What Are the Steps Involved in Building a Seawall?

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May 5
3 min read

Your Guide to Protecting South Florida Shorelines with Expert Marine Construction

If you live on the water in South Florida, you already know how important it is to protect your property from erosion, flooding, and tidal changes. A professionally constructed seawall is one of the best long-term solutions for maintaining shoreline integrity and defending your land against harsh marine conditions.

At Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction, we specialize in custom seawalls built to withstand the elements—while enhancing the beauty and value of your property.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what’s involved in building a seawall from start to finish.

Site Evaluation and Consultation

Every project begins with a thorough site visit and consultation. We assess:

The slope and condition of your shoreline
Existing erosion or structural issues
Soil and substrate composition
Water depth and tidal patterns
Neighboring seawalls or structures

Why It Matters: Your seawall must be engineered to suit your exact location—there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Permitting and Regulatory Approvals

Marine construction in Florida is regulated by multiple agencies, including:

Local municipalities
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (in some cases)

Our Team Handles It: We manage the entire permitting process to ensure your project complies with environmental regulations and coastal construction rules.

Seawall Design and Material Selection

Once the site is evaluated and permits are underway, our design team finalizes your seawall’s:

Layout and height
Material type (vinyl, concrete, composite, or steel)
Cap style (concrete cap, decorative trim, tiebacks, and more)
Drainage solutions to relieve hydrostatic pressure

Popular Choice: In South Florida, vinyl sheet piling with a reinforced concrete cap is a favorite due to its corrosion resistance, clean appearance, and longevity.

Site Preparation and Demolition (If Needed)

If you're replacing an old seawall, we'll:

Remove the existing structure
Clear debris and vegetation
Prepare the shoreline for construction

If it's a new installation, we’ll prep the area by leveling ground, staging materials, and bringing in barges or cranes if needed.

Sheet Piling Installation

Sheet piles are driven deep into the ground using a vibratory hammer or hydraulic press. This step is critical—it determines the seawall’s strength and stability.

Pro Tip: Our team ensures piles are driven to the correct depth based on your site’s soil profile, tidal range, and structural requirements.

Deadman Anchors and Tieback Installation

To prevent your seawall from leaning or shifting over time, tiebacks (also known as deadman anchors) are installed behind the wall. These anchors help distribute pressure from the soil and water behind the wall.

Seawall Cap and Finish Work

Once the pilings are in place and secured:

A reinforced concrete cap is poured on top
Tiebacks are attached and tensioned
Any decorative elements (like fencing or lighting conduits) are installed

Added Touch: We often integrate riprap (natural rock) along the base to soften wave energy and improve aesthetics.

Drainage Installation

Drainage is a key factor in seawall success. We install weep holes and gravel backfill to allow water to escape safely, preventing pressure buildup behind the wall.

Final Grading and Site Restoration

Once construction is complete, we:

Regrade and restore the surrounding landscape
Remove excess material and equipment
Conduct a final inspection with the client

Protect Your Waterfront with Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction

A seawall is more than just a barrier—it’s a long-term investment in the safety, value, and beauty of your property. At Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction, we bring precision, durability, and transparency to every build.