What Goes Into Jetty Design? Materials, Types, Maintenance and Repairs
Have you ever stood on a jetty and wondered how it stays standing year after year?
I design and build jetties for a living, so I've been asked this question more than once. People often underestimate what's involved—choosing the right materials, deciding on a suitable design, and maintaining it properly. Trust me, building a jetty is more than just putting timber or steel into water and hoping for the best.
Picking the right materials
When designing a jetty, the first step I take is choosing the materials. Timber is great for aesthetics and blending into natural surroundings. But here’s the catch—it can be vulnerable to marine pests and weather if not properly treated. That's why I often refer to resources like this guide on timber jetty specifications from the South Australian government.
On the flip side, concrete and steel offer durability, especially for commercial jetties or those exposed to heavy traffic. We recently used concrete for the City of Busselton jetty refurbishment, ensuring longevity and stability.
Choosing the best type of jetty
There's more than one kind of jetty, and each suits a different purpose. The three main ones I usually suggest are fixed, floating, and modular jetties.
Fixed jetties are anchored firmly with piles—perfect for stable water levels.
Floating jetties move with the tide, ideal for fluctuating water levels. We’ve built quite a few floating jetty projects because they adapt well to tidal shifts.
Modular jetties are versatile and adaptable, perfect if your needs might change.
What's under the surface counts
The strength of a jetty starts with what's under the water—the piling. It’s not glamorous, but marine piling is essential. Without strong foundations, even the best-designed jetty can fail quickly. I’ve explained why this matters so much in this article about marine piling.
If you’re concerned about marine life, you're not alone. Protecting the marine environment is important to me too. There are ways to minimise environmental impact, like choosing materials and designs that reduce damage to sensitive areas. This guide on eco-friendly jetty designs is a useful reference.
Regular maintenance isn’t optional
Some people assume once a jetty is built, the job’s done. That’s far from reality. To keep your jetty safe and structurally sound, regular maintenance is essential. Inspecting piles, checking fittings, and ensuring no corrosion or rot is critical.
I offer dedicated marine maintenance services because prevention is always better than cure. This condition assessment from Tumby Bay Jetty is a perfect example of how thorough maintenance checks can save significant costs down the line.
When repairs are necessary
Even well-maintained jetties might eventually need repairs. Small issues can quickly become big problems if ignored. Repairs aren’t about quick fixes; they're about restoring safety and longevity. For instance, I handled a significant repair job at Warradale Lake where poor initial design and materials had compromised the jetty.
If you’re unsure about your jetty’s condition, please don’t risk it contact me directly. I'll gladly take a look and give straightforward advice.
Ready to build your jetty?
If you’ve been thinking about building a jetty but don’t know where to start, that’s exactly what I’m here for. Each site is unique—what works in Fremantle might not suit a location like Point Fraser. My job is to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Whether you want to discuss materials, designs, or even just bounce some ideas around, get in touch here. There's no commitment needed—just honest conversation and expert insight.
Let’s create something you’ll be proud of.