Living in a coastal or windy location comes with breathtaking views and fresh sea air—but it also brings unique challenges for your outdoor spaces. The strong winds and salty air common to these areas can wreak havoc on traditional garden fencing and décor. This is why selecting the right garden screens is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best types of screens for coastal or windy locations, focusing on materials and designs that combine durability, style, and practicality.
1. The Importance of Choosing the Right Screen Material
Coastal and windy environments demand materials that can withstand tough conditions. Exposure to high winds and salty air can lead to rust, corrosion, and structural damage over time. To ensure longevity, look for weather-resistant garden screens made from durable materials like:
- Corten Steel: Known for its unique rust-like appearance and incredible strength, Corten steel screens are ideal for harsh conditions. The rusted patina not only enhances their beauty but also protects the material from further corrosion.
- Wood Plastic Composite (WPC): A blend of wood fibres and recycled plastics, WPC is resistant to rot, moisture, and UV damage, making it a practical choice for coastal gardens.
- Aluminium Screens: Lightweight yet sturdy, powder-coated aluminium resists rust and is perfect for creating sleek, modern outdoor designs.
2. Why Corten Steel Screens Are Perfect for Coastal Locations
Corten steel garden screens are particularly well-suited to coastal environments. Here’s why:
- Resistant to Corrosion: Unlike ordinary steel, Corten steel forms a protective layer of rust that prevents deeper corrosion, even in salty air.
- Heavy and Sturdy: Corten screens are heavier than other materials, ensuring they stay in place during high winds.
- Timeless Aesthetic: The weathered patina gives Corten screens a natural, earthy look that blends beautifully with outdoor settings, making them both functional and visually appealing.
Whether you're using them as privacy screens, decorative panels, or as part of a windbreak, Corten steel screens offer an unbeatable combination of strength and style.
3. Screens Designed to Withstand High Winds
For properties exposed to strong winds, it’s essential to choose screens that are both robust and designed to minimise resistance. Here are some tips:
- Opt for Perforated Designs: Screens with intricate patterns, such as laser-cut panels, allow wind to pass through, reducing pressure and preventing damage.
- Secure Installation: Ensure your screens are firmly fixed using sturdy posts or frames. Materials like Corten steel and WPC are less likely to bend or warp under pressure.
- Consider Flexibility: Modular screens can be arranged in smaller sections, making them less prone to damage compared to large, continuous panels.
4. Adding Style to Coastal Gardens
Living by the coast doesn’t mean sacrificing style for practicality. Many modern garden screens combine functionality with contemporary designs, helping you make the most of your outdoor space. Popular options include:
- Abstract Patterns: Ideal for creating a focal point while allowing light and air to filter through.
- Natural Motifs: Designs inspired by waves, leaves, or other organic shapes tie in beautifully with coastal surroundings.
- Customisable Panels: Choose colours and patterns that match your garden’s aesthetic for a cohesive look.
Corten steel screens, in particular, add a bold yet natural touch to outdoor spaces, complementing the rugged beauty of coastal landscapes.
5. Protecting Your Outdoor Space
In windy areas, garden screens are more than just decorative; they can serve as effective windbreaks to protect your outdoor seating or dining areas. Combining screens with other wind-resistant landscaping elements, such as hedges or low stone walls, can create a more sheltered and enjoyable space.
Additionally, for coastal locations, screens can shield your garden from salt spray, helping to preserve delicate plants and outdoor furniture.
6. Low Maintenance Options for Busy Homeowners
Garden screens in coastal or windy areas need to be practical as well as stylish. High-maintenance materials like untreated wood or iron are prone to damage and require regular upkeep. Instead, choose:
- Corten Steel: Its self-protective patina means no painting or sealing is needed.
- WPC Screens: Resistant to fading, warping, and rot, these screens require only minimal cleaning to maintain their appearance.
- Powder-coated Aluminium: Easily cleaned with soapy water, aluminium screens stay looking fresh with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Choosing the best screens for coastal or windy locations is all about balancing durability and design. Whether you opt for the timeless appeal of Corten steel screens, the practicality of WPC, or the sleek modernity of aluminium, the right screens will enhance your outdoor space while standing up to the elements.
At Screen With Envy, we offer a range of weather-resistant garden screens perfect for coastal and windy areas. With stylish patterns, durable materials, and easy installation, our screens are designed to thrive in even the harshest environments.
Transform your coastal garden today with screens that combine strength, style, and functionality!