Topdek B.V., based in Lelystad, the Netherlands, is an importer of synthetic teak. The company was founded in 2007 out of a passion for water sports.
Boats require maintenance, and replacing a deck with real teak wood is a significant expense. While searching for an alternative to the already expensive and scarce teak wood, the founder of Topdek found a perfect product: synthetic teak, which is not only affordable but also durable. A high-quality English manufacturer with a long and solid history produces the material.
The 2nd generation (2G variant) of Topdek synthetic teak, introduced in 2016, is 32% lighter in weight than 1G variants in the market and is also 30% cooler. The product has a realistic appearance. The color is consistent throughout and resistant to UV and seawater.
Topdek is responsible for the distribution and market expansion in the Netherlands and Germany through a network of dealers who expertly install the material on their customers’ boats.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Topdek supplies standard synthetic teak planks on rolls in twelve colour combinations, as well as synthetic profiles (fendering and top capping) and welding wire to weld the synthetic parts together into a deck.
Customers can choose between panel service or full service. With the panel service, our dealers make the panels based on a template. The customer can then install these panels on their boat themselves. With full service, the dealer takes care of all the work. They create panels based on templates, ensure the deck surface is clean before installation, and then install the panels on the deck.
Additionally, we sell Topdek Cleaner and Sealer to maintain the deck safely and responsibly. The cleaner safely cleans the synthetic deck, and the Sealer applies a protective layer, making it harder for dirt to adhere to the deck and easier to remove.
What’s the news about new products/services?
Topdek synthetic teak is a durable alternative for teak. We recently added a new colour: Weathered Grey. This color gives the deck the authentic look of deck that has been used for many sea voyages.
Our dealer network is growing. In 2024 we have extended our network with new Dutch dealers for fullservice and panelservice.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
Partly due to the scarcity and price of real teak wood, the use of synthetic decks has taken off. More and more shipbuilders and boat owners are recognizing the benefits of the product. As a result, Topdek’s dealer network continues to grow.
What can you tell us about market trends?
During the lockdown in the Corona crisis, many new boat owners emerged as an alternative to a holiday abroad. According to a study by HISWA Recron, there were approximately 509,000 recreational boats in the Netherlands in 2022. When renovating a deck, more and more boat owners are choosing synthetic materials instead of teak. At Topdek dealers, there is a waiting time for the delivery of decks due to high demand and a tight labor market. Therefore, Topdek is investing in the expansion of the dealer network with workshops and product training..
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
Topdek synthetic teak is a durable investment due to the high-quality 2G material. The product further differs from other synthetic teak products in color combinations and different sizes of the planks. For example, there are planks of 100 mm with a seam in the middle, 100 mm with a seam on the side, and 130 mm with one seam in the middle and one on the side. This makes the product suitable for boats of different sizes, as the proportion of the planks better matches the size of the vessel.
What estimations do you have for 2024?
The dealer network of Topdek has already grown this year. We aim for at least 6 more new dealers in the Benelux and Germany in 2024 to better facilitate our end customers.