Living by the sea changes the rules
A deck in Coatham or Marske faces things a deck in a sheltered inland garden never meets. Salt carried on the wind settles on every surface. Sand blows into corners and joints. Strong sun bounces off the sea in summer, and winter gales drive rain sideways. Ordinary zinc-plated screws rust, cheap boards fade and chalk, and softwood that would last years inland can soften much faster.
So we build differently. Every deck near the coast gets marine-grade stainless steel fixings, boards chosen for UV and salt resistance, and a frame designed to drain and dry quickly. Our guide to coastal decking explains why each of these matters.
Homes along our coast
Redcar's seafront and Coatham have tall Victorian terraces and townhouses, often with walled back yards rather than gardens. Marske-by-the-Sea mixes 1930s houses with newer estates, some right by the dunes. Saltburn-by-the-Sea is famous for its Victorian streets on the clifftop, with narrow gardens and some great views. Inland, Guisborough and the villages towards the hills have stone houses and bigger plots, more sheltered from the sea.
Composite by the sea
Capped composite suits the coast well. The cap keeps salt water out of the core, and good boards resist fading in strong sun. They don't splinter, which matters for bare feet coming back from the beach, and blown sand brushes off.
For people who love real wood, a hardwood deck can look wonderful as it silvers like driftwood. Softwood is the one we'd usually steer you away from this close to the sea.
Views and shelter
On rising ground in Saltburn and New Marske, a raised deck can give you a view of the sea over the rooftops. Near the seafront, shelter is often more welcome than height, and a screen on the windward side turns a blustery yard into a sun trap.
FAQs
Will salt air damage the fixings?
Standard plated screws can rust near the sea. We use marine-grade stainless steel fixings, which resist salt corrosion much better, on every coastal deck.
Can a deck cope with sand blown in from the beach?
Yes. Sand brushes off capped composite easily. We leave drainage gaps and keep the frame ventilated so sand and water don't build up underneath.
Is composite OK in a sunny seafront garden?
Yes, if you choose well. Lighter, UV-stable capped boards stay cooler and hold their colour better in strong sun and reflected light from the sea.