Why hardwood rather than softwood
Pressure-treated softwood works well in sheltered inland gardens, but salt-laden wind and driving rain on the coast shorten its life. Hardwoods like balau and ipe are much denser and naturally resist rot. They're heavier, harder and longer-lasting, which is why boardwalks and piers have long used them.
The driftwood look
Leave a hardwood deck unoiled and the sun and sea air will turn it a soft, even silver grey within a season or two. Many people near the dunes in Marske love that look: it blends with the grasses and sand. The wood stays strong; it's only the surface colour that changes.
If you prefer the rich brown of freshly oiled hardwood, it can be kept, but the sea air means oiling more often than inland.
Stainless and pre-drilled
Hardwood is dense, so every board is pre-drilled. We use stainless steel screws throughout, because the tannins in hardwood react with ordinary steel and cause black staining, and because the sea air corrodes plated fixings.
Inland, in Guisborough
Further from the sea, in Guisborough and the villages towards the hills, conditions are gentler. There, a hardwood deck oiled to keep its colour is easier to look after, and suits stone houses beautifully.
FAQs
Does hardwood survive sea air?
Yes, much better than softwood. Dense hardwoods resist rot naturally and cope well with salt. The surface will weather to silver unless oiled regularly.
Will hardwood stain my paving?
Fresh hardwood can release tannins in the first rains, which can mark pale paving or render nearby. We'll advise on placement and early care to limit it.