10 Things You Need to Know Before You Invest in Bulkhead Material

Posted on April 15th, 2015 by Aaron Presley

Are you ready to make some repairs, install an extension, or just get the project underway? If so, then you may be in the market to purchase high-quality bulkhead material. Buyers need to be aware, though, that not all of this material is the same from one company or supplier to the next. And, this does matter. It is always a good idea to invest a bit of time and patience into the process of selecting the best type of material for your needs. It will save you time and money later. So, what should you know before you invest?

#1. Beyond it all, quality matters.

Think about the conditions in which this type of material will be used. In most cases, it will be placed under several feet of water; and in some situations, it will endure pretty rough conditions. It is a good idea for all buyers of bulkhead material to invest in only the highest quality possible. Of course, that is the whole point of learning what to buy. Just realize quality should be the most important factor you keep in mind throughout your buying experience.

#2. Where will you use it?

This type of material can be used on land or in the water. Before you buy anything, though, it is a good idea for you to invest in material that is rated and designed for the specific application you need it to be used in. This just gives you extra protection and more bang for your buck. In many situations, the product you will find is versatile enough to use in more than one application. This is okay, but finding material specifically rated for the job at hand can make a big difference.

#3. You don’t have to be a pro to know.

How are you going to know if the material is good? Not everyone is a professional with ample experience, and that is okay. In situations like this, be sure you work closely with a company that you know and can trust. This can make a big difference for you in the long-term. You’ll want to work with a company that has a solid reputation locally and one that is committed to providing you with high-quality products and materials.

#4. Think about vinyl.

You may be after lumber and if that is the best product for your specific needs, it is best for you to choose it. However, many property owners can benefit from the use of vinyl bulkhead material instead of the use of traditional lumber. Vinyl tends to be much more cost-effective, and it will last a long time. It is a good option for most situations. You will want to ensure you are buying a product that achieves the goals you have, of course. Vinyl is generally considered a pretty versatile choice.

#5. Compare the benefits of all products.

In addition to vinyl and wood bulkhead material, you may also have access to steel or other materials. Choose based on what is going to be the best investment for your specific situation. For example, you may want to invest in steel when the conditions are very intense and risk of damage to the area is higher. Wood is the second-strongest material. Vinyl is least expensive but not nearly so durable as either of the other two products. Based on the marine applications you need to use for, choose a material that works.

#6. Choose products that protect against pests.

When choosing material, be sure you buy top quality. Choose materials that will protect against pests. The best types of material have built-in resistance to pests. Pests tend to be one of the biggest problems for those who use lumber in any application. You will want to choose a treated product whenever possible. Of course, this all still depends on your specific application.

#7. Know your supplier.

Whether you buy from a distributor or the supplier manufacturing the product directly, you need to know who the company is. Find out what they offer, what their experience has been, and what their long term-abilities are for meeting your needs. You will also want to find out if the company has a solid reputation, where the wood comes from, and what type of guarantee (if any) is provided.

#8. Think about application

Before choosing a material to use, think about the application method. Not all products are as easy to install as others. Vinyl, for example, requires adhesive to remain in place, but is rather lightweight and easy to put into place. Steel requires much more work, and wood falls somewhere in between. Of course, this may or may not impact the project depending on what your needs are.

#9. Look for reliability.

Let’s face it. The application of these products takes time and a good chunk of money. Of course, you want to choose the type of materials that are going to last. Talk to your supplier about the options available, so you can decide how much money and work you will need to put into the total investment.

#10. Get a plan in place first.

Finally, before you invest, be sure you have a plan in place that outlines the very specific steps you will need to take to get your bulkhead into place and secured. Of course, if this is a very large project, you will need to turn to a supplier who can handle the inventory needs you have with ease. Ultimately, you need to have all of the materials properly cut and ready to go in the right dimensions for the project at hand.

By working with the right supplier, you will have no trouble getting the materials you need in place to complete your project. Take a few minutes to buy quality products from a company that you can trust. This step alone can help you to achieve all of your goals and also help you work towards improving your bottom-line. Then, you can get the job underway and done in a professional manner — saving you time and frustration for years to come.