Building near the coast: materials that last

Living near the beach is the dream. But salt air, strong UV and coastal winds age a house faster than you'd expect. Choosing the right materials at the start saves years of maintenance.

Fixings and metalwork

Salt eats ordinary steel. In exposed locations, marine-grade stainless steel and fixings matched to the coastal environment are worth every cent.

Cladding and finishes

Choose cladding and coatings rated for coastal exposure, and follow the manufacturer's maintenance advice. Some timbers weather beautifully to silver. Others need regular care.

Windows and doors

Frames, hardware and seals all need to suit coastal conditions. Wind ratings matter on exposed sites, and bushfire ratings may also apply.

Decks and outdoor areas

Decks take the full force of sun and salt. Material choice, ventilation underneath and good drainage all extend their life.

Design for maintenance

Overhangs, gutters you can reach and surfaces you can wash down make a real difference. A coastal home should be easy to look after.

Built for Manly

Our Manly #1 and Manly #2 new homes, both designed by Grose Bradley Architects, are built to handle life by the water.

Building near the beach? Get in touch to talk materials before you lock in your design.