Heavy-gauge steel · no short-sheeting
Seawall Installation & Repair
A seawall should last decades. We build ours with heavy-gauge sheet, deep embedment and real tiebacks, and we never short-sheet.
- Steel, vinyl, aluminum or wood
- Heavy gauge, no short-sheeting
- Repairs: caps, walers, tiebacks
- Drawings & permits handled
Get a Free Seawall Installation & Repair Estimate
No obligation. A real expert follows up.
- ✔ Honest advice, with cheaper options if there are any
- ✔ Clear written price
- ✔ Permits handled for you
Since 2013
serving West Michigan from Fruitport
200,000
cubic yards dredged on one lake job
40+ yrs
team experience on Great Lakes waters
100%
of permits handled for you
Why a Well-Built Seawall Pays Off
A seawall draws a firm line between land and water. Built right, it protects your property for decades and makes the waterfront far more usable.
What you get:
- ✓A stable, level grade for lawns, patios and decks
- ✓A strong anchor for docks and boats (with enough depth)
- ✓An end to erosion and land loss
- ✓Higher property value and more waterfront enjoyment
- ✓A relatively short installation time
How it works
Our Seawall Installation & Repair Process
-
1
Measure
Wall length, height above the bottom, and the land grade you want.
-
2
Size the sheet
Rule of thumb: about 2/3 of the sheet goes below the lake bottom. A 4 ft exposed wall often needs 12 ft sheets (less with good tiebacks).
-
3
Check access
Land access or water access changes the cost, so we verify it up front.
-
4
Clear proposal
Materials, equipment, fuel and labor in one written price.
-
5
Permits
Our permit agents prepare drawings, surveys and the Joint Permit Application. Michigan permits usually take 2–6 months.
-
6
Build
Drive the sheet, install walers, tiebacks and cap, then backfill. Let the backfill settle before building patios on it.
The honest trade-offs
We'd rather you know the facts before you hire anyone.
Advantages
- +Lasts decades if built right
- +Stops erosion immediately
- +Makes the waterfront usable year-round
Things to know
- −Waves deflect downward and can deepen the water right in front
- −A tall wall can limit easy access to the water
- −Not inexpensive, especially without land access
- −Unprotected neighbors may need a corner return
Seawall Materials Compared
| Material | Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Steel sheet piling | Most common. High strength, simple to drive, long life in heavier gauges, quick to get, easy to cut and weld. | Choose the gauge carefully. Thicker sheet costs the same to install and lasts much longer. |
| Vinyl / plastic | The sheet itself doesn't rot or rust. | Lower strength makes driving harder. Wood caps and tiebacks limit its life. Heavy ice can damage it in cold weather. |
| Aluminum | Long life where there's no electrolysis. | Expensive, with longer lead times. Lower strength and dents more easily. |
| Wood | Great for low-impact inland lakes and for looks. | Not recommended for long-term, high-energy sites. |
Compare quotes on gauge, not just price.
Heavier sheet costs the same to install and lasts much longer. "Short-sheeting" (shorter sheets between long ones) loads the wall unevenly and can wash out. If you want the thinnest sheet or short-sheeting, we're not the contractor for you.
By the Numbers
~2/3
of the sheet below the lake bottom
12 ft
sheets for a typical 4 ft exposed wall
2–6 mo
typical Michigan permit time
Same
install cost for heavier gauge, with a much longer life
Getting seawall quotes?
Read our free 2026 Michigan Seawall Cost & Buyer's Guide first: what drives price, materials, and 7 questions to ask.
Seawall Installation & Repair FAQ
How much does a seawall cost?
Seawalls are priced per foot. The price depends on wall height, sheet length and gauge, tiebacks, cap and waler materials, and site access. We give free site evaluations and written estimates.
Can my old seawall be repaired?
Often, yes. Replacing tiebacks, the cap or walers, or driving new sheet in front, can save a wall. We'll tell you honestly after a site visit.
What's the best seawall material?
Steel sheet piling is the most common choice for strength and life. Vinyl, aluminum and wood each fit certain sites. See the comparison table above.
How long does a seawall last?
A properly built wall can last for decades, especially with heavier-gauge steel and good tiebacks, as long as site conditions stay similar.
Do I need a permit for a seawall?
Yes. Most need an EGLE / U.S. Army Corps Joint Permit Application plus local soil erosion and zoning approvals. Michigan permits usually take 2–6 months. We handle it all.
Seawall Installation & Repair Near You
Ready to Talk About Your Seawall Installation & Repair Project?
Free estimate. Honest advice. Permits handled.