Tips for Renovating or Building a Coastal Home

Tips for renovating or building a coastal home

Living by the coast really is a dream – the salty breeze, the sound of the waves, barefoot mornings on the deck. But when you’re building or renovating a home close to the ocean, there are a few things to think about. That beautiful sea air comes with salt in it, and salt and building materials don’t always get along too well. If you don’t plan ahead, corrosion and wear can creep up pretty quick.

So, here’s a few practical things to keep in mind before you dive in.

Salt Air: Why it Matters

If you’re close to the beach, everything – from taps to tiles to roof screws – is exposed to salty moisture. Over time, that salt causes rust and pitting on metals, stains on surfaces, and can even make grout or paint age faster than it would inland. Doesn’t mean you can’t have your coastal dream home, it just means choosing the right materials early on so you’re not replacing stuff in a couple of years.

Tiles that go the distance

Tiles are a top pick for coastal homes because they’re tough and low maintenance. Porcelain is usually the safest bet – it’s denser than ceramic and doesn’t soak up water or salt as much.

Outside: go for slip-resistant tiles if you’re tiling around the pool, the balcony or an outdoor shower.

Indoors: light stone-look or sandy coloured tiles nail that relaxed, beachy feel.

Grout: cheap grout can be a weak point – a good quality grout and maybe a sealer will make life easier.

Outdoor showers, more than a luxury

If you’re anywhere near the beach, an outdoor shower is almost a must. It saves dragging half the sand from the shoreline into your bathroom and keeps the salty water off your fittings. Just make sure the base is non-slip and the fittings are built to handle weather.

Tapware, showers and accessories that won't rust out

This one’s a biggie. Standard chrome or basic stainless will show pitting pretty quickly in coastal homes. 316 stainless steel tapware (sometimes called marine grade) is the go-to. It’s made for salty environments and will hold up for years without looking shabby.

Ventilation and breeze flow

Moist air can be a pain in coastal homes, leading to mould or damp patches. Plan for good airflow – wide openings, ceiling fans, and decent exhaust fans in wet areas. It makes a world of difference.

Metals and surfaces

Any exterior metals – from balustrades to hinges – should be either powder-coated aluminium, brass, or marine-grade stainless. And if you can, give them a rinse with fresh water now and then. It sounds simple but it really does extend their life.

Why bother with all of this?

You’ll spend way less on replacements and repairs.
Your home stays looking good even with the salty air.
Less weekend maintenance jobs eating into your beach time.

Building near the coast?

Coastal living is amazing, but the environment is tough on materials. Spend a little time choosing the right tiles, fixtures and finishes and you’ll thank yourself later. That way, you can enjoy the ocean lifestyle without constantly worrying about rust spots or replacing fittings.

Check out our range of coastal-ready tiles, outdoor showers and 316 stainless steel tapware – perfect for homes that need to stand up to salt air and still look great.