Having a dock on saltwater property is one of life’s great pleasures for boaters and anglers. Easy access to the water, convenient gear storage, and increased property value make docks a valuable addition to shoreline properties. However, owning a dock comes with challenges, and one of the biggest is the inevitable degradation of dock posts. Marine borers and other organisms slowly damage and destroy wooden pilings, making maintenance expensive and time-consuming. Stricter environmental regulations further complicate the use of traditional wooden pilings, as their chemical treatments are less effective against pests than in the past.
Fortunately, dock owners now have better options for piling materials. As wood becomes a less viable choice, plastic dock pilings offer a durable, long-term solution. One of the most effective options is the EcoPile System, designed and constructed by Shoreline Plastics of Jacksonville, Fla.
What is EcoPile?
The EcoPile is the most environmentally friendly choice for dock posts. Each EcoPile used saves several trees over its lifespan, unlike wooden pilings treated with chemical preservatives that can harm the marine ecosystem.
EcoPile’s webbed substrate is made from recycled PVC. For every foot of piling, up to ten pounds of plastic are sustainably reused. When no longer needed, the EcoPile is also 100% recyclable.
What Makes EcoPile Special?
EcoPile dock posts are not hollow, empty PVC pipes. They are well-researched, internally reinforced composite pilings. Unlike standard hollow pilings, the EcoPile features an internal hexagram truss system that significantly increases strength and rigidity. The interconnected triangular webbing enhances structural integrity while leaving hollow spaces to accommodate wiring or plumbing.
The bottom section of each EcoPile is threaded to allow sand to grip the piling securely. These grooves lock the piling into the ground, reducing settling and preventing displacement during severe storms.
To ensure weather resistance, EcoPile pilings incorporate chopped fiberglass during manufacturing. This additive enhances strength, impact resistance, and UV/IR protection. The outer fiberglass layer also keeps the pilings cool to the touch on sunny days.
What About a Warranty?
Traditional wooden pilings offer no guarantees. Due to harsh marine conditions and limited chemical treatments, wooden pilings have short lifespans, often requiring costly replacement.
EcoPile, however, comes with a robust warranty. Shoreline Plastics LLC guarantees that each EcoPile will be free from manufacturing defects for 25 years when properly installed using approved techniques. Additionally, the company offers a lifetime warranty against destruction caused by marine borers.
What’s the Cost?
Dock construction is expensive, and cutting corners is not an option for building a reliable, long-lasting dock. While the initial investment in EcoPile pilings may be slightly higher, it is money well spent. It’s the first composite piling to be budget-friendly, costing less than half the price of 100% fiberglass alternatives. When factoring in the cost of coating wooden pilings with protective layers—and the need for frequent replacement over a dock’s lifespan—EcoPile becomes the more economical choice.
Dock posts are the foundation of any structure. While decking can be replaced after 10 years, failing pilings require rebuilding the entire dock. Switching to EcoPile may slightly increase initial costs but ensures long-term savings and peace of mind.
By investing in EcoPile pilings, dock owners protect their property, save money over time, and support a sustainable marine environment. For a sturdy foundation that lasts, EcoPile is the clear choice.
