Why the teak deck on battleship?

Answer 1

In Battleships and Cruisers

• • Heat Insulation: In the days prior to air conditioning, ships (especially those on tropical station) could become very hot. The wooden deck provided a layer of insulation against the sun's heat. The few cruisers lacking wooden decks were considered unsuitable for tropical service because they would become unbearably hot.
  • Appearance & Tradition: A well-maintained wooden deck presented the "proper" naval appearance; this was of particular interest in ships intended for "showing the flag" in foreign ports. Also, it was traditional to have a wooden deck, and there was no particular reason to change.
  • Make-Work: Large warships had very large crews, but many sailors only had tasks when the ship was in combat; at other times they would be idle hands. Maintenance of a wooden deck provided a means to keep crews busy during otherwise idle times.