"We went with cedar too, and honestly the upkeep hasn't been terrible...just kinda annoying to remember every couple years."
Interesting you mention cedar—I considered it but ended up going with composite siding instead. Initially, I was skeptical about the look, but honestly, it's held up surprisingly well against the salty air and harsh sun. Zero maintenance so far, which suits my forgetful nature perfectly, haha. Cedar does have that classic charm though...just depends how much you value convenience over aesthetics, I guess.
Composite siding's definitely a solid choice for beach houses—especially if you're not into regular upkeep. I went with cedar myself because I couldn't resist that rustic, coastal vibe, but yeah, remembering to reseal every couple of years can be a bit of a drag. Still, there's something satisfying about seeing it freshened up again.
"Initially, I was skeptical about the look, but honestly, it's held up surprisingly well against the salty air and harsh sun."
That's good to hear though. I've always wondered how composite siding ages visually over time—does it fade noticeably or keep its color pretty well? I'm thinking about composite decking next summer, so curious if the siding experience translates similarly.
Composite decking generally holds its color pretty well, especially the higher-quality brands. I've seen some fade slightly after several years, but it's subtle and even—nothing patchy or unsightly. Definitely worth considering for beach climates.
Good point about composite decking holding color; I've seen it myself. A neighbor of mine put in some premium composite decking about five years ago, and honestly, it looks almost new. Meanwhile, my wooden deck... let's just say it's developed a "rustic charm" (aka splinters and faded patches). But I've been hesitant about composite because of the upfront cost. I know it's supposed to pay off long-term, but still, that initial sticker shock is real.
Speaking of budgeting for beach house renos—has anyone factored in the hidden costs of coastal environments? Salt air corrosion is no joke. My brother-in-law renovated his place near the shore, and he swears everything metal started rusting practically overnight. Hinges, fixtures, even outdoor lights needed replacing way sooner than he expected. He jokes that the ocean is basically a giant money-eating monster disguised as a relaxing view.
So I'm curious—anyone have tips for materials or finishes that genuinely hold up better against salt air? Composite decking seems like a solid start, but what about railings, window frames, or even outdoor furniture? Would love to hear if anyone's found something truly salt-proof (or at least salt-resistant enough to keep the wallet happy).
Composite decking definitely holds up well—I redid my deck about four years ago, and it's still looking great. For railings, I went with powder-coated aluminum, and honestly, they've held up surprisingly well against the salt air. Outdoor furniture though...still searching for that unicorn.
