Materials Most Commonly Used in Marine Construction
Choosing the right material for your marine construction project is a big decision to make. Not all decking materials or pilings have the same recommended use, as they all have pros and cons regarding structure and cost. Learning about all the available marine construction materials can help you choose the best option to match your needs. A dock and seawall construction company can also help you choose the best available materials for a marine environment to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your investment.
Which Marine Construction Material is Right for Me?
Learning about the different materials available for marine construction is essential. Concrete piles, composite materials, steel piles, marine-grade metals, and timber piles are just a few of the available choices. Typically, concrete piles and timber piles are recommended for basic residential piers. On the other hand, you may want to consider steel pipe piles for a marine construction project that needs a deep foundation. Here is an overview of the available piling materials for your marine construction project:
Concrete Piles
Concrete piles are a durable option that’s often used in marine construction projects, although they are far less common in residential applications than other options such as composite piles. Many times, concrete piles are prefabricated based on the specific needs of the project. You can often choose from a variety of shapes, such as octagonal, square, and circular. Another benefit of concrete piles is that they are highly resistant to corrosion, which makes them a popular choice for residential piers.
Timber Piles
Timber piles are one of the oldest and most affordable pile options available on the market. Most timber piles are tapered in shape, which helps them to support heavy loads. Using timber piles is especially beneficial for acid soils, and there’s no need to worry about them being a conductor of electricity. The biggest drawback of using timber piles is that they are more likely to corrode compared to other types of available piles.
Steel Pipe Piles
Steel piles are a great choice if you need a deep foundation, as concrete piles and timber piles aren’t designed to be driven very deep. An added benefit of steel piles is that they offer a much higher load bearing capacity and are more effective at bending compared to other material choices. Also, there is a variety of steel piles from which to choose, such as stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, and carbon steel.
Wide-Flange Beams and H-Piles
Wide-flange beams and H-Piles are also excellent options if you need a deep foundation. These piles don’t bend easily but offer great load-bearing capabilities. You can also drive wide-flange beams into hard rock due to their innovative design. Using either one of these options is perfect for supporting large marine construction projects, such as heavy bridges or buildings. Deciding on the right decking materials for your marine construction project is another important decision to be made. Here is an overview of the best low-maintenance decking materials:
Composite Decking
Choosing composite materials for your deck is often a popular choice due to its durability. You won’t have to worry about stains or warping if you choose composite decking. Many different colors and styles are also available, which is why it’s often a top choice.
Ipe Decking
Another popular choice is Ipe wood decking, as it’s well-known for being highly durable while requiring only minimal maintenance. Building an Ipe deck is perfect for anyone in need of a material that’s resistant to scratches, mildew, and rot. You also won’t have to worry about spending time staining or sealing an Ipe deck. The biggest drawback of Ipe wood decking is the cost, and the fact that it can be more challenging to install compared to other materials.
Wood Decking
Pressure-treated wood decking is another attractive option due to its affordability, as well as the freedom to paint or stain your wood deck with any color option. An additional benefit of wood decking is that it is resistant to pests, mold, and fungus. However, you will need to keep your wood deck well-maintained to ensure it stays in excellent condition. It’s recommended to use a water-repellent sealer each year to protect your wood decking from the elements.
Final Thoughts
Considering all your available options can help you find the best marine and marina construction materials to suit your needs. Taking the time for research is well worth the effort in making it easier to choose the best materials. Discussing all your options with a local builder is also a great way to determine the best materials available for your marine construction project.