That 20% buffer is probably the bare minimum, honestly. Have you looked into recycled plastic decking? I keep wondering if it holds up better than composite in salty air, or if it just ends up warping in weird ways. And what about insulation—are you sticking with traditional stuff, or going blown-in cellulose? I always wonder if the eco-friendly options actually last longer or if I’m just paying extra for a green label. The weathered look is charming, but I still cringe when I see a board curling up like a potato chip...
That 20% buffer is smart, but honestly, I’ve blown past that more than once with beach projects. About the decking—recycled plastic does better than wood in salty air, but it can get weirdly hot in the sun and sometimes feels a bit “plasticky” underfoot. I’ve seen some brands hold up great, others warp or fade faster than composite. For insulation, I went with blown-in cellulose last time. It’s eco-friendly and handled the humidity better than fiberglass, but you do have to watch for settling over time. The green label isn’t always a guarantee, but sometimes it’s worth the peace of mind.
I hear you on the “plasticky” feel—my partner flat-out refused to go with recycled plastic after one barefoot summer. We ended up splurging on a higher-end composite, and honestly, it’s held up better than I expected, even with the salt and sun. As for insulation, I’ve tried both cellulose and spray foam. The foam was pricier but made a noticeable difference in energy bills. Sometimes those upfront costs sting, but long-term comfort is worth it... at least that’s how I justify it when the receipts roll in.
I’ve definitely done the mental gymnastics justifying those big-ticket upgrades too. When we redid our beach place, I tried cutting corners with cheaper options for decking and insulation, thinking it’d be “good enough.” Regretted it within a year—splinters, creaks, sky-high bills... you name it. Ended up biting the bullet to fix things properly. Sometimes spending more upfront really does save headaches (and cash) down the line, even if it hurts at first.
Yeah, I get that. Tried to save a few bucks on siding for my old place—looked fine at first, but the salty air just chewed it up. Ended up paying double to replace it with something sturdier. Sometimes the “cheap now, fix later” approach just doesn’t work, especially near the coast. Curious if anyone’s actually managed to make budget options last more than a couple seasons? I haven’t had much luck.
