Stainless is a bit of a letdown near saltwater, right? I’ve seen “stainless” deck screws turn orange in less than a year. Honestly, marine-grade hardware is expensive, but if you’re close to the bay, it’s almost the only thing that holds up. Regular rinsing helps, but salt air is relentless... sometimes it feels like you’re just delaying the inevitable. Ever tried a protective spray or coating? Some folks swear by them, but I’m skeptical—seems like just another maintenance step.
I hear you on stainless near the coast—“stainless” doesn’t always mean rust-proof, especially with the cheaper grades. I’ve had 304 screws go orange in no time, but 316 marine-grade holds up a lot better, even if it stings the wallet. As for sprays and coatings, I’ve tried a couple (like Boeshield and CorrosionX). They help a bit, but it’s just another thing to keep up with. Honestly, nothing really beats using the right hardware from the start, even if it means spending more upfront. Salt air just finds a way in...
- Totally agree, 304 just doesn’t cut it near the water.
- 316 is pricey, but I’ve seen it last way longer—less call-backs for rust stains.
- Tried some of those sprays too... they help short-term, but you’re right, it’s just more maintenance.
- One thing I’ve noticed: even galvanized stuff goes fast if you nick the coating during install.
- Spending more upfront on hardware hurts, but replacing corroded fasteners later is worse.
Yeah, I learned the hard way about salt air and cheap hardware. When we moved in, I figured stainless was stainless... but those 304 screws started rusting after just a couple seasons. Ended up swapping a bunch for 316, and it’s held up way better, even though the price stung a bit. One thing I’d add—if you’re doing any DIY, double-check that your tools aren’t scratching the surface. I nicked a few fasteners and those were the first to go. Lesson learned.
- Been there with the “stainless is stainless” thing. My wallet still hasn’t forgiven me for the 316 upgrade, but at least my deck rails aren’t leaving rust streaks anymore.
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“double-check that your tools aren’t scratching the surface. I nicked a few fasteners and those were the first to go. Lesson learned.”
Didn’t even think about that part till I saw little orange halos around some screws. Turns out my “gentle” cordless drill is more like a bull in a china shop. Guess I’m adding “gentle hands” to my DIY checklist.
- I do wonder if the whole “316 or bust” thing is a little overhyped for some stuff, though? Like, I get it for railings and anything exposed, but for stuff under the eaves? I cheaped out on a few brackets under the porch and, fingers crossed, they’re holding up. Maybe the breeze just skips that side of the house.
- Salt air is sneaky. First year, I was all proud of my shiny new mailbox. By year two, it looked like it belonged in a shipwreck. Next time I’m just painting everything and calling it “distressed coastal chic.”
- Pro tip from my neighbor: hose things down every now and then if you’re close to the water. Not sure if it really helps, but hey, it’s an excuse to play with the hose.
- I’d say the only upside is I’ve learned more about metal grades in the past two years than I ever did in school. Still can’t pronounce “molybdenum,” though.
Hang in there. At least we can say our houses are “seasoned by the sea,” right?
