Bespoke Machined Iroko Decking

To give the narrowboat a stylish and durable outdoor space, the team chose Iroko 20 x 100mm tongue & groove (T&G), bespoke machined by Southgate Timber. The decking has been beautifully installed and designed to be completely removable, transforming the boat’s exterior into a practical and inviting area.

Iroko is a premium hardwood known for its:

• Durability – naturally resistant to decay and weathering.
• Appearance – golden-brown tones that weather gracefully over time.
• Strength – ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas like decking.

This makes it the perfect choice for a narrowboat, combining style with long-lasting performance. Iroko is sourced from Africa, highly recognised for its durability and multi-directional grain. For this project, it delivers the perfect balance of function and aesthetics, offering a smooth finish while withstanding the challenges of life on the water.

Why Tongue & Groove?

For this project, Southgate Timber didn’t just supply Iroko decking, we bespoke machined the boards into a tongue & groove (T&G) profile. Why?

Practical Benefits:

• Tight Fit & Stability – T&G joints interlock, reducing movement and keeping the deck surface solid and secure.
• Weather Resistance – The profile helps shed water and minimises gaps, ideal for a boat constantly exposed to the elements.
• Long-Lasting Strength – Interlocking edges help prevent warping or cupping over time.

Aesthetic Benefits:

• Seamless Finish – The boards lock together neatly, creating a smooth, continuous look with no visible gaps.
• Custom Fit – Bespoke machining allowed the decking to be produced to exact dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit for the narrowboat’s decked areas.

Enter the Raffle to Win the Narrowboat

The decking is just one step in the transformation, but the full narrowboat refurbishment will soon be complete. For now, the good news is entries are still open! Tickets cost just £5, giving you the chance to own this one-of-a-kind boat. You can follow the full build journey on The Home Improvements YouTube Channel, where they’re documenting the restoration step by step, including Southgate Timber’s contribution to the decking.

Southgate Timber: Supplying Quality for Every Project

We’re delighted to supply bespoke machined timber solutions for projects both big and small. Whether it’s for a garden deck, cladding, or something more unique like this narrowboat, our team ensures you get the right timber, cut and finished to your requirements. Looking to start your own project? Explore our full range of hardwood decking materials on our website or get in touch if you require our bespoke services.

And don’t forget, there’s still time to enter the raffle for just £5 and be in with a chance to win this beautiful home on water!

https://www.ukcarptech.com/competition/win-a-canal-boat/