30 ft jetty

[welsh wood]

Hi, I have a 30 ft jetty to build into a shallow lake, the customer wants localy milled and grown timber. Do you think Douglas fir is up to the job? Or open to ideas.

Thanks.

[benedmonds]

Isn't alder supposed to be good for use in water.

[Pat Ferrett]

Elms good stuff.

[welsh wood]

Hi, I don't fancy the Alder and not much Elm in this area that I know of, the other option that I nave and imo better is Larch.

[Pat Ferrett]

I know larch is used in boat building but not sure if that's under or above the water line.

There was a similar thread on here a couple of years back.

[Stephen Blair]

Sitkas good.

[AlexB]

I'd go for larch. I bet the stuff under the water out lasts the stuff above!

[Triassic]

Recycled plastic made into planks is good. Sustainable recycled plastic products - Lankhorst Recycled Products UK Ltd // Products > Marine engineering > Plastic jetties & landing stages

Edited August 28, 2013 by Triassic

[Graham]

Round wood piles will outlast sawn or machined.

[TGB]

Have a look through, http://evidence.environment-agency.gov.uk/FCERM/Libraries/FCERM_Project_Documents/Manual_on_the_use_of_timber_in_coastal_and_river_engineering.sflb.ashx

 

Bit of a read I know but it does raise some points, which if you've not built a jetty/pier before, might be of interest. Like the need for timber at or below the waterline, to be able to withstand heavy impact. In the structure's life, it's going to get rammed a few times. The owner might be careful but other water users may not.

 

As to plastic - it has it's uses but long-term exposure to UV can be damaging to material, perhaps in a way not immediately noticeable for visual inspection and can lead to dynamic failure. Whereas wood will, (generally) give you prior notice of impending failure. Also, there's always some daft soul who'll set a disposable BBQ directly onto the planking.

Edited August 28, 2013 by TGB