TDS Partnership with Total Decking to Expand Market Reach

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Matt Graham and Total Decking to expand our presence in key U.S. markets. This collaboration is focused on delivering high-quality decks to boats in the 20-150 foot range, in Maine, Newport/Southern New England, and Chesapeake.

 

Matt Graham, owner of Total Decking, brings a wealth of experience to the partnership. With a background in both business and marine craftsmanship, Matt has worked in boatyards since the age of 14, later serving as Chief Operating Officer of Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding for eight years. A dedicated offshore sailor and skilled carpenter, Matt's experience ensures that Total Decking delivers top-tier deck installations tailored to TDS standards.

 

Total Decking was originally founded by Larry Murray in 1987 to serve TDS clients in the New England market. Over the years, the company has completed hundreds of successful installations across a wide range of vessels from classic cruising yachts to modern race boats. Under Matt’s leadership, Total Decking has expanded its territory to Southern New England and the Chesapeake Bay region, recognizing strong growth opportunities in the area where he grew up.

 

Partnering with TDS allows us to provide even better service and extend our reach into key maritime hubs," said Matt. "With our dedicated team, we aim to be the most efficient and highest-quality solution for TDS installations. We understand the challenges boat owners and builders face when it comes to decking, and we are committed to offering precision, durability, and the highest level of craftsmanship. Our focus is on long-term customer satisfaction, and we are excited to bring these high-quality decks to a wider market."

 

Total Decking currently operates with a five-person team, each member deeply rooted in the marine industry. Alongside Matt, key team members include Phil Huening, a 15-year veteran of TDS installations; Miles Mancini, a naval architect with a degree from Southampton University, Sam Lloyd, a seasoned marine professional and avid racer, and Rory Rowe, a skilled craftsman with a background in high end tiny home construction. 

 

Richard Strauss, CEO of TDS commented “We are excited to join forces with Matt Graham and Total Decking. Their expertise, and dedication, align perfectly with our mission to provide the best decking solutions in the industry. This collaboration will strengthen our ability to serve customers in these key markets and uphold the high standards TDS is known globally for.”


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You Ask, We Answer: Can I touch up sunken caulk after it has been applied incorrectly?

May 26, 2025
Can I touch up sunken caulk after it has been applied incorrectly? Yes, you can apply additional caulk over areas that have settled after the initial application. Best Practices for Re-Caulking: 1. For Older Installations: If the existing caulk has been in place for an extended period and has fully cured or “seasoned,” it is best to prepare the seam before applying more caulk. The recommended method is to cut a shallow “vee” (V-shaped groove) into the existing seam. This increases the surface area for better adhesion. After veeing the joint, thoroughly wipe the area with a clean rag soaked in acetone, then apply the new caulk. 2. For Newer Installations: If the caulk was applied recently (within a week or two), the surface is still fresh and may not require veeing. In this case, simply clean the area with acetone and apply additional caulk directly over the low or settled spots. General Reminder: Regardless of the age of the installation, always clean the surface with a rag soaked in acetone just before applying new caulk. This ensures a clean, contaminant-free bonding surface and helps the new caulk adhere properly.

How to remove old caulking from your deck and recaulk your seams

April 28, 2025
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How are decks made? Understanding the digitization, manufacturing and installation process of your new deck

By Anella Alcott • April 11, 2025
If you're planning to get a new deck on your boat, and you've chosen teak, a composite deck, or a cork alternative, this guide will walk you through the full process, from digitization and manufacturing to final installation so you’ll know exactly what to expect from start to finish. TEAK DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitally templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digitally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digital templating team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing TDS panels are manufactured in our factory utilizing jigs that are adjusted to conform to the vessel’s shape. Teak planks of the required thickness and width are carefully hand inspected, scrutinizing each plank for grain orientation, mineral deposits, or imperfections such as a small knot. The planks are placed into the jig in such a way that the finished deck will have a uniform butt joint pattern. Creating a Watertight Barrier A phenolic or fiberglass backing is securely vacuum bonded to the teak, using our own epoxies that guarantee durability, flexibility, strength and reliability. The exceptional bonding strength, ensures your deck stands the test of time. After the epoxy cures, the newly formed panels are removed from the jig, and the seams between the planks undergo routing, cleaning, and caulking. Margin Trim Once the caulking is cured, the final step involves laying out the teak deck and laying all the margin trim. Upon completion, the finished deck undergoes a thorough quality inspection, ensuring it aligns precisely with the template. Transport & Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. Caulking & Sanding Once the deck has been bonded to the vessel, it is time to caulk using our own proprietary, UV, and chemical-resistant caulking TDS SIS-440. After curing, the deck is then ready to be sanded. The entire deck is sanded with 36 grit to remove excess caulking, followed by 60 and 80 grit to enhance the look of the deck. COMPOSITE DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitally templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digitally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digital templating team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing Every composite decking panel is custom made to perfectly fit the areas to be covered. The panels are delivered with completed seam pattern, sanded and ready to be glued down on most structural surfaces. In the case of SeaSole, the deck is installed using the “peel and stick system”. We use a combination of our TDS bedding and bonding adhesive, along with TDS two-part, flexible epoxy fitting glue, to secure the panels in place. The caulking in the seams is our TDS proprietary patented filler, an enduringly elastic, solid rubber polyurethane joint sealant. Our team will first carry out an inspection of the boat to identify the best application method for each area. Quality Control Once the caulking is cured, the final step involves laying out the composite deck and building all the margin trim. Upon completion, the finished deck undergoes a thorough quality inspection, ensuring it aligns precisely with the original template. Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. C ORK DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitally templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digitally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digitizing team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing Every cork decking panel is custom made to perfectly fit the areas to be covered. The panels are delivered with completed seam pattern, and ready to be glued down on most structural surfaces. Our team will first carry out an inspection of the boat to identify the best application method for each area. Creating a Watertight Barrier After the adhesive cures, the seams between the planks undergo routing, cleaning, and caulking. Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. We use a combination of our TDS bedding and bonding adhesive, along with TDS two-part, flexible epoxy fitting glue, to secure the panels in place.
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