Question 1

What types of wood are used in marine carpentry?

Accepted Answer

Teak is the gold standard for exterior work — natural oils resist rot and UV, and it handles wet/dry cycling without splitting. Burmese teak is preferred over plantation for decking. For interior joinery, mahogany (African or Honduran), sapele, cherry and holly are common choices depending on the yacht's style. Structural framing uses Douglas fir, white oak or laminated timber. Avoid domestic hardwoods like walnut or maple in marine applications — they lack the rot resistance needed in a humid boat interior.

Question 2

How much does yacht interior joinery work cost?

Accepted Answer

Marine joinery labor runs $75-$150 per hour depending on skill level and location. A custom galley refit on a 50-foot yacht runs $15,000-$40,000. A full interior refit (headliner, panels, lockers, furniture) on a 60-80 foot yacht ranges from $50,000-$200,000+. Teak deck replacement runs $150-$300 per square foot installed. The cost driver is almost always the complexity of the fit — boats have no square corners, every surface is curved or raked, and templates need to be taken on board for every piece.

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