SHORELINE PROTECTION
Seawall or Bulkhead: Planning Shoreline Protection
Shoreline protection should respond to the property’s actual conditions, access, and future waterfront goals.
DIRECT ANSWER
Should my property have a seawall or a bulkhead?
The terms are often used interchangeably, so the name alone does not determine the right solution. Shoreline conditions, drainage, existing structures, construction access, and the purpose of the wall should guide a review of the property and any required professional input.
Understand the purpose
The terms seawall and bulkhead are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation. Both generally describe a retaining structure at the water’s edge, but the appropriate construction approach depends on the site and the loads the structure must address.
The first question is not which label to use. It is what the property needs the structure to accomplish and how it will connect with the rest of the waterfront.
Look at the complete shoreline
A useful site discussion considers the visible shoreline, existing wall or bulkhead, changes in grade, drainage, nearby docks, construction access, and the owner’s future plans. A new dock, walkway, or landscaping project may influence how the shoreline work is sequenced.
Visible leaning, movement, washout, settlement, gaps, or loss of soil can be reasons to seek a qualified evaluation. These signs do not establish the cause or the required repair on their own.
Plan before selecting a solution
Every property is different. Photographs and a conversation can help define the concern, but recommendations should be based on a review of the property and any required engineering, permitting, or other professional input.
Clear planning at the beginning helps the owner understand the intended scope, access needs, related improvements, and the steps required before construction.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is a seawall the same as a bulkhead?
The words are often used interchangeably, but terminology and design can vary. The right approach depends on the waterfront conditions and the purpose of the structure.
Can shoreline protection be coordinated with a dock project?
Yes. Planning the shoreline, dock access, and related improvements together can help create a more coordinated scope and construction sequence.