The 3 Types of Seawalls and What They’re Made Of

People use seawall construction to prevent erosion and protect their shorelines from powerful waves. While public beaches might use these structures to preserve boardwalks, parks and other property, you can also find them on private properties with beach houses. There are a few seawall designs to choose from, and we recommend choosing yours based on your environment.

1. Vertical Seawalls

Vertical concrete seawalls are exactly what the name describes — a tall, vertical wall along the shoreline. This seawall design is ideal for areas with large waves that crash over long periods because it can handle excessive force. However, these walls will erode and need regular maintenance to stay stable.

These seawalls can include a collection of stone piles along the front. These piles will help break up the force of the wave and reduce wall damage.

2. Curved Seawalls

Unlike the tall, rigid design of vertical seawalls, curved seawalls conform to the natural landscape. This curved shape helps to distribute the force of a wave over a distance, which means it may take less damage than a vertical seawall.

Since curved seawalls are unique to every shoreline, they require advanced engineering and construction to achieve the right shape. This process will likely come with extra costs, but you can enjoy the benefits once construction is complete.

3. Riprap Embankment Seawalls

Riprap embankments, also called revetments, are a seawall solution for low-impact waves. As one of the most cost-effective seawall designs, this type uses a pile of rocks, stones or sandbags to break up a wave. Construction usually starts with a mound of rubble to support the stone pile. The side facing the ocean gets covered in granite, limestone or even concrete debris.

You might see riprap embankments in front of another seawall type to act as a reinforcement. Unlike other seawall types that look like artificial structures, riprap embankments tend to integrate into the natural environment a little more. You’ll often see them with grasses and other plant life growing around them.

Enjoy the Water With EZ Dock

Building a seawall is one consideration that comes with owning a beachfront property. At EZ Dock, we help you take care of your waterfront needs so that you can enjoy your beach house any time. Request a quote for one of our products, or get in touch with our team to learn more.