That’s a good point about rinsing, though I’ll admit I don’t always keep up with it as much as I should. I’ve got a deck that’s maybe 8 years old, and even though I went with “marine grade” hardware, I still found a couple of screws starting to rust last year. Turns out, the label just meant they were coated, not actually stainless. Lesson learned—now I double-check everything before buying.
One thing I’m still not sure about is how much difference those anti-corrosion sprays really make. I tried one on my gate hinges and it seemed to help for a while, but after a wet winter, there was still some orange creeping in. Maybe it’s just the salt air here—seems like nothing lasts forever if you’re close to the ocean.
Anyone else try swapping out hardware for plastic or composite where possible? I replaced some metal brackets under my stairs with heavy-duty plastic and so far, no issues... but I wonder if there’s a downside I’m missing.
- Coated hardware is hit or miss—I've seen so-called "marine grade" stuff rust out in a year, especially on roofs near the coast. Stainless is pricey but worth it if you can swing it.
- Anti-corrosion sprays... eh. They help a bit, but salt air always wins eventually. I use them as a bandaid, not a fix.
- Plastic brackets can work, but I wouldn't trust them for anything load-bearing. Sun can make them brittle over time, too. For light stuff, sure, but I stick with metal for anything structural.
- Around here, it's just a constant battle—sometimes feels like the ocean's trying to eat your house one screw at a time.
Stainless hardware is the only thing that’s really held up for me, too, even though the initial sticker shock always stings a bit. I’ve tried the “marine grade” stuff that looks great out of the box, but half the time it starts pitting and rusting before the year’s out. I don’t know if it’s just marketing or if there are different grades, but I’ve learned to be skeptical.
I don’t totally write off anti-corrosion sprays, but I agree they’re not a real fix. They buy you a little time—maybe a few months if you’re lucky—but once that salty air gets in there, it’s game over. I actually started using them on hinges and latches that get a lot of use, just as a stopgap until I can swap them out for stainless.
Plastic brackets make me nervous for anything that matters. I had some supposedly UV-resistant ones on a fence gate, and after two summers, they just crumbled. Maybe they’re fine for gutter clips or light-duty stuff, but for anything structural, metal is the only way to go. Even then, if it’s not stainless, it’s just a countdown until you’re replacing it again.
Here on the Gulf Coast, I swear there’s salt in the air even when you can’t see the ocean. It’s wild how fast things corrode—especially on the roof or anywhere water can pool. What’s worked for me is just getting into a routine: regular rinsing with fresh water (when possible), annual checks, and being ready to replace stuff before it fails completely. It feels like maintenance never ends, but I guess that’s the tradeoff for living near the water.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with powder-coated hardware? I’ve seen mixed results—some folks swear by it, others say it flakes off after a season or two. For now, stainless is my go-to, even if it means budgeting extra every year.
You’re not wrong about the “marine grade” label being hit or miss. There are definitely different grades of stainless, and some of the cheaper stuff is barely better than regular steel once it’s exposed to salt air. I’ve seen 304 pit pretty fast, but 316 holds up much better—though it’s pricier, of course. Powder coating can help, but if there’s even a tiny chip or scratch, corrosion sneaks in underneath and it’s downhill from there. Maintenance never really ends near the coast, but your routine sounds solid. It’s a constant battle, but at least you’re staying ahead of it.
Powder coating can help, but if there’s even a tiny chip or scratch, corrosion sneaks in underneath and it’s downhill from there.
That’s been my experience too. I tried powder-coated fasteners on a green roof project near the shore, thinking they’d last longer, but one season of wind-driven sand and they started rusting right at the scratches. Ended up switching to 316 stainless for anything exposed. It’s not cheap, but honestly, the hassle of replacing corroded stuff every couple years just isn’t worth it.
