crab]

There is a product called pultruded fiberglass that resenbles metal grating and is light and durable. I don't know where to get it. Cedar and redwood do OK outside but aren't as strong teak. BOB

[James S]

Iroka's not bad...poor mans teak.
Iron Wood if you can find it....hard, hard..tough on blades.

[Astrid]

First choice after teak would be Ipe (tabebuia) as it is weather and insect resistant. Second choice would be unvarnished and unstained white oak. White oak (quercus alba) has a long history of being used in shipbuilding (USS Constitution for instance) and is very durable. It is weakened by reaction with iron oxide so use, bronze, brass, copper or stainless fasteners. Stay away from red oak (quercus rubra), as it is unsuitable for use in wet conditions.

As mentioned, Iroka wood from Africa is a good substitute for teak, as is Japanese cypress (chamaecyparis obtusa).

[Blue Stocking]

Greenheart, purpleheart, ipea (sp).
Wear a good dust mask and watch out for splinters. These durable wood's splinters cause skin infection rapidly.

[Benz]

Mine is made of Doug Fir from Home Depot. Almost two years in the tropics and still looking good.
Ben

[barnakiel]

SS.

Will stay at the bottom of the tub when it overflows!

b.

[Tristan]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Greenheart, purpleheart, ipea (sp).
Wear a good dust mask and watch out for splinters. These durable wood's splinters cause skin infection rapidly.

I do not know a lot about greenheart . How does it age? Does it need any surface protection (sealer,varnish) ?
T.

[Sand crab]

Tristan. Pultruded Fiberglass here.
McNICHOLS Company - Products
They make all kinds of grates. bar, stock etc and it never wears out. BOB