Strong light
Sunlight reflected off sea and sand can discolour some materials. Aromatic resins may yellow; aliphatic resins are UV-stable. Very dark surfaces get hot in summer; mid-tones stay cooler.
Salt in the air
Salt spray corrodes plain steel. For edging, choose aluminium, stainless steel, concrete kerbs or block borders. Natural stone and porcelain cope well, though sandstone benefits from sealing.
Wind-blown sand
On windy days, sand is carried inland from the beach. It collects in corners and joints and can scour soft finishes.
- Block paving: sand in joints is not a problem as long as joints stay full.
- Resin: brush or blow sand off before tyres grind it in.
- Gravel: fine shingle mixes with sand and spreads. Use 14 to 20mm angular stone in grids.
- Design: avoid deep internal corners, and give surfaces a gentle fall.
Ground and drainage
Close to the shore, ground is often sandier and drains well. Further inland, clay is more common and drains slowly. A percolation test shows how fast water soaks away, which matters for sizing soakaways and for permeable surfaces.
Wind and patios
Wind makes patios less usable more than it damages them. Place seating in the lee of the house or a wall, and use hedges or slatted screens to filter the wind. See patios.
Surface summary
| Surface | Coastal suitability | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Block paving | Very good | Keep joints topped up |
| Resin | Good with UV-stable resin | Cheap aromatic resins |
| Tarmac | Good | Edges on exposed sites |
| Gravel | Fair with heavy stone and grids | Fine shingle |
Common questions
Does salt damage block paving?
Concrete blocks are generally durable. Colours may mellow over time.
Which edging should I use?
Concrete, aluminium or stainless steel near the seafront.
Is my ground sandy or clay?
It depends on the street. A survey or percolation test will tell you.
Should I seal my drive?
Sealing block paving joints and sandstone can help keep sand and stains out.