Comparison of Wood and Concrete Yacht Marinas

Wood and concrete are the two most commonly used materials when building yacht marinas on the market. Carol Fulforce conducted a survey of dock builders in the U.S., the UK, and several other countries, aiming to determine which material—wood or concrete—is the better choice.

Currently, there are four materials available on the market: traditionally used wood and concrete, as well as the "newer" materials—PVC plastic and recycled materials—which have only recently come into use. When answering the question above, people typically consider factors such as cost, aesthetics, the geographical conditions of the yacht marina’s location, and the owner’s personal preferences. In fact, each material has its own advantages—and also some drawbacks.

Wood is not only the most cost-effective option but also the most widely used material worldwide. As one marina owner put it: "When you picture a yacht marina, what immediately comes to mind is invariably the stunning beauty of wooden decks, surrounded by luxurious yachts."

From an aesthetic perspective, wood is indeed unmatched, especially when it’s new.

As a purely natural material, wood is also the first choice for eco-friendly requirements. Thanks to advancements in wood-processing technology, expensive hardwoods have been largely replaced by processed pine, which delivers equally durable and long-lasting results—at a fraction of the cost.

Therefore, typical yacht marinas are usually constructed using wood, while larger marinas and structures like breakwaters are better suited for concrete construction. Wooden docks can last at least 30 years—though this depends on specific conditions. For instance, in areas with exceptionally high seawater salinity or extremely hot climates, the lifespan of the wood may be significantly reduced. However, within the first 10 to 15 years after construction, wooden docks don’t necessarily require more maintenance than their concrete counterparts.

Clive Kemp, Commercial Director at UK-based Walcon Marine, believes, "Shipowners tend to prefer wood surfaces—concrete always leaves behind tiny grains of sand that end up on people’s shoes and, inevitably, get carried onto their meticulously maintained yachts. Wood simply feels more inviting, whereas concrete doesn’t; it lacks appeal and gives off a rough, unrefined impression. Some claim concrete requires less maintenance, but I don’t entirely agree with that view."

As for the costs of repairing the wooden pier, Clive calculates that they’re actually lower than people might expect. There will be no repair expenses in the first three years, and over the next five years, a 400-berth yacht marina will require just £250 annually for paint maintenance. From the ninth year onward, the annual cost rises to £2,500. As a result, by years 15 through 20, the maintenance cost per berth will amount to only about £5 per year!

Maintenance of the cement docks is straightforward, thanks to the use of a new concrete technology that resists cracking even at extremely high temperatures. However, no matter how low the maintenance costs may be, builders must still weigh the upfront cost of constructing a cement yacht dock. Many owners don’t feel it’s necessary to spend so much on a concrete structure. In North America, wooden (often Western Red Cedar) yacht docks remain the preferred choice for homeowners, particularly in British Columbia, Alaska, and parts of the Northeast region.

The reason cement docks aren’t popular in the market is that their decks are difficult to maintain—they require replacing the entire floating box, rather than just patching up damaged sections like you can with wood. "Boat owners love wooden docks," says Tim Mason, owner of Britain’s largest yacht marina. "Our dock has been in use for 15 years, and we’ve simply refinished the wooden deck, making the entire facility look brand-new again. Plus, walking barefoot on wood is incredibly comfortable—unlike cement, which can burn your feet." Another UK-based owner, Dan Hughes, adds: "We’d much rather stick with wooden docks—they’re perfectly suited to our needs and far more affordable. And while they do need some upkeep, it’s not too complicated—we simply apply a special protective paint once a year."