Stainless hardware—yeah, it’s wild how fast it pits near the ocean. I’ve started using silicon bronze for some stuff... costs more, but it actually holds up.
Totally with you on the hardware—first time I saw stainless rust in a month, I thought I’d been scammed. Silicon bronze is pricey, but it’s like the superhero of salty air. For budgeting, I always add a “coastal tax” to everything: windows, doors, even paint. Stuff just doesn’t last as long. If you’re doing a porch, maybe mix composite for the structure and real wood for the top layer? That way you get the look without replacing the whole thing every few years.
That “coastal tax” is real—stuff just doesn’t last out here. I’ve had to replace door hardware way sooner than I expected, and even the so-called “marine grade” stuff isn’t immune. Silicon bronze is solid, but yeah, it stings the wallet. For decking, I’d actually lean heavier on composites if you can swing it; wood looks great but gets chewed up fast unless you’re religious about maintenance. Also, don’t underestimate how much more you’ll spend on paint and sealants—budget for touch-ups every couple years or you’ll regret it.
Yeah, the salt air just eats through everything way faster than you’d think. I tried to cheap out on some hardware once—regretted it within a year. Composites for decking are pricey up front but honestly, less hassle in the long run. Paint and sealant costs sneak up too. It’s frustrating, but if you stay on top of it, things last a lot longer. Worth it for the view, though.
It’s frustrating, but if you stay on top of it, things last a lot longer. Worth it for the view, though.
I get what you’re saying about composites being “less hassle in the long run,” but I’m not totally convinced they’re always worth the upfront cost. I’ve seen a few neighbors go that route and, honestly, some of those decks faded or warped anyway after a few years. Maybe it’s just our climate, but I’m leaning toward pressure-treated wood and just budgeting for more regular maintenance. Feels like you can stretch your dollars further if you don’t mind putting in a bit of elbow grease. Anyone else feel like the composite marketing is a little overhyped?
Composite marketing does seem a bit much sometimes—like, it’s pitched as this miracle solution, but real life is messier. I’ve seen a few composite decks in my area (coastal New England), and honestly, some look great after five years, others not so much. The fading and warping you mentioned? Definitely happens, especially if the installer cuts corners or the brand isn’t top-tier. Salt air and humidity just chew through materials, no matter what the brochure says.
Pressure-treated wood is still a solid choice, especially if you’re willing to keep up with sealing and repairs. It’s more work, but you’re right—it can stretch your budget further, and you have more flexibility if you want to change things up later. Plus, if you go with sustainably sourced lumber and low-VOC stains, it’s not a bad option environmentally, either.
One thing I’d add: if you’re thinking long-term, sometimes it’s worth factoring in the “hidden” costs of maintenance—your time, the hassle, and the cost of good sealants or repairs. But if you actually enjoy that kind of hands-on upkeep (or don’t mind hiring it out every few years), wood can be a better fit. I’ve got friends who treat deck maintenance like a yearly ritual—beer, music, a sunny afternoon, and they’re happy as clams.
Composites do have their place, especially if you want a set-it-and-forget-it approach, but I wouldn’t say they’re a slam dunk for every climate or every homeowner. Marketing always glosses over the downsides, right? At the end of the day, it comes down to what you value more: upfront savings and flexibility, or less maintenance and maybe a bit more peace of mind (assuming the composite holds up).
Either way, the view’s still the best part.
