Salt air is relentless.
You’re not kidding. I’ve seen “weather-resistant” stuff corrode in a single season—manufacturers really stretch that term. I always tell folks, if it’s going outside or near the water, double your expectations for wear and tear. Marine-grade hardware and paint cost more upfront, but you’ll thank yourself when you’re not replacing things every year. And yeah, mudrooms are lifesavers... just don’t skimp on the flooring there or you’ll be patching grout before summer’s out.
Marine-grade hardware and paint cost more upfront, but you’ll thank yourself when you’re not replacing things every year.
I get what you mean, but sometimes I wonder if the “marine-grade” label is just a way to jack up prices. I’ve swapped out supposedly rust-proof door handles twice in two years—both were “marine” something. Anyone else had better luck with certain brands? Also, curious if anyone’s tried those epoxy floor coatings in mudrooms. I’m debating if it’s worth the mess to install, or if tile’s just easier to patch when the salt and sand inevitably grind it down.
I hear you on the “marine-grade” hype—some of it’s just marketing, honestly. I’ve had better luck with stainless hardware from actual boat supply stores, not big box brands. As for epoxy floors, they look slick but can get slippery when wet. Tile’s easier to patch, but grout’s a pain with sand. If you go epoxy, rough up the finish for traction.
As for epoxy floors, they look slick but can get slippery when wet.
I learned that the hard way—slipped right after a surf session. Ended up sanding the finish down and adding some grit. Honestly, tile’s easier to keep clean, but sand in the grout drove me nuts. Stainless from marine suppliers is a must, though. I tried saving with big box stuff and regretted it within a year—rust city. If you’re budgeting, factor in replacing cheap hardware sooner than you’d think if you go that route.
Stainless from marine suppliers is a must, though. I tried saving with big box stuff and regretted it within a year—rust city.
I get what you’re saying about “sand in the grout drove me nuts,” but honestly, I’ve had more luck with larger format tiles and minimal grout lines—less space for sand to settle, and easier to sweep up. Epoxy’s not my favorite either, but I’ve seen some folks use those textured vinyl planks that hold up surprisingly well near the coast. As for hardware, totally agree—cheap stuff just doesn’t last. But I’ve found some mid-range brands that hold up decently if you keep up with rinsing and maintenance. Not everything has to be top-dollar marine grade, unless you’re right on the water.
