Building Better in Michigan: What to Know Before You Quote a Vinyl Seawall Project

Before your next seawall quote goes out the door, there are a few things worth double-checking—especially if you’re working with vinyl sheet piling. The product may be straightforward, but quoting wrong can still cost you.

1. Know your waterway

Lakes, rivers, canals—they don’t behave the same. If you’re quoting a seawall for a high-wake lake like Torch Lake, you need to spec deeper embedment and possibly a thicker wall profile. For calmer canals in places like Highland, MI or down by Commerce Township, you might get by with a more economical option.

We stock Atlantis Seawall USA profiles that cover both ends of that spectrum, and we can help you match the right one to the job.

2. Don’t underestimate soil conditions

You know what’s worse than a slow permit office? Clay. Or shifting fill. Or sand that turns into soup when the rains come.

Always check for soil reports or do a quick probe test. Vinyl performs great, but anchoring and tie-back systems must be dialed in to fit the soil type. Don’t get caught re-digging anchor trenches because you didn’t expect blowout.

3. Confirm your layout and load path

Wall height. Cap type. Distance between deadmen. It all matters. Vinyl walls work best when they’re treated like a true system, not just a material swap.

We’ve had contractors come back and say: “Man, I should’ve upgraded the cap—it would’ve saved me a ton of time setting top elevation.” Little things like that can make or break efficiency.

4. Use a local supplier who speaks contractor

That’s us. At Michigan Erosion Supply, we don’t just move product—we help you win jobs, keep schedules tight, and get the kind of on-the-ground support national suppliers just can’t match.

Want to talk through your layout, load table, or install gear? Shoot us a call. We’re in Michigan, we work with Michigan contractors, and we carry Atlantis Seawall USA for a reason—it just works here.