Can’t agree more about the marine grade stuff—learned that the hard way. First beach house I flipped, I thought I could get away with regular hardware inside, since it “wasn’t exposed.” Big mistake. Six months later, hinges and handles were already showing rust. Now, I always budget extra for stainless or powder-coated everything, even for things like cabinet pulls and light fixtures. It adds up, but replacing corroded hardware every year is way pricier in the long run. If you’re planning a reno, definitely factor that into your numbers.
Yeah, that salty air is sneaky—it gets everywhere, even inside. I used to think I could cheat a bit with the interior stuff too, until I had to replace a whole set of closet handles that basically turned orange overnight. The upfront cost of marine grade feels brutal, but honestly, it saves you a ton of headaches (and cash) down the line. Sometimes you just gotta pay the “beach tax,” right?
I get the temptation to go full marine grade on everything, but honestly, I’ve found you can pick your battles a bit. For stuff like closet handles, I’ve had decent luck with powder-coated hardware or even just stainless steel (not always “marine” rated) if you keep up with a quick wipe-down every now and then. It’s not zero maintenance, but it’s a lot less painful on the wallet upfront. Sometimes the “beach tax” is negotiable, at least for the little things...
I think you’re spot on about not needing to go “full marine grade” everywhere.
That’s been my experience too—especially with interior hardware. I’ve swapped out plenty of corroded handles and hinges, but honestly, a decent powder coat or stainless (even 304, not just 316) holds up if you’re willing to do a little maintenance. The key is knowing where to splurge—exterior doors and window hardware, for example, are worth the upgrade. Inside? Save your budget for bigger priorities.Sometimes the “beach tax” is negotiable, at least for the little things...
Totally agree—no need to drop cash on fancy hardware where it doesn’t matter. I learned the hard way after my “marine grade” toilet paper holder rusted anyway. Spend on what gets salty air, not on every last hinge or drawer pull.