Marine-grade stainless is definitely a solid choice, good call on your parents' part. Aluminum can work too, but it has its own quirks. It doesn't rust like steel, but it does corrode—especially near saltwater. Usually, aluminum develops a protective oxide layer that helps slow corrosion down, but salt spray can still eat away at it over time. If you go aluminum, look for marine-grade alloys and consider anodized finishes to boost durability. Either way, you're thinking along the right lines... smart to plan ahead and avoid headaches later.
"Usually, aluminum develops a protective oxide layer that helps slow corrosion down, but salt spray can still eat away at it over time."
Yeah, totally agree. My folks went aluminum for their deck railing near the beach, and even with anodizing, after a few years we noticed some pitting. Stainless might cost more upfront, but it's worth it long-term.
My folks went aluminum for their deck railing near the beach, and even with anodizing, after a few years we noticed some pitting. Stainless might cost more upfront, but it's worth it long-term.
Have you thought about marine-grade stainless specifically? Regular stainless is good, but even that can show rust spots eventually near saltwater. My neighbor switched to marine-grade hardware after his stainless hinges started rusting... pricier, but zero issues since.
Marine-grade stainless is definitely the way to go if you're right on the coast. I've renovated a few beach houses, and regular stainless steel always seems to develop those annoying rust spots eventually—especially hinges and fasteners. Had one client insist on standard stainless to save money, and sure enough, within two years we were back swapping out hardware. Marine-grade costs more upfront, but trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you're not dealing with corrosion headaches every season.
Good point about marine-grade stainless, but now I'm wondering—does this apply to all hardware equally? Like, hinges and fasteners make sense, but what about door handles or fixtures inside the house? Would regular stainless hold up okay indoors, or does the salty air sneak in everywhere eventually? I'm trying to balance cost and practicality here...and hoping I don't have to replace everything again in two years, haha.
