Is your seasonal dock more of a chore than a retreat?
In West Michigan, the seasons don’t play favorites. Between the hot summer days and the thick winter ice on our inland lakes, you need a waterfront structure that’s built for the long haul.
At Waterside Renovations, we specialize in permanent dock construction designed to withstand the brutal Michigan freeze-thaw cycle while adding timeless value to your shoreline property. Your design options for permanent pile piers are limited only by your imagination and budget. Being extremely durable and having that great “nautical” look, permanent docks are a great year round choice for areas with moderate to low winter ice pressure. Your permanent pier can be constructed using a combination of wood, steel or composite materials depending on the look you want to achieve.
Unlike floating or sectional docks that require back-breaking installation and removal every year, a permanent pier offers a rock-solid foundation for your lifestyle.
- Zero Seasonal Maintenance: Say goodbye to the “spring install” and “fall pull.” Your dock stays in the water year-round.
- Superior Stability: Our heavy-duty pilings provide a steady platform for hosting, fishing, and docking heavy watercraft without the wobble.
- Enhanced Property Value: A professionally engineered permanent pier is a capital improvement that significantly increases your home’s resale value.
- Ice-Ready Engineering: We utilize advanced ice-suppression techniques and deep-driven pilings to ensure your investment stands tall against the winter “shove.”
Wood Dock Pilings
Throughout history wood has been used as the main piling material for nearly all pier projects. Pressure treated wood is long-lasting, durable and is one of the most affordable options for both pilings and decking. Wood is easy to find and use, which makes it a more affordable option for dock pilings.
Steel Dock Pilings
Steel pilings have recently become our preferred material for dock pilings. Unlike wood, steel pilings are always perfectly straight and are exceptionally strong.
Composite Dock Pilings
Because of advancements in materials, Marine Contractors can now build permanent piers that are 100% wood free. Structurally-engineered marine-grade plastic lumber is an environmentally-friendly option to wood. Marine grade plastic piles are made from recycled plastic such as milk jugs and they won’t leach any chemicals into the water. Similar to wood these piles can be pile driven, sawn and drilled using standard tools.
We provide end-to-end solutions for West Michigan’s unique inland lakes and rivers:
| Service |
Description |
| Permanent Steel Piers |
Heavy-gauge steel pilings driven deep into the lakebed for maximum longevity. |
| Timber Piling Docks |
A classic aesthetic using marine-grade treated lumber for a natural look. |
| Seawall Integration |
Seamlessly connecting your new dock with existing steel or vinyl seawalls. |
| Dredging & Site Prep |
Ensuring proper depth for boat lifts and deep-draft vessels. |
| Permitting Assistance |
We handle the EGLE (Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) and local permit process for you. |
Built for the “Third Coast”
Whether you are on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County, a small lake with no boat access, or a larger inland lake like Diamond Lake or Paw Paw Lake, we understand the local geography. We don’t just “drop” docks; we engineer them based on local wave energy and soil composition.
“A dock is only as good as the pilings beneath it.”
We use high-performance vibration or impact hammers to ensure your pier is anchored into the “good ground,” preventing the settling and leaning common with DIY or amateur installs.
