If you’re close to the beach, everything – from taps to tiles to roof screws – is exposed to salty moisture. Over time, that salt causes rust and pitting on metals, stains on surfaces, and can even make grout or paint age faster than it would inland. Doesn’t mean you can’t have your coastal dream home, it just means choosing the right materials early on so you’re not replacing stuff in a couple of years.

Tiles are a top pick for coastal homes because they’re tough and low maintenance. Porcelain is usually the safest bet – it’s denser than ceramic and doesn’t soak up water or salt as much.

Outside: go for slip-resistant tiles if you’re tiling around the pool, the balcony or an outdoor shower.

Indoors: light stone-look or sandy coloured tiles nail that relaxed, beachy feel.

Grout: cheap grout can be a weak point – a good quality grout and maybe a sealer will make life easier.

If you’re anywhere near the beach, an outdoor shower is almost a must. It saves dragging half the sand from the shoreline into your bathroom and keeps the salty water off your fittings. Just make sure the base is non-slip and the fittings are built to handle weather.

This one’s a biggie. Standard chrome or basic stainless will show pitting pretty quickly in coastal homes. 316 stainless steel tapware (sometimes called marine grade) is the go-to. It’s made for salty environments and will hold up for years without looking shabby.

Coastal living is amazing, but the environment is tough on materials. Spend a little time choosing the right tiles, fixtures and finishes and you’ll thank yourself later. That way, you can enjoy the ocean lifestyle without constantly worrying about rust spots or replacing fittings.

Check out our range of coastal-ready tiles, outdoor showers and 316 stainless steel tapware – perfect for homes that need to stand up to salt air and still look great.