I get it—salt air is brutal. But honestly, I’ve had some luck keeping costs down by reusing original hardware when possible and just treating it with a quality sealant. Not everything has to be marine-grade.
- Vintage iron hinges on my porch doors? Still going strong after 70+ years, just needed a vinegar soak and some wax.
- Sometimes “overkill” can strip out the character, especially with older homes.
- A little extra maintenance each season goes a long way.
It always feels like overkill at first, but after swapping out rusted-out screws in a deck railing (twice...), I’m not taking chances anymore.
Totally get the frustration though. Deck railings are another beast... those I don’t mess around with. But for interiors or sheltered spots, sometimes old-school methods still hold up.
Honestly, I’m with you on not needing marine-grade everything—especially for interiors or spots that don’t get hammered by the elements. I’ve seen original hardware last decades with just a bit of TLC and the right sealant. That said, I’ve also had clients who regretted cutting corners on exterior fasteners or deck hardware. Once salt gets in, it’s game over for cheap screws.
If you’re budgeting for a beach house reno, I’d break it down by exposure: anything directly facing the ocean or getting regular spray, I’d go high-end (stainless, marine-grade, etc). For sheltered areas, restoring and sealing original pieces can save a ton and keep that vintage vibe.
Curious—are you planning to tackle mostly cosmetic updates, or is there structural work involved? That can swing the budget wildly. I’ve seen folks spend $50k just on windows and siding because they underestimated how much the salt had eaten away behind the scenes...
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from about not needing marine-grade for every little thing—especially on the inside. Still, I’ve gotta push back a bit on the idea that a little TLC and sealant always does the trick for original hardware. I thought the same way when I first started working on my aunt’s old cottage; figured I could save a bundle just by cleaning up what was there and sealing it up nice. Fast forward a couple of seasons, and half the drawer pulls in the kitchen were pitted or stuck, and the bathroom hinges rusted right through. Turns out, even the “sheltered” spots can get hit by humidity and salt air you don’t really notice until it’s too late.
Where I’ve had better luck is with reclaimed materials—stuff that’s already seen some weather and held up. Sometimes you can find solid brass or bronze hardware at salvage yards, and it’s not just cheaper than new marine-grade, but usually has that cool patina that fits with a vintage place. I’d rather spend a little more up front on those than risk having to redo things in a couple years.
“I’ve seen folks spend $50k just on windows and siding because they underestimated how much the salt had eaten away behind the scenes...”
That’s the part that gets me nervous every time. You peel back a wall or pop out a window, and suddenly there’s rot you couldn’t see. Happened to my neighbor last year—she thought she was just replacing two windows, ended up with a full section of framing that needed to be rebuilt. The budget just exploded.
If there’s anything structural, I’d almost say overestimate what you’ll need for hidden damage. For the rest, yeah, pick your battles. But even for interiors, I’d lean toward materials that can breathe a bit, like real wood instead of MDF, and finishes that are easy to touch up. That way, if something does start to go, you’re not ripping everything out.
Just my two cents after a few too many “learning experiences”...
- Totally agree on “pick your battles”—I learned the hard way that MDF just doesn’t cut it near the coast.
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“even the ‘sheltered’ spots can get hit by humidity and salt air you don’t really notice until it’s too late.”
- I’m curious—how do you decide where to splurge vs. save? For me, I set aside a 20% buffer for hidden rot or water damage, but sometimes even that feels tight.
- Anyone else find reclaimed stuff is getting pricier lately, or is that just my area?
I actually think a 20% buffer might not be enough these days, especially with how unpredictable coastal repairs can get. I usually budget closer to 30% for “surprises”—just got burned last year when we opened up a wall and found termite damage nobody spotted during inspection. Also, reclaimed materials are definitely pricier around here too... sometimes new is actually cheaper once you factor in prep and delivery.
