Piling

Piling is the process of driving long columns – known as piles – into the ground to support structures or reinforce the banks of waterways. It’s often used to stabilise embankments, prevent erosion, or provide a foundation for moorings, jetties or buildings.

Canal and marine piling are the same principle, applied within a water environment. Also known as aqua piling, the process creates a retaining wall between the bank and the water – or supports existing marine structures, e.g., wharf piles or mooring pilings. A professional piling contractor always ensures each installation meets safety, structural, and environmental requirements.

It’s easy to get confused with all the terminology. Let’s keep things simple:

• A mooring piling refers to a vertical support driven into the ground to secure boats and floating structures. It’s not designed to reinforce the bank but to provide safe, stable anchorage.

• A piling dock (or dock piling) serves a similar purpose. It is also driven into a seabed, riverbed, or canal bank, offering a stable platform that doesn’t change with water levels. It’s a popular option for marinas, private moorings, and boatyards.

Sometimes, you’ll hear these terms referred to as boat pilings. This helps distinguish them from other forms of structural marine piling, where the goal is to stabilise the bank or support a fixed structure.

Picture piling and you’ll think about driving long columns into the ground. However, the term piling can also refer to sheet piling. Here, a wall of interlocking steel sheets is driven into the riverbank to prevent it from collapsing into the river.

These sheets are immensely strong, making them ideal for long-term erosion control and durable piling systems for boat moorings and infrastructure. They secure the integrity of the bank, offering longevity and reliability for 20 years or more. We recommend this option if you’re stabilising a long stretch of riverbank – especially if erosion is evident.

Choosing the right pile or bank stabilisation technique can save you considerable time and money. We’re proud to offer pragmatic, expert-led recommendations for every project, including guidance on:

• Steel sheet piles – long-lasting, high-load and corrosion-resistant

• Timber piles – ideal for a more natural look with surprising durability

• Plastic piles – lightweight, resilient, and environmentally friendly

• Gabion baskets – perfect for soft edges and bioengineering approaches

• Nicospan and other bank protection systems

Unsure which option to pick? Don’t worry – we’re here to support you every step of the way. The right material depends on your project’s purpose, site conditions, and budget. Speak to our team for a detailed explanation of the different options and what’s right for your site.

We offer a range of piling systems for all situations, sites, and budgets, including marine pilings for rivers and canals, mooring pilings, piling docks, and other forms of boat piling. Each of these options can be completed with any of the materials we use; however, certain options might be recommended depending on the site conditions.