Best Wood for Dock Pilings: Pressure-Treated vs Composite

Choosing the right piling material is essential to building a dock that lasts. At Building Products Plus, we supply industry-trusted materials engineered to withstand the harshest marine environments. If you’re debating between pressure-treated wood and composite dock pilings, this guide breaks down the pros, cons, and key differences.

Why Your Dock Pilings Matter

Dock pilings are the structural backbone of your dock. They anchor the structure and must endure constant exposure to water, weather, and marine organisms. Choosing the right material affects:

• Structural integrity
• Maintenance needs
• Lifespan and durability
• Long-term costs

Let’s explore the top two options.

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Pressure-Treated Wood Pilings

Overview:
Pressure-treated wood pilings, especially CCA-treated Southern Yellow Pine, are a traditional and cost-effective solution for dock construction.

Benefits:

• Affordable and widely available
• Strong load-bearing capacity
• Can be customized or cut on-site
• Familiar material for most contractors

Challenges:

• Vulnerable to rot and marine borer damage over time
• Requires periodic maintenance and inspection
• Shorter lifespan than composite in saltwater environments

Recommended Product:
Explore our Treated Wood Pilings designed specifically for marine use.

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Composite Dock Pilings (EcoPile)

Overview:
Composite pilings like EcoPile are made from recycled plastic and fiberglass, offering long-term resilience with zero maintenance.

Benefits:

• 100% maintenance-free
• Will not rot, rust, or attract marine borers
• Engineered to last 50+ years
• Environmentally friendly option
• Lighter and easier to install

Challenges:

• Higher upfront cost
• Less familiar for some traditional contractors

Use Case Example:
A marina in South Florida upgraded 300 feet of timber pilings with EcoPile to eliminate ongoing maintenance costs. After three hurricane seasons, the composite dock remains fully intact.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Pressure-Treated Wood	Composite (EcoPile)
Cost	Lower upfront cost	Higher initial investment
Lifespan	15–25 years	50+ years
Maintenance	Requires periodic inspection	Maintenance-free
Marine Borer Resistance	Requires treatment	Naturally resistant
Environmental Impact	Treated chemicals used	Made from recycled materials
Installation	Familiar and easy	Lightweight and simple to install

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So, Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose pressure-treated pilings if budget is a concern and you’re in a low-to-moderate exposure area.
• Choose composite pilings for long-term durability, especially in saltwater or high-exposure environments.

Still unsure? We’re here to help.

Contact Building Products Plus Today

Our marine construction experts will guide you to the right solution for your dock or pier project. We offer:

• Nationwide shipping
• Custom cutting and fabrication
• Competitive pricing
• Decades of experience in marine-grade materials

📞 Call us at (800) 816-0335
🌐 Visit BuildingProductsPlus.com

Let’s build something that lasts—from the ground (or water) up.