Marine Piling
To prevent your marine structure from sinking, it needs heavy-duty supports and building supplies that will withstand saltwater conditions. Marine piling provides the support necessary for various marine construction projects. This piling can support projects of all sizes, such as:
- Barges
- Boathouses
- Bulkheads
- Decks, boat docks, and walkways
- Marinas
- Pontoons
- Seawalls
Many different types of marine lumber and piling exist, including composite, steel, and wood.
Timber Piling
There are many types of timber piling available. Greenheart hardwood piling is one of the strongest options because it’s naturally resistant to marine borers, decay, and rot.
Treated wood piling, like Southern Yellow Pine, is popular because it’s affordable and durable.
Composite Materials
There are also several options when considering composite materials, such as:
- Fiberglass
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- PVC
Composite materials won’t easily succumb to rot or decay like traditional wood, making them perfect for marine piling.
Sheet Piling
Sheet piling is yet another option to consider. These are sections of sheet materials with interlocking edges that you drive into the ground for earth retention. The most common sheet piling material is steel, but you can also find them in timber and reinforced concrete.
Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. To find a suitable material for your marine construction project, speak with our professionals about all the options.
The Benefits of Using Marine Piling
Piling for marine projects is the best way to provide a strong, sturdy, and long-lasting base structure for whatever it is you’re building.
It can support the weight of even the largest moored boats and watercraft, which cable and strut docks cannot. As a result, their use is widespread in both residential and commercial applications.
Moreover, some studies suggest that marine piling is a cost-effective way to preserve native vertebrate biodiversity. The habitat is easy to monitor in urbanized coastal marine environments. All the more reason to use them!
Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Piling
Questions? We answer some of the most commonly asked below.
What Is Marine Piling?
Marine piling is when you set deep foundations into the seabed below sea level to support water structures. As mentioned, they can support nearshore and offshore structures of all kinds.
The pilings look like support beams.
How Much Does Marine Piling Cost?
One of the challenges with marine piling is its cost. They require additional materials for maximum strength and extra labor for the longer installation process.
Additionally, many other factors go into the cost, including:
- Building permits
- Material
- Number of pilings needed to accommodate the structure’s size
- Piling length to accommodate the water depth
- Piling size (diameter)
- Seabed conditions
Smaller projects can cost a few thousand dollars, whereas larger commercial projects may cost upwards of $100,000. To get a better estimate on how much you can expect to spend on marine piling, get a quote from an expert.
Furthermore, don’t forget about maintenance costs. Piled docks require regular maintenance to protect them from corrosion-causing materials and marine organisms. However, the extra cost of proper upkeep will ensure you get your money’s worth from your marine pilings.
How Long Does Marine Piling Last?
The lifespan of your marine piling can be up to several decades with proper care and maintenance. However, the exact lifespan you can expect will depend on several things, such as:
- Materials
- Environmental conditions
- Weather
For example, if you live in an area with frequent rough seas, it could put more pressure on your pilings. The constant movement of water slamming against the pilings will take a toll over time.
If a category five hurricane rips through your area, your pilings may face damage. But, all in all, you can usually expect to get many years out of your pilings.
Additionally, there are other ways to help prolong your marine piling’s lifespan:
- Wood preservatives help your timber products last even longer than their standard lifespan. On each type of marine piling, you will see the treatment it received. The maximum treatment to look for is 2.5 CCA (copper chrome arsenate).
- Install SnapJackets over aging pilings to prolong their life. SnapJackets use UV-protected PVC material that is exceptionally durable – they have a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years. Plus, they are effortless to use. They open and lock back together, so you don’t need to disassemble any part of the structure—once secure, concrete flows into the voids to create a new solid piling.
- Use stainless steel (not galvanized) for your fasteners. Stainless steel is better able to handle saltwater than galvanized steel.
Marine Piling Supplies for Your Project
Get in touch with us at Harbor Exports. No project is too big (or small) for marine piling. At Harbor Exports, we have the highest quality materials, and our skilled experts can assist with any marine construction project.