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This fragment of Titanic’s wooden deck was recovered from the wreck site in 1993. It was attached to the base of a lifeboat davit—one of the large arms used to lower the ship’s lifeboats.
Much of the ship’s decking has disappeared, but this piece was made from teak, a durable timber whose natural resistance to decay helped it survive on the seabed.
After recovery, the wood was considered too badly damaged to preserve. Decades later, careful conservation gave it a future.
The fragment was treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), a wax-like substance that supports the weakened wood, helping prevent it from shrinking and cracking as it dries. That treatment allows this fragile piece of Titanic to be displayed today.
Condition report:
Institution / Collection: Dik Barton Collection
Object Title: Section of Wooden Decking – RMS Titanic
Accession / Inventory No.: August 1993
Date of Report: 29 September 2025
Surface: One face flat and planed; other sides uneven and natural. No delamination, no fungal bloom visible, and minimal surface checking.
Structural Integrity: Stable, no major splits or losses.
Objective: Stabilise the wood and prevent collapse during drying by reintroducing water and consolidating with PEG (Polyethylene Glycol).
