Oct 9, 2025
Waterfront steps and stairs are a valuable property addition.
Waterfront steps and stairs are a valuable property addition because they provide safe, convenient water access while controlling erosion, enhancing aesthetics, and significantly boosting property value. They transform a “water-view” property into a functional waterfront escape, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.
Safety and accessibility for all ages
A well-built stairway is a crucial safety feature for properties with sloped or uneven shorelines.
- Prevent slips and falls: Steep, makeshift paths can be a significant hazard, especially when wet from rain or splashes. A constructed stairway with handrails provides a secure, non-slip path, reducing the risk of injury.
- Assists individuals who struggle with uneven terrain: Steps and handrails offer safe and easy access for children, seniors, and anyone with mobility challenges, ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely.
Erosion control and environmental protection
For many waterfront properties, steps and stairs are a key measure for preserving the shoreline.
- Control shoreline erosion: Uncontrolled foot traffic on a natural slope can destroy sensitive coastal vegetation and lead to significant soil erosion over time. Steps direct foot traffic along a designated pathway, minimizing the impact on the landscape.
- Preserve natural habitats: By protecting vegetation and sand dunes from foot traffic, stairs help preserve the natural ecosystem and maintain the ecological balance of the shoreline environment.
- Stabilize bluffs and hillsides: For properties on steep slopes, specialized systems on the hillside can use strategically placed anchors and cables to support the stairway, which in turn helps stabilize the soil and control erosion underneath the structure.
Increased property value and marketability
Waterfront property with easy and functional water access is significantly more valuable than one with just a water view.
- Increase resale value: High-quality waterfront steps and stairs are considered a valuable asset that can boost your property’s market price. Some experts estimate that improvements like these can increase a property’s value by 10 – 30%.
- Attract buyers: In a competitive real estate market, turn-key properties with functional water access sell faster and for a higher price than those requiring extensive work after purchase.
Enhanced aesthetics and enjoyment
Beyond practical function, a thoughtfully designed stairway can elevate the beauty and enjoyment of your property.
- Elevate curb appeal: Integrating waterfront steps into your landscape with high-quality materials creates a polished, aesthetically pleasing look that enhances the overall beauty of your property.
- Expand your living space: A well-designed stairway can include landings or terraced areas, creating functional and inviting outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining.
- Maximize recreational use: By making the water’s edge easy to reach, you and your family are more likely to enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, or simply taking a morning stroll along the shore.
Considerations before building
Before adding steps, you must research local regulations, as waterfront construction is often subject to a strict permitting process. Depending on your location and project, you may need to consult with your:
- Local or county zoning authority
- State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Waterfront steps and stairs enhance property value, safety, and convenience by providing access to your dock or beach. Consideration of materials may include non-slip treads, sturdy handrails, and proper drainage to prevent pooling. Addressing local building codes and developing aesthetic appeal will ensure a functional and attractive solution for enjoying your waterfront property.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) can design, build and install your waterfront steps and stairs. A call requesting a visit from PWS is the beginning to the transforming of your waterfront property. With PWS you’ll have more time to enjoy those great Wisconsin summers and view those spectacular waterfront sunsets.
Let’s design your waterfront masterpiece together. Contact us today at 920-493-4404 for a free consultation and unlock the full potential of your waterfront property.
Jun 5, 2025
If you live or work near the water, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day it’s calm and sunny, then suddenly, a storm rolls in. When that happens, your dock can take a big hit if it’s not ready. Extreme weather preparation isn’t just about playing it safe. It’s about protecting your dock, your boats, and everything else that depends on it. Whether you’re a homeowner, marina manager, or business owner, getting your dock ready ahead of time can save you stress, time, and money.
Why Extreme Weather Preparation Matters
Docks are tough, but they are still exposed to the elements. Heavy winds, rising water, and rough waves can cause serious damage, especially if your dock isn’t built to handle those conditions.
Here’s what can happen when a big storm hits a dock that isn’t prepared:
- Decking can break or come loose
- Hardware can snap
- Docks can drift or flip
- Pilings can weaken
- You could lose boats, gear, and equipment
Taking steps now can help avoid big problems later.
How to Prepare Your Dock for Bad Weather
When it comes to extreme weather, your dock should be near the top of the list of preparations. Getting ready before a storm hits can prevent costly damage. The good news is, preparing your dock doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little time and the right steps, you can help make sure your dock stays safe and secure even during the roughest conditions.
Take these steps:
- Check Everything Over
The first step is simple: give your dock a close look. Walk along the entire surface and check all the main components. Think of this as a routine check-up. Your dock needs regular inspections.
What to look for on your free-standing dock.
- Bolts and fasteners: Make sure they’re tight, not rusted, and not missing. Loose or corroded bolts can cause parts of the dock to come apart under pressure from waves or wind.
- Deck boards: Check for cracks, warping, or signs of rot. Damaged boards are more likely to break in a storm and can be a safety hazard.
- Anchoring lines or pilings: Your dock needs to stay in place, even if the water gets choppy. Make sure anchor lines are strong and not frayed. Pilings should be secure and not leaning.
- Make sure all legs are in contact with the lake bed.
- The deck Height above water is adequate for waves.
- To avoid damage to water craft, make sure the lift is fully up and not set too high.
What if you find damage?
Don’t wait. Even small problems can turn into major issues during a storm. Replace damaged parts right away. If you’re not sure how serious something is, it’s better to be cautious and talk to a professional dock builder or maintenance expert. Pier & Waterfront Solutions can help you repair or replace damaged docks.
- Clear the Area
The next step in extreme weather preparation is to remove anything that could fly away or get tossed around during high winds or heavy rain.
What should be taken off the dock?
- Chairs, benches, or tables (unless fastened to dock)
- Dock boxes or storage bins (unless fastened to dock)
- Coolers, tools, or cleaning supplies
- Fishing gear, life jackets, or water toys
Even items that seem heavy can be moved by strong winds or waves. Once something is airborne, it becomes a hazard. It could damage your dock, nearby boats, or other people’s property.
What should stay?
Only items that are securely bolted down and weather-resistant should remain. If you’re unsure, it’s better to remove it. If you have valuable items, store them inside where they’ll be safe from wind and water.
- Secure Your Floating Dock
Floating Docks offer advantage during storms. They rise and fall with changing water levels, but they still need to be secured properly to prevent drifting, flipping, or crashing into other structures.
How do you secure a floating dock before a storm?
- Floats or support systems: Check the flotation system. Look for any signs of wear or damage. If one float fails, it can throw off the balance of the entire dock.
- Check the anchors: Your dock should have a strong anchoring system, whether it’s chain, cable, or piling-based. Look for signs of wear and rust. Tighten or replace hardware as needed.
- Inspect the guide poles or slides: These help keep your dock in place while allowing it to move up and down with the water. Make sure they’re not bent or damaged.
- Allow for movement: Don’t tie your dock too tightly. If the water level rises, the dock needs space to float upward. Too much tension can snap lines or damage the dock.
- Secure attachments: If you have ramps, gangways, or other attachments, make sure they are reinforced and can flex with the dock’s movement. These connecting points are often where damage starts.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions builds standing and floating products that are built to last. All of our systems are made in the USA and designed to fit your exact needs, whether it’s for a private home, a public marina, or a government project. We believe that a dock should be more than functional. It should be safe, sturdy, and ready for anything.
Click here to explore Pier & Waterfront Solutions. We’re here to help you get your dock ready, rain or shine!
May 2, 2025
The Great Lakes are experiencing a natural, seasonal decline in water levels, with predictions showing all lakes, except Lake Erie, falling below last year’s levels through July, and this winter’s pronounced evaporation is contributing to the decline. With lower water levels there may not be enough pier to get adequate depth. Extra pier sections and extra work setting boat lifts might be required.
Cana Island Causeway 2013
Cana Island Causeway 2019
Seasonal Decline:
The Great Lakes naturally experience a seasonal decline in water levels during the winter months, a trend that begins in the fall.
Factors Contributing to Decline:
- Evaporation: This winter’s pronounced evaporation, caused by cold air moving over relatively warm water, is a key factor in the decline.
- Drought: Drought conditions have accelerated the water level decline at some of the lakes.
- Warmer surface water temperatures: in the Great Lakes have contributed to lower water levels by increasing rates of evaporation and causing lake ice to form later than usual.
Current Situation:
Water levels in all five Great Lakes are currently below 2023-2024 levels.
Specific Lake Predictions:
- Lake Superior, Michigan, and Huron: Expected to decrease by 6 inches.
- Lake Ontario: Expected to drop by 8 inches.
- Lake Erie: Expected to stay close to long-term averages.
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes Water Forecast
Long-Term Perspective:
While water levels are dropping, all the lakes are expected to remain well above record lows.
Winter Ice Cover:
The Great Lakes have lost an average of about 1.5 days of ice cover per year since 1995.
Winter Season Shrinking:
A study found that winters in the Great Lakes region have shrunk by two weeks since 1995.
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes Water Data
Stay informed about changing water levels. Pier & Waterfront Solutions will help you manage low water level challenges.
Apr 8, 2025
Floating Pier
If you’re looking for a dock that can handle changing water levels, a floating pier is your best option. These customizable docks are perfect for homeowners, marina operators, and even government projects. They are durable, adaptable, and can be customized for different needs. In this blog, we’ll explain floating piers and how they can benefit you.
What is a Floating Pier?
What is a floating pier? A floating pier is a dock that is supported by buoyant materials such as high-density plastic or foam-filled floats. This design allows the pier to rise and fall with water levels, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to seasonal variations or flooding.
Unlike traditional fixed docks, which are anchored to the ground with posts or pilings, floating piers are not stationary. Their flexibility and adaptability make them an ideal solution for situations where water levels fluctuate, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floating Piers
- How do floating piers stay in place?
Floating piers can be anchored with systems like chains, ropes, or pilings. These anchors keep the pier stable while allowing it to move with the water.
- Are floating piers safe?
Yes, floating piers are designed with non-slip surfaces. Safety features like handrails and lighting can also be added. Their ability to move with water levels also minimizes the risk of structural damage.
- Can floating piers handle rough water?
Most floating piers are engineered to withstand small waves and currents. They will not work well in rough water conditions.
- What is the lifespan of a floating pier?
With proper maintenance, floating piers can last for decades, especially when constructed with high-quality materials.
- Can floating piers be allowed to freeze in the winter? Yes, but Winter / Spring service is required.
- Can the freeboard of a floating dock be adjusted? Yes, by adjusting the float size. (“Freeboard” is the distance from the top of a floating dock to the top of the water.)
By understanding what floating piers are and their many applications, you can determine if this adaptable and efficient dock solution is the right fit for your waterfront needs.
Floating Piers Handle Changing Water Levels
Floating piers are designed to adjust with the water. Whether the water rises due to rain, falls during a drought, or fluctuates due to Great Lake level changes, the pier stays level and accessible. This adaptability ensures uninterrupted use and convenience, making it especially important for:
- Marinas and boat launches, where consistent dock access is essential for boat owners and customers.
- Residential docks, ensuring ease of use regardless of seasonal changes.
- Public and commercial waterfront areas, where fluctuating water levels can otherwise disrupt operations.
Floating Pier Benefits
A floating pier is the perfect solution for changing water levels. It’s flexible, durable, and can be customized for almost any use. Whether you’re improving your waterfront property, running a marina, or working on a public project, floating piers are a smart, long-term investment.
Mar 31, 2023
It may seem early in the season to be thinking about water levels but not for us! We need to know what to expect in the months to come to be ready for what may, or may not, happen. Summer water levels tell us how much pier our customers will need and where to install boat lifts. With extreme highs come shoreline damage, extra pipe for longer legs and big, damaging waves. With extreme lows, not enough pier to get adequate depth, higher demand for pier sections and extra work setting boat lifts. We’ve seen both of these issues within the past ten years. So what can you expect for this coming summer?
In order to know where our water levels will be this summer, you have to look at the condition of the lakes in the winter. Our current ice concentration on the Great Lakes remains below normal. If you look at the pictures in reference A, you will see the difference between the ice formation in late January 2022 and 2023.
So why is ice important you might ask? The amount of ice and snow formed over the winter directly affects the water levels in our lakes and streams come summertime. Without snow, we don’t have the snowpack melt needed to refill our aquifers in spring. On average, the melt from the snowpack is responsible for one third of the ground water we see in spring. Even though we may not have much snow in our specific area, we benefit greatly from the connection of the Great Lakes. Heavy snow fall in southern Canada melts and fills Lake Superior which in turn flows into Lake Huron which is hydraulically connected to Lake Michigan. The more snow the better too because the ratio of snow to water is only 12:1, meaning you need about 12” of snow to generate 1” of water. As snowmelt fills our lakes and streams, ice protects them from evaporation and outflow. Statistically we have lost 30% of ice coverage on the Great Lakes since 1970. Reduced ice cover leads to increased evaporation and lower water levels, as well as an increase in water temperature and sunlight penetration. This has caused lake ice to form later than usual, about a day to a day and a half per decade. The rising surface water temperature has also affected “ice off” or the thaw dates for ice on the Great Lakes. Earlier ice off dates, which is currently about 24 days sooner since studies began in the early 1900’s, means the lake absorbs more heat over spring and summer perpetuating the late ice formation. Another effect of the warmer surface water, reduced ice cover, and increased evaporation is a corresponding increase in precipitation over nearby land, especially “lake effect” snow. This precipitation is depositing the water evaporated from the western lakes over eastern states starving the aquafers of the wester lake’s bordering states. A smaller role ice coverage plays is in the outflows of rivers and streams from the western lakes into the eastern lakes as they deposit into the Atlantic. The ice coverage helps reduce the flow of water between the lakes and without it, more water is flowing and depositing into the Atlantic throughout the winter without being replenished by icepack or precipitation.
Now that we know the condition of the lakes in winter, what can we expect this coming summer? Stay tuned for next months blog to find out what we are predicting for water levels in summer and what you can do to stay ahead of it.
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