HPL or 2G Synthetic Teak on Your Deck?

Should I choose HPL or Topdek synthetic teak for my boat’s deck? This is the question many boat owners ask when purchasing a new boat or when facing the significant task of renovating or beautifying their boat’s deck.

When we ask an advisor at Prins Watersport, he says they sell boats with Topdek, HPL, and HPL Fin Teak. “The Waterspoor comes with Topdek. This is a durable, value-enhancing solution. The Primeur comes standard with HPL, but customers can also choose to upgrade to Topdek. The material ratio is approximately 40% Topdek, 40% HPL, and 20% HPL Fin Teak.”

Difference in Material

HPL stands for High Pressure Laminate. The material consists of a core made of wood fibers compressed with phenolic resin and a hard laminated top layer with a wood print. The HPL Fin Teak variant features embossed laminate that mimics the wood grain.

Synthetic teak is made from PVC. The 2G variant is of high quality. It is an evolution of the first generation of synthetic teak. Topdek 2G synthetic teak is made from phthalate-free PVC that complies with REACH standards. The material has a lifespan of over 20 years and is also fully recyclable.

Difference in Appearance

HPL is attractively priced but significantly less realistic than 2G synthetic teak due to its glossy appearance. With the HPL Fin Teak variant, you can see and feel a wood grain, but it is immediately apparent that it is not wood. Topdek 2G is matte, resembling unpainted wood with a clearly visible and tangible grain structure. “When customers see the Topdek table on the deck during a boat viewing, they often say, ‘Oh, there’s a real teak wood table,’” says the advisor.

 

Close-up Topdek 2G 

Close-up HPL Fin Teak

 

Processing HPL and 2G Synthetic Teak

An HPL sheet measures 305 by 128 cm and is about 5 mm thick. The top layer, the laminate, is about 0.7 to 1 mm thick. HPL is glued onto a clean, grease-free deck. HPL Fin Teak is both glued and screwed. The laminate, featuring a teak design with a longitudinal grain, is also available without an underlay. However, it is not recommended to process this yourself, as the grain can crack if improperly handled under tension.

An HPL sheet is not flexible and difficult to lay over bumps. In the case of a ribbed surface, it is advisable to smooth it first. It is not possible to bend around two frames with HPL. The material can also be vulnerable along hatch edges, as the edges can be damaged when the hatch is used.

Topdek 2G synthetic teak comes in 20-meter rolls. Due to the flexibility of the material, it is easy to process. The deck planks have a joint and are welded watertight with a PVC cord in the same colour as the joint. For a more luxurious finish, such as a herringbone pattern with border wood, there is a King plank in the same colour, as well as border wood, coamings, and rubbing strakes. Therefore, the possibilities to customize the deck layout to your taste and boat style are greater.

Working with a Template

“Our boats fitted with Topdek 2G are delivered without deck finishing. We engage a specialist to install the synthetic teak deck. This ensures we guarantee our customers the highest quality.”

Private individuals who want Topdek on their current boat are advised not to do it themselves. A template is used to create a panel from Topdek planks. Since this is very precise work and individuals usually do not have the right tools, the panel is manufactured by a Topdek dealer.

“Optionally, an individual can glue it to the deck themselves. However, it is recommended to have this done by a professional. This ensures that everything is watertight and free of air bubbles under the material. The panel can be glued directly onto a clean, grease-free surface.”

With HPL, plates are also cut into the correct shape using a template with a circular saw or jigsaw. The material can also be processed with a milling machine. You must work carefully, as incorrect cutting or cracking a piece of the plate is difficult to repair, unlike Topdek 2G, where it is easy to weld a new piece. Gluing the laminate plate to the deck is also a precise task. HPL plates are known to shrink and expand with temperature changes. Therefore, use elastic glue to accommodate minor size differences.

Difference in Durability

When thinking about sustainability in terms of recycling, there is no difference. Both HPL and 2G synthetic teak are 100% recyclable. However, there are differences in the material’s durability.

Topdek 2G is waterproof, UV-resistant, seawater-resistant, and not prone to mold. The colour is consistent, so you can always restore the original color by cleaning and sanding the material. Ships that installed Topdek over fifteen years ago are still enjoying it.

The quality of HPL is continuously improving. In the cockpit under the canopy, the color remains beautiful for a long time. The horizontal parts, which are constantly exposed to UV light and water, can turn white after about four years.

When heavy sharp objects fall on the deck, HPL can be easily damaged. Dents in the laminate are difficult to repair invisibly, as the material underneath is a different colour. Synthetic teak can also be damaged like HPL, but these damages can often be sanded away. The material has the same color throughout, making it hardly noticeable. Deep dents can be repaired with a PVC weld, making them completely invisible.

Maintenance of HPL and 2G Synthetic Teak

The maintenance of the materials is the same. Unlike a teak deck, these decks do not need to be oiled. The deck, if properly installed to be watertight, will not rot. The joints in 2G synthetic teak are securely welded, so they cannot crumble. However, it is wise to pay attention to joints and seams connected to other materials. This applies to both products.

HPL is easy to clean. Synthetic teak is also easy to clean, especially if Topdek Sealer is used, as it makes dirt less likely to adhere. Aggressive cleaning agents are not recommended for both products. With Topdek maintenance products, the Topdek Cleaner, and Topdek Sealer, you can be sure you are using the right cleaning agents.

“With both HPL and Topdek 2G, the boat owner will spend less time on routine tasks and repairs compared to a teak deck. This results in significant long-term savings on maintenance costs.”

Conclusion

Which material you choose depends on your budget and the requirements you have for your deck. When weighing the pros and cons, a 2G synthetic teak deck often proves to be a cost-efficient and valuable investment for a boat owner in the long run.