How to Make Teak Cockpit Grating

Using wood gratings in a boat cockpit is decorative and practical. A teak grating allows water to drain away and leaves a dry surface for standing or working on a boat. Teak is the most common wood used because its natural oils make it durable and weather-resistant and it has a soft texture, making it comfortable for walking or sitting. Making a grate is not difficult and doing the job yourself saves money.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard
  • Box cutter
  • Masking tape
  • Tape measure
  • Waterproof polyurethane glue
  • Teak pieces of wood 1 inch wide
  • Table or circular saw
  • 2-inch by 1/4-inch wood screws
  • Power drill with 1/4-inch bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the cockpit. Lay pieces of wood 1 inch high, the approximate height of the teak grating, on the cockpit surface and place cardboard on top of it. Most boat cockpits taper in at the corners to allow water to drain. Cut the cardboard using a box cutter to fit around all the items in the cockpit: the wheelhouse, table or any other obstacles attached to the floor. Allow a little space, less than 1 inch, around all the objects. If necessary, tape the template together with masking tape when finished so you have a complete duplicate of the cockpit floor.

    • 2

      Measure and cut the frame. Make a four-sided frame by measuring the template to get the correct dimensions and cut four pieces of teak to match the measurements. Make small U-shaped notches the size of a dime in the outside corners of each piece of the frame to allow for water to drain.

    • 3

      Draw the grid. Lay the cardboard template down on a flat surface and draw the desired grid on the cardboard, making even spaced marks vertically and horizontally, remembering the individual pieces are 1-inch wide. Use this drawing to determine how many pieces will be needed.

    • 4

      Cut the teak. Measure the pieces that will fit the long way, longitudinal, and cut them. Use a circular saw or table saw.

    • 5

      Cut the short pieces. This will resemble an interlocking grid so you need to cut several pieces 3 inches long. They will fit equidistant horizontally between the longitudinal pieces.

    • 6

      Glue and screw the frame together. Apply a waterproof polyurethane glue to the pieces where they meet. Follow the directions for the glue you are using to ensure the adhesive sets properly. For added strength, use wood screws 2 inches long and 1/4 inch in diameter to secure the frame. Drill, using a 1/4-inch bit, a hole into the top and bottom of the two longest pieces and insert the screws from the outside into the cross pieces.

    • 7

      Glue the longitudinal pieces to the frame. Use a waterproof polyurethane glue applied to each end of the long pieces and press up against the frame. For added strength, drill a 1/4-inch hole from the outside of the frame piece into the tops and bottoms of the longitudinal pieces and screw a 2-inch by 1/4-inch wood screw through the frame into the tops and bottoms of the longitudinal pieces.

    • 8

      Glue the small pieces into the grid. Use a waterproof polyurethane glue applied to each end of the small pieces and press firmly against the longitudinal pieces.Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

    • 9

      Sand the edges. Using an orbital sander with 80 grit paper, sand the edges and all around any rough pieces to level and finish the grate.