Is Cladco Composite Decking Good for Coastal Homes and Seaside Properties?

Across all corners of the UK, from Newquay to North Berwick and Bangor to Brighton, you’re never too far from the tranquillity and magnificence of our beautiful coastline. Proximity to stunning scenery, a slower pace of life compared to the bustle of the city, and a cooler climate are just some of the reasons why so many of us dream of owning a coastal home.

For millions of people, that dream is already a reality. Based on the latest census figures, the Office for National Statistics estimated that in 2021, around 8.7 million people were living in coastal settlements.

That means millions of people looking to invest in their homes and gardens, creating a space they can be proud of. But coastal living comes with a few extra considerations, especially when it comes to garden upgrades like decking.

Strong coastal winds, salty sea air, intense UV exposure and even the less glamorous side of seaside wildlife — we’re looking at you, seagulls — can all take their toll if you’re not prepared.

In this article, we’ll explore which Cladco composite decking boards are best suited to coastal homes and seaside properties, and what makes them a practical choice in these more demanding environments.

If you’re someone fortunate enough to live near the coast, you’ll already be familiar with the many positives this brings. But you’ll also be aware of some of the downsides that come with being so close to the sea.

Sea Air

While a good lungful of it is considered by many to be invigorating and good for you, constant exposure to sea air can cause significant wear on various building materials. From slate tiles and timber fences to metal guttering and aluminium-framed doors, certain materials will degrade over time due to the high concentration of salt in the air.

Salt acts as a corrosive, causing rusting and general wear at a much faster rate than would be the case further inland. If your property is close to a beach, sand and other fine particles can also contribute to surface wear over time. Timber decking and wooden furniture, which need regular staining or treatment, can quickly begin to show visible signs of this, meaning homeowners need to stay on top of maintenance.

If you’re someone fortunate enough to live near the coast, you’ll already be familiar with the many positives this brings. But you’ll also be aware of some of the downsides that come with being so close to the sea.

Moisture

Without turning this into too much of a science lesson, coastal conditions often mean higher levels of moisture in the air. Sea breezes carry this inland, so properties near the coast are often more exposed to damp conditions.

Certain materials absorb water, which can lead to damage over time. When wood, for example, absorbs moisture, it can begin to rot, as well as warp and crack, as temperatures fluctuate.

When choosing your decking material, it’s important to look for something that offers strong resistance to rot, warping and cracking if you want to avoid issues further down the line.

Sun / UV Exposure

As we covered in our blog about composite decking in south-facing gardens, if you’ve ever sat out in the sun too long, you’ll know just how damaging prolonged UV exposure can be, whether that’s your skin or your decking.

Decking boards are designed to withstand a fair amount of sunlight over their lifespan, even in the UK, but in seaside settings, they often need to cope with more consistent exposure. With fewer barriers like tall trees and buildings, combined with less pollution and reduced cloud cover, outdoor surfaces in these locations are regularly exposed to direct sunlight.

As well as the warping and cracking that can affect timber if left exposed for too long, gradual colour fade is another common issue for decking boards, and one worth being aware of, particularly in coastal areas.

As you can see, the environmental conditions around the UK’s coastline bring a few extra factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best decking material for your seaside property. The above factors shouldn’t deter you from installing decking, but it’s important to choose materials that you have confidence are up to the task.

Unlike traditional timber, composite boards are designed to resist many of the common issues associated with coastal areas. They won’t absorb moisture in the same way as wood, helping to reduce the risk of rot, warping and cracking over time.

They also require far less ongoing maintenance, with no need for regular staining or sealing — a particularly useful benefit in coastal homes, where salt, sand and damp can quickly accelerate wear on your boards.

Signature composite decking

For homeowners looking for an affordable solution, our Signature composite decking boards provide an attractive option, ideal if you’re working to a tight budget. Available in 2.4m and 4m lengths, as well as in a solid core option, these boards are constructed from a blend of recycled plastic and natural wood fibres, and feature a dual-sided design with a narrow grooved finish on one side and a woodgrain-effect pattern on the other.

While these boards are well-suited to most domestic settings, it’s worth remembering that coastal environments can be more demanding over time. As an uncapped composite option, Signature boards may experience some gradual colour change throughout their lifespan, which is a natural process caused by UV exposure affecting the wood fibres within the board. If you want to find out more about composite colour fading over time, you can read our guide to composite decking colour fading.

ProDeck capped composite decking

If you live near the coast, though, you’ll no doubt be looking for something with even greater durability and resilience — something you can install and enjoy for many years with greater peace of mind. If this sounds like you, our ProDeck range may be the composite decking solution you're looking for.

A premium composite decking board available in 2.4m and 4m lengths, it features a protective polymer-capped surface that offers improved resistance to abrasive sea air, sand, moisture and prolonged UV exposure. This helps the boards retain their colour and finish for longer.

So, in a nutshell, choosing the right composite decking for a coastal home is all about finding that balance between durability, maintenance and budget. 

Getting that balance right will help ensure your decking continues to look good and perform well for years to come.

Looking for more information on the differences between the two? If so, be sure to read our guide on capped vs uncapped composite decking.

As we’ve explored, coastal environments can place greater demands on your decking, from salt in the air to increased moisture and sun exposure.

Cladco’s composite decking ranges, including both Signature and ProDeck, are designed with durability and low maintenance in mind, making them a practical option for many coastal homes.

As with any decking product, regular cleaning is still recommended to maintain the appearance of your composite decking boards. While Signature composite decking is a low-maintenance alternative to timber, coastal conditions can mean a little more care is needed, particularly when it comes to how often you clean your boards.

As well as salt and sand, things such as sun cream, guano and food grease should be cleaned as soon as you notice them, especially after windy days when debris and sand have been blown onto your decking, to help prevent staining.

Cleaning your boards is simple and can be done with nothing more than a soft-bristle broom and a bucket of warm water mixed with a household detergent or our own decking cleaner.
If you need something a little stronger for more stubborn dirt (remember those seagulls we mentioned!), a power washer can also be used.

To avoid damage, use a power washer with a maximum output of 150 Bar (2175 PSI) and avoid holding the nozzle too close to the boards. A rotating tip or wide fan nozzle (around 40–60°) is recommended. To learn more about cleaning your decking, you can take a look at our decking cleaning guide.

Another important factor to consider for coastal homes is ensuring your decking has adequate drainage and ventilation. 

As we’ve already touched on, higher moisture levels are common near the coast, which means your decking needs to be able to dry out properly after rainfall.

Making sure your subframe allows for sufficient airflow beneath the boards is key to long-term performance. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture build-up, which may affect both the decking and the structure over time.

For best results, your subframe should provide an airflow gap of around 30mm for composite joists and 50mm for structural composite or recycled plastic joists.

The colour and finish are also something to think about when installing your composite decking in coastal areas.

Lighter shades may show less visible signs of fading over time, particularly in locations with consistent sun exposure, while darker colours can create a more striking look but may require a little more attention to maintain their appearance.

It’s also worth thinking about which side of the board you install facing upwards. Cladco composite decking boards feature a dual-sided design, with a narrow grooved finish on one side and a woodgrain-effect pattern on the other. The grooved surface can offer additional grip underfoot, which may be beneficial in these environments where moisture and sand are more common, while the woodgrain side provides a more traditional timber-style appearance.

If you’d like to learn more about installing your decking correctly, you can explore our detailed decking installation guides for each range, as well as our Help & Advice page.

Coastal homes offer some of the most rewarding outdoor spaces in the UK. Stunning vistas, fresh sea air, often milder conditions and a slower, more laid-back lifestyle compared to the city make it easy to see why.

But it also comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to your home exterior and garden.

Composite decking provides a practical and low-maintenance solution that helps to reduce the impact of salt in the air, increased moisture and regular exposure to harmful UV rays. With options like Cladco’s Signature and ProDeck composite decking ranges available, there’s something to suit different budgets, environments and levels of exposure.

By choosing the right boards for your property and ensuring they are installed and maintained correctly, you can enjoy decking that not only looks great but also performs well for years to come.

If you’re ready to get started, you can explore our composite decking ranges online or order samples to find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.