Street furniture can improve an area and make a space more comfortable, attractive and safer. They are an important part of the landscape everywhere. However, street furniture in coastal areas requires special consideration due to the unique challenges posed by the marine environment. With the UK being an island with a coastline of thousands of miles, this is a particularly important topic we wanted to cover.
Coastal areas are exposed to saltwater, high winds, and other harsh weather conditions, which are less of an issue in inland areas. This leads to an accelerated deterioration of materials and is a real challenge to plan for. Here are some key considerations for street furniture in coastal areas.
Corrosion-resistant Materials
Using the right materials is the most important advice on the topic. Choosing the appropriate foundation to build on is key here – use materials that are resistant to corrosion caused by saltwater. Stainless steel, aluminium, and marine-grade alloys are good choices as they offer better protection against rust and degradation.
Stainless steel is a perfect choice as it combines corrosion resistance and robustness. What you need to know about stainless steel is that there are different grades of it, with 304 and 316 being some of the most popular ones.
304 stainless steel is the most common. It contains both chromium and nickel. It is very strong, easy to shape, has high corrosion and oxidation resistance, and is cheaper than some alternatives. The 316-grade stainless steel is a molybdenum alloy known for its strength and durability. The addition of the molybdenum makes 316 stainless steel extra resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in saline and chloride-exposed environments, which is also why it is known as marine-grade stainless steel.
This makes 316 great for coastal towns, used near roads treated with salt in the winter or any structures submerged in the sea. This is also why we offer some of our products, like this Semi-Domed Top Stainless Steel Bollard in both 304 and 316.
Powder Coating And Galvanisation
One way to extend the life of your street furniture or shelters is to give them an extra layer of protection. When choosing a product, we recommend selecting a galvanised option whenever possible, as it provides the metal with added strength and makes it more durable. One of the key benefits of hot-dipped galvanised steel is its excellent corrosion resistance. Due to its zinc coating, galvanised steel has improved rust-resistance qualities, as the zinc top acts as a protective barrier between the elements and the steel underneath. The hot dip process metallurgically bonds the coating and metal, giving the steel superior resistance to damage even in corners and little crevasses. This makes it an ideal material for shelters exposed to the weather year-round and placed in harsher environments like near the sea.
Furthermore, you can apply a durable powder coating to the furniture to provide additional protection against corrosion. This helps extend the lifespan of the furniture in salty and humid conditions.
Rust-resistant Hardware
In line with the above worries about corrosion and rusting close to the sea, where street furniture is constantly exposed to high moisture levels, think about the details. Use rust-resistant screws, bolts, and other hardware to assemble the furniture. This helps prevent the degradation of these components in the coastal environment, which would save you constant repairs and bolts and screws replacements.
Sealed and Treated Wood
Wood is a wonderful material that gives a space a more natural and inviting look. You may think using wood so close to the water is not a good idea, but that isn’t necessarily the case. If using wood, you need to be more careful about your choices – opt for hardwoods or treated wood that can withstand exposure to saltwater. A great example is our Dundee Picnic Bench, made of larch wood used in yacht making, external cladding and construction because it is known for its tough, durable and waterproof qualities.
Additionally, make sure you apply a sealant or marine-grade varnish to protect the wood from the effects of moisture.
Durable and UV-resistant Plastics
When using plastic materials, ensure they are made of high-quality, UV-resistant polymers that can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and resist discolouration or brittleness. In most of our products, when there is a roof or sometimes a side wall, we use high-quality polycarbonate sheets which absorb UV light and protect the rest of the structure from sun damage. The Carrington Smoking Shelter is a good example of UV-protective polycarbonate use.
Weighted and Anchored Structures
Another critical moment is the installation and anchoring of the product you have selected. Strong winds and storms often batter coastal areas. This means anything you plan on installing must be weighted down or well anchored to prevent it from being toppled over during storms or high winds.
Regular Maintenance
We always use high-quality and durable materials we know will serve our clients for years. However, even the best street element will one day require some care, and by implementing a regular maintenance schedule to inspect and clean the furniture, you will undoubtedly extend its life. This includes checking for signs of corrosion, loose fasteners, and any damage caused by the harsh coastal conditions.
Appropriate Design And Comfort
Last but not least, when selecting street elements, furniture and shelters, think about the end user. When people walk in the summer under the hot sun along the promenade, they will probably love to sit on a nice bench and look at the sea. However, if this bench is metal and burning hot from the summer heat, that may not be the most enjoyable experience. Here, you should think about wood or even concrete. So, when selecting products, think about how they will be used alongside what will make them last.
Furthermore, think about the best design for your specific conditions. For example, street furniture near water must also have features that facilitate drainage, preventing the accumulation of standing water, which can contribute to corrosion and deterioration.
By incorporating these considerations, businesses, local councils, and planners can enhance the durability and longevity of street furniture in coastal areas, ensuring that it remains functional and aesthetically pleasing despite the challenging environmental conditions.