BULKHEADS
Bulkhead Installation & Repair in Ocean City, MD
Your waterfront property deserves strong protection. Our custom-built bulkheads create a reliable barrier between your land and the water, preventing erosion and storm damage while giving your shoreline a clean, finished look. At Martin’s Marine Construction, our local team builds bulkheads for properties in the Delmarva area with high-quality, marine-grade materials designed to last.
What is a bulkhead?
A bulkhead is a retaining wall built along a shoreline to prevent soil erosion and stabilize waterfront property against waves and rising tides.
Without a properly built bulkhead, waterfront properties are vulnerable to constant soil loss. On the Delmarva Peninsula, where properties face bay tides, coastal storm surge, and other waterways, a quality bulkhead is essential.
Martin’s Construction knows what to expect from our local Delmarva waterways and residential docks. We design each bulkhead to match your site’s specific soil type, water pressure, and shoreline profile, to structurally protect your coastal property and increase long-term real estate value.
A quality-built bulkhead serves many purposes:
- Prevents soil erosion behind and beneath the structure
- Protects docks, piers, and boat lifts from undermining
- Maintains a clean, usable waterfront edge
- Enhances property value and curb appeal from the water
- Reduces storm damage from wave action and surge
Does your bulkhead need repair?
Bulkhead failure shows up in small warning signs that worsen over time. Catching problems early saves time and money on emergency repairs or replacement.
- Visible rust or rot
- Soil washing away
- Cracks or broken panels
- Sinkholes or voids
Call us at 410-251-5875 for an honest, no-pressure assessment from our locally owned business.
Built with Premium Materials
We use high-quality materials selected for durability and performance:
- Marine-grade treated lumber
- Vinyl and composite panels
- Galvanized or stainless steel tiebacks
- Properly sized deadmen for reinforcement
Local Knowledge
Our expert team knows how to protect the shoreline from:
- Regular tide patterns
- Delmarva storm surges
- Common environmental erosion factors
Professional Installation
Our experienced crew handles:
- Accurate excavation
- Secure anchoring systems
- Careful backfilling to prevent future erosion
Built with Premium Materials
We use high-quality materials selected for durability and performance:
- Marine-grade treated lumber
- Vinyl and composite panels
- Galvanized or stainless steel tiebacks
- Properly sized deadmen for reinforcement
Local Knowledge
Our expert team knows how to protect the shoreline from:
- Regular tide patterns
- Delmarva storm surges
- Common environmental erosion factors
Professional Installation
Our experienced crew handles:
- Accurate excavation
- Secure anchoring systems
- Careful backfilling to prevent future erosion
Ready to Protect Your Shoreline?
Call today to schedule your consultation and get expert guidance on the right bulkhead solution for your property.
410-251-5875
Frequently Asked Questions About Bulkheads
Answers to what OCMD waterfront property owners ask us most often regarding bulkhead construction and repairs.
What is the difference between a bulkhead and riprap?
A bulkhead is a vertical retaining wall built at the shoreline to hold soil in place. Riprap uses large stones placed at an angle to absorb wave energy. Bulkheads provide a clean, vertical edge and are better suited for properties with limited space or significant wave action, while riprap works well for gentle slopes with room to spread. Martin’s Marine Construction can help guide you on which option is better for your waterfront property.
How long will a new bulkhead last?
A vinyl or composite bulkhead installed by Martin’s Construction is designed to last 30–50 years or more with minimal maintenance. Treated timber bulkheads typically last 15–25 years. The biggest factor in longevity is the quality of installation, not just the panel material itself.
Do I need a permit to build or replace a bulkhead in Maryland or Delaware?
In most cases, yes. Waterfront construction on the Delmarva Peninsula typically requires permits from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) or Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC), as well as local county approvals. We can walk you through what’s required for your property.
Can you repair my existing bulkhead instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. If the structure is fundamentally sound but has isolated damage like loose hardware, a split panel, or failed tiebacks, repair is a cost-effective option. Our team will give you an honest assessment, and if replacement is the better long-term investment, we’ll explain exactly why.
How long does bulkhead installation take?
Most residential bulkhead projects take 2–5 days of active construction. The timeline depends on the length of the wall, material type, site access, and weather. We’ll give you a realistic schedule at the start of your project and keep you updated throughout.