How much does it cost to put in a bulkhead?

Author: Trystan Hansen  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

The average cost of bulkhead replacement ranges from $500 to $3,000, with the typical homeowner spending around $1,750. This cost can vary based on several factors, including the materials used, labor involved, and any additional work required.

How much does it cost to build a bulkhead?

Bulkhead or seawall cost per foot. The cost to build an ocean bulkhead or lake seawall is $150 to $600 per linear foot for vinyl, steel, concrete, or wood. A steel, vinyl, or concrete seawall costs $200 to $600 per linear foot. A wood seawall costs $150 to $500 per linear foot.

How much to install a new bulkhead?

Bulkhead replacement costs range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the condition of the existing door and the material. On average, replacing a bulkhead costs $1,750, excluding installation and removal costs.

How much does a bulkhead seawall cost?

Substantial residential seawalls or bulkhead for salt water and properly built tend to cost in the range of $1,000 to $2,000 per lineal foot (2023 estimates). It is best to contact your local, licensed and insured marine contractor to obtain an estimate for your property.

How long does bulkhead last?

While nothing lasts forever, a well- designed bulkhead using quality materials should last for 20 to 30 years with a minimum of maintenance. A wide variety of inexpensive methods and materials can also be used, but you generally get what you pay for.

How I Built My Own Border Wall Cheap

What are the disadvantages of a bulkhead?

FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS: A bulkhead, by itself, may not provide stability to a bank. If a bulkhead is placed at the toe of a bank that has been steepened by erosion to the point of incipient failure, the bank above the bulkhead may slide, burying the structure or carrying it seaward.

What is the cheapest bulkhead material?

Vinyl Bulkhead Materials — Most Cost Effective

You can expect the vinyl sheets to last more than 50 years and while you may want to replace some of the wood components during that time, you will not have the additional material and labor expenses of replacing the vinyl sheet pilings.

How deep should a bulkhead be?

Depth Below Water Surface Typically 48-inches or 1200-mm. Depending upon pool configuration and program requirements, the bulkheads could be as much as 78-in. or approximately 2-m.

What is the difference between a bulkhead and a retaining wall?

Retaining walls are better for transforming slopes into functional spaces, while bulkheads focus on erosion control for water-adjacent areas.

What is the cheapest way to build a seawall?

Materials: Seawalls materials from cheapest to most expensive go: vinyl, wood, metal, concrete.

What is the life expectancy of a bulkhead?

The lifespan of a bulkhead varies depending on the material, environmental factors, and maintenance. Vinyl bulkheads can last 20-30 years, while steel or concrete bulkheads might last 50 years or more with proper care. Regular inspections and timely repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of any bulkhead.

What is the difference between a bulkhead and a seawall?

Bulkhead: vertical shoreline stabilization structure that primarily retains soil, and pro- vides minimal protection from waves. Seawalls are typically located on the coast fronting beaches, and are subject to storm surges with pounding surf, eroding shorelines and wave overtopping from coastal storm events.

How is a bulkhead installed?

How-To Install a Bulkhead
  1. Start by mitring one end of the bulkhead panel at a 45 degree angle. ...
  2. Next, do the end bulkhead panel. ...
  3. Next, do your second long bulkhead piece. ...
  4. Repeat the same process for the other bulkhead end panel.

How much does it cost to install a new bulkhead?

The average cost of bulkhead replacement ranges from $500 to $3,000, with the typical homeowner spending around $1,750. This cost can vary based on several factors, including the materials used, labor involved, and any additional work required.

How much does seawall cost per foot?

A seawall costs $150 to $600 per linear foot or $15,000 to $60,000 for the average residential project. Building a seawall in a commercial or high-erosion zone costs $700 to $2,000 per linear foot.

What is the purpose of a bulkhead in a house?

Clients frequently ask us about bulkheads and want to understand their purpose and here's our answer. Bulkheads are typically used to conceal something. It could be plumbing pipes, electrical wires, duct work, or exhaust fans.

What is the best material for bulkheads?

Composite bulkheads offer low maintenance and initial costs but may lack natural appeal. Wood bulkheads provide a classic look but require ongoing maintenance. Steel bulkheads offer superior strength but may require additional corrosion protection.

Can you get rid of a bulkhead?

Also remember that, in standard vans, bulkheads are there for a reason. Removing them won't affect the structure of your van, as most bulkheads are simply bolted into place. However, it's still the sort of change that you should tell your insurer about.

How long does a concrete bulkhead last?

Concrete bulkheads: Can last 30-50 years with proper maintenance. Composite materials: Often have a longer lifespan, potentially exceeding 50 years.

What are the regulations for bulkhead?

Regulations governing the collision bulkheadSOLAS, The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, requires that ships are fitted with transverse watertight bulkheads to provide the ship with a certain measure of survival capability should the hull be penetrated and the vessel suffering water ingress as a ...

How big should a bulkhead be?

The size of the bulkhead should be proportionate to the room. A bulkhead that is too large can overwhelm a small space, while one that is too small may not have the desired impact in a larger room. Ensure the dimensions are balanced with the room's size and the surrounding elements.

Can you move a bulkhead?

Any time a bulkhead is moved or repositioned, it must be properly anchored to avoid damage to the bulkhead or injury to swimmers. Depending upon the model of bulkhead, there will be a combination of competition anchors, day-pins or both.

What is a floating bulkhead?

A floating bulkhead is used to dewater spillway gates or power plant intakes where inaccessibility prevents the use of a conventional bulkhead gate. It consists of individual floating sections positioned using a boat or barge that are then filled with water as needed to lower the gate in place in the opening.

How long does a vinyl bulkhead last?

Vinyl sheets typically last more than 50 years. Some of the wood components may need to be replaced during that time, but you won't have to worry about the additional material and labor expenses of replacing the vinyl sheet pilings. Wood bulkheads, also known as treated pilings have the least expensive up-front costs.

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