Battleship Teak Projects

While attending a ceremony aboard the USS New Jersey in August, 2022, I noticed pallets of ½ inch teak planks on the dock along the starboard side of the battleship.  I asked the CEO of the battleship, Phil Rowan, what the teak was going to be used for. He explained that the battleship was about to undergo a full re-decking project.  The current decking, some of which was original to the battleship and some of which was replaced in early 1980, was all to be removed and replaced.

All of the decking (both original and that which was replaced in 1980) was South American Burmese teak. The planks were a full 2 inches thick by 5 inches wide, and of varying lengths. Due to the cost, the planking was being replaced with 5/8 inch marine-grade plywood, over which ½ teak planks would be laid.

I asked Mr. Rowan what was being done with the old teak planks. He said they would be scraped or some shorter pieces sold in the battleship’s gift shop. At that time, I asked if I could buy it – all of it! We struck a deal, and I subsequently began to transport pallets of the teak to the warehouse of my wood business partner, Lockman Hardwoods, in Elmer, NJ. The photo here shows me with the first three pallets, with the Battleship New Jersey (BB62) in the background.

The planks were attached to the deck of the ship using a thick, black rubber mastic for adhesion. They were also attached with steel bolts about every two feet. Those bolt holes were filled with teak dowel plugs. Hence, you will see the plugged holes in the decking, even where the bolts have been removed. Any replaced dowel plugs were hand-turned by myself from teak planks from the deck. You will also notice that there are no knots in the planks. All teak decking must be knot-free, as knots allow water to seep through the planks, causing rot or corrosion to the steel decking beneath.

Every piece of teak I sell comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the Battleship Museum CEO, Phil Rowan. Beyond what I paid for the teak, I donate 5% of all sales back to the Battleship to help fund the redecking project.

Pictured here is Woodsmith David Luttenberger, owner of SemperFi Custom Wood Crafts, with the first load of battleship teak. November 2022.