Rip Rap & Living Shorelines
We place rip rap revetments and stone toe protection with a barge-mounted excavator. Rip rap is the most permit-friendly shoreline protection in Virginia and often qualifies as a living shoreline component.
Rip rap dissipates wave energy instead of reflecting it, so it's easier on your neighbors' shoreline and easier to permit. Placed right — filter fabric, graded stone, correct slope — it's the lowest-maintenance protection there is.
How we build it
The work, step by step.
- 01
Grade the bank
Slope cut to 2:1 or as designed, fabric laid.
- 02
Place stone
Stone placed — not dumped — from the barge so each piece locks.
- 03
Plant (optional)
Spartina and other natives added for a living-shoreline finish.
Materials.
- Class I / Class II armor stone
- Filter fabric underlayment
- Marsh plantings (living shoreline)
Rip Rap: what people ask
- Is rip rap cheaper than a bulkhead?
- Usually, yes — and Virginia's permitting favors it. It does take more horizontal space than a vertical wall.
- What is a rip rap bulkhead?
- A hybrid: a low wall or sill with stone placed in front to take the wave energy. Great for higher banks.
Pairs well with
Bulkheads & Seawalls
Stop erosion for good with vinyl or timber bulkheads.
Bulkheads detailsBulkheads & Seawalls
Dock Construction & Repair
Fixed docks engineered for tide, storm and decades of use.
Docks detailsDock Construction & Repair
Ready to talk about your rip rap?
Shane walks the site himself, then sends a drawing and a written price. No charge for the visit.