Of all the wonderful threads on refurbing the teak swim deck, I have never seen or read where anyone finishes the underside of the deck. So, do most of you prepare the underside the same as the top side (sand, clean, brighten, oil it) or leave it be?

I just applied oil to the bottom of it. No one ever sees it.

I just apply oil to the bottom and top. Nothing fancy, just do it regularly. The sun dries the top more so it needs treatment much more often.

Just pressure wash the bottom and oil it! For the top I pressure wash, spray with straight bleach, let set a few minutes, scrub with stiff bristle deck brush (oh and watch out for the bleach), pressure wash again and all that crud comes off. Oil it down and looks good as new!

I sanded and cleaned then finished the bottom of mine.

Mike, how far gone is your teak step when you do this process? That sounds quick and easy! I am just getting ready to do mine, but the info I got was to sand it down in varying stages (coarser to smoother), then wash and oil. I hate sanding. I may just try your method instead. Have you used the same method for any other teak on your boat? My whole boat is accented with a thin strip of teak so I'll need to do the same. Should I remove it then go through this process?

i do the same process top and bottom. sand -> clean -> oil.