Coastal Lighting

Built for salt air, wind and weather

The coastal range uses marine-grade materials and high IP ratings to survive salt, humidity and coastal wind. If your property sits within a mile of the sea, this is the lighting that lasts.

Why coastal properties need different lighting

Standard outdoor lighting fails fast near the coast. Salt-laden air corrodes steel, pits aluminium, and attacks the surface of powder-coated finishes. A lighting fitting rated for general outdoor use will typically last 1–3 years within a mile of the sea before visible corrosion sets in — compared to 10+ years for the same fitting inland.

Coastal-grade fittings use materials and finishes specifically engineered for marine conditions:

316 marine-grade stainless steel — the corrosion-resistance benchmark. Contains molybdenum for extra resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion from chloride (salt). The right spec for any directly-exposed fitting within a mile of the coast.

Solid brass — develops an attractive weathered patina rather than corroding. Often used for lantern-style coastal fittings where the aged appearance suits the style.

High-grade powder-coated die-cast aluminium — when properly specified with a marine-rated coating system, holds up well in coastal conditions for 10+ years.

Copper and bronze — inherently corrosion-resistant, developing a patina over time.

Avoid: pressed steel (corrodes fast), cheap galvanised finishes (pitting under salt), and low-grade painted aluminium (coating degrades quickly).

How close counts as "coastal"

The rule of thumb is one mile from the sea. Within that distance, salt air and driven spray reach properties regularly enough to cause accelerated corrosion on standard fittings. Some particularly exposed positions — cliff-top properties, west-facing seafronts with onshore winds — effectively extend that distance to two or three miles.

Within 200m of the sea, marine-grade specification is essential. Between 200m and a mile, it's strongly recommended. Beyond a mile, standard exterior-grade fittings are usually fine unless the property is very exposed.

What's in the coastal range

The coastal lighting range covers the same applications as the standard exterior range, but with all fittings spec'd for marine conditions:

Coastal wall lights — for front doors, porches and side returns. Traditional lantern-style in solid brass and bronze; modern geometric in 316 stainless and marine-spec aluminium.

Coastal pendants — hanging lantern-style pendants for covered porches and verandas in exposed coastal locations.

Coastal post tops and bollards — marine-grade pole-mounted lighting for driveways and paths.

Coastal spotlights and floodlights — where the coastal range overlaps with security lighting, the fittings are spec'd with marine-grade housings.

Maintenance — still required, just less often

Even marine-grade fittings benefit from occasional maintenance in coastal conditions. A gentle wash with fresh water every few months removes salt deposits before they attack finishes; a light coat of wax on brass and bronze extends the life of the patina. Annual inspection for any signs of corrosion catches problems early.

For the most exposed positions (cliff-top, seafront), even marine-grade fittings last 8–12 years rather than the 20+ years you'd expect inland. Factor this into the total-cost thinking — the upfront premium for coastal-grade fittings pays back multiple times over the lifetime of the property.

Frequently asked questions

I'm 500m from the sea — do I really need coastal-grade lighting?

Yes. Within a mile, salt air reaches the property often enough to corrode standard fittings within a few years. Paying the coastal-grade premium once is substantially cheaper than replacing standard fittings every 2–3 years. Below 200m, marine-grade is essential.

What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

316 contains molybdenum, which gives much better resistance to salt-induced pitting corrosion. 304 is fine for general outdoor use away from the coast but pits under long-term salt exposure. For coastal applications, always specify 316.

Does solid brass corrode in coastal conditions?

Brass doesn't corrode in the structural sense — it develops a patina (aged surface appearance) that actually protects the underlying metal. Many coastal property owners prefer the weathered brass look. If you want to preserve the original polished finish, a light wax coating every few months slows patina development.

Are LEDs more vulnerable to coastal conditions than halogens?

No — if anything, LEDs are more robust because they're usually sealed into the fitting rather than housed in a replaceable bulb compartment. The sealing actually improves corrosion resistance. The main vulnerabilities in coastal conditions are the external housing material and any electrical connections, both of which marine-grade fittings address specifically.

Can I use coastal-grade fittings inland?

Yes, though it's overspec for inland conditions. Coastal fittings cost more because the materials and finishes cost more. Inland, standard exterior-grade fittings perform well enough. Coastal-grade is the right choice only where salt air is a real factor.