Marine structures take a beating from the weather and the environment. The following are some of the basic building techniques we apply to assure the longevity of your structure. You may be surprised how many times these are bypassed. Cutting corners may equal savings in the short-term but will most likely lead to headaches down the road.

Nails Driven By Hand Beat The Nail Gun.

Hand-nailing action pushes the nail slowly into the wood with each blow, causing the nail to grip along the way. The nail gun literally blows holes into the wood where the nail sits. These nails are easily pushed up, allowing the wood to crook, twist and bow over time. Not only does this look bad, but the structure is weakened overall. The type of nails used is also very important. Ring-shank galvanized or stainless steel nails are designed for pressure-treated wood and will hold tighter than common or smooth-shank nails.

Cross-Braced Pilings Have More Support.

Cross-bracing boards tie the pilings together and provide extra lateral support. Diagonal boards have long been used in construction because they keep structures square. A pier with cross-braced pilings is less likely to tip and warp during the strong currents of a storm surge.

Hot-dipped Galvanized Bolts Are Stronger Than Nails.

For the sake of safety and strength, there are key areas of a structure that should be bolted together. Points that endure large loads or flexing pressures, such as where girders or headers connect to the pilings on a pier or between frames of a floating dock, benefit from strong connections. Less metal equals weaker connections.

Round Pilings Are Tougher Than Square.

Square pilings are more likely to have exposed heartwood, which does not absorb protective treatment, leading to faster decay and marine borer infestation. Severe damage of untreated areas may occur within a couple of years. Round pilings have sapwood on all sides, greatly limiting heartwood exposure.

Round pilings are naturally tapered. The larger bases of the pilings act as an anchors along the pier, combating the surge forces caused by hurricanes and storms. Without the same resistance, square pilings are much easier to pull out of the ground.

Staggering Joists Hold It All Together.

Staggering joists and walers eliminates clear breaks, or weak spots, along your pier or bulkhead. Each weak spot is a point of separation in the structure. If forces are placed on that point, there is a greater chance the structure will split and become damaged.

More People Are Going Beyond The Basics.

Helical pier anchors are a fantastic way to combat the surge forces of a hurricane or storm. Also, alternative materials are becoming increasingly popular. Synthetic boards and vinyl-coated pilings are a few new options that protect against decay and marine borer damage.