"Composite's good, but sometimes going premium natural pays off more in the end."
I get where you're coming from, hardwoods like ipe and teak do have that unbeatable look and feel. But honestly, having worked on a few coastal remodels myself, I've started leaning more towards composite decking lately. The newer composites have improved a ton—some even mimic natural wood textures surprisingly well. Plus, they're typically made from recycled materials, which is a nice bonus if you're trying to keep things eco-friendly.
I mean, hardwoods are beautiful, no doubt, but maintenance can be a real pain with salt air and humidity. I've seen some gorgeous teak decks turn gray and weathered pretty fast unless you're committed to regular upkeep. Composite just feels easier long-term, especially if you're renting the place out or not there year-round. Just something to consider...
I've done a couple beach house renos myself, and honestly, budgeting can be tricky because there's always something unexpected popping up—especially if it's an older place. I'd say start by breaking down your project into clear categories: structural repairs, decking, windows/doors, interior finishes, and landscaping. Then add at least 15-20% extra for surprises (trust me, you'll thank yourself later).
On the decking debate, I've had both hardwood and composite decks. Hardwood looks amazing at first, but after a few seasons of sanding and sealing in salty air...yeah, it gets old fast. Composite might not have the same charm initially, but the newer stuff really holds up well and saves you a ton of hassle down the road.
Also, don't underestimate how quickly costs add up with permits and inspections—especially in coastal areas where building codes can be strict. Check with your local building department early on to avoid headaches later. Good luck with the project...sounds like it'll be worth it in the end.
Great points about composite decking—I was skeptical at first too, but after switching over, I haven't looked back. The maintenance savings alone make it worth it, especially near the ocean.
One thing I'd add from my experience is to factor in the cost of corrosion-resistant hardware and fixtures. Salt air is brutal on metal, and replacing rusted hinges, handles, and fasteners every couple of years gets expensive (and annoying). Stainless steel or marine-grade hardware costs more upfront but pays off big-time in durability.
Also, curious if anyone's tackled moisture control or humidity issues in their beach house renos? I've found that managing humidity properly can really extend the life of interior finishes and furniture, but it can be tricky to get right without overspending...
"Salt air is brutal on metal, and replacing rusted hinges, handles, and fasteners every couple of years gets expensive (and annoying)."
Couldn't agree more—learned that lesson the hard way myself. Another tip: invest in a solid dehumidifier setup early. It'll save your drywall and furniture from mold headaches later on...trust me.
Yep, salt air is harsh for sure. I've found marine-grade stainless hardware holds up way better—costs a bit more upfront but saves you from replacing stuff constantly. Plus, it's nicer not dealing with rusty screws every summer...
