How to protect decking and fencing when you live by the coast

Living by the sea can be idyllic – but not always for your decking or fencing. Salt and sand exposure from coastal air can slowly compromise the quality of the timber features in your garden, meaning you might have to replace these features sooner than you would like. 

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to protect decking and fencing from the damaging effects of coastal living. Let’s find out how. 

What effect does coastal living have on timber? 

By the coast, water, wind, salt and sand can all have a damaging effect on timber features, such as decking and fencing. Sand can be blown by the wind and batter structures, while salt from sea air can cause physical and chemical changes to timber that force fibres apart. Sea air also tends to be more moisture-rich which can speed up rotting or mould formation.

Exposure to salt, sand and sea spray can therefore age and degrade timber decking and fencing more rapidly compared to decking and fencing that’s located further away from the ocean. 

Unfortunately, this is a drawback of living near the sea, although, there are a few easy things you can do to protect your structures from the corrosive effects of coastal living. 

3 Tips to Protect Decking and Fencing from Coastal Living 

• Choose composite: Enjoy the beautiful natural wood appearance of decking and fencing, but without the degradation. Composite wood is a robust, long-lasting material that is well suited to decking and fencing, and is much hardier than its natural timber alternatives. Created from a combination of recycled plastic and recycled wood, composite timber is high-strength and resistant to rotting, mould formation, warping and twisting, and this makes it far more resilient to the wear and tear of being at a coastal location. This makes composite products a far more cost-effective option for coastal homes that mean you will spend less on maintenance and future replacement. 

• Don’t neglect sealing: Make sure you regularly seal your decking and fencing – you may need to do this more often depending on how close to the ocean you live, and what material your outdoor features are made from. 

• Keep up with maintenance: Whether you live by the ocean or not, regular inspections and maintenance of your decking can ward off damage and degradation and keep them in good condition for longer. The beauty of composite decking and fencing is that it requires less maintenance than natural timber wood, making it a time-saving material that can more successfully withstand the degrading effects of coastal conditions. Whatever material you use, check with the manufacturer on the recommended maintenance required, and be sure to set yourself reminders. 

If you’re enjoying life by the seaside, make sure your outdoor space stays protected from the elements with composite decking and fencing from SAiGE. We’re the UK’s leading provider of high-quality composite products, and are an award winning supplier for the nation. Simply get in touch to discuss your ideas with our team.