Hardwood sheet pile planks
FSC- and TLV-certified hardwood sheet piling in azobé and okan — the natural choice for bank protection that lasts for decades.
Hardwood sheet piling
What is hardwood sheet piling?
Hardwood sheet piling is a proven method for bank protection and earth retention. The planks are placed vertically in the ground and together form a sturdy wall that prevents soil from slipping into ditches, ponds or canals.
The planks are joined with a tongue-and-groove connection, creating an almost watertight and ground-tight wall. Combined with hardwood support posts, this forms a structure that withstands ground pressure, water pressure and fluctuating water levels for decades.
At Houthandel Jan Sok we supply sheet pile planks in two thicknesses — 40 mm and 50 mm — made from azobé and okan. These are tropical hardwoods with exceptional durability, both classified in durability class I. All our hardwood is FSC-certified from responsibly managed forests.
Prices
Complete range and prices
All sheet pile planks are available directly from stock at our warehouse in Meppel. Delivery throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. All prices include VAT.
40 mm hardwood sheet piling
The 40 mm sheet pile plank is the standard choice for bank protection along ditches, ponds and waterways. With a tongue-and-groove connection, the planks fit seamlessly together. Ideal for lighter revetments up to approximately 100 cm bank height.
| Height | Price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| 200 cm | € 121,90 |
| 250 cm | € 152,40 |
| 300 cm | € 182,85 |
| 350 cm | € 213,35 |
| 400 cm | € 243,80 |
50 mm hardwood sheet piling (TLV-certified)
The 50 mm sheet pile plank is the premium version for heavier applications: deeper waterways, higher ground pressure and professional water works. TLV certification (Timber Legality Verification) guarantees legal and sustainable harvesting. Specification: Azobé & Okan with tongue-and-groove profile.
| Height | Price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| 250 cm | € 197,65 |
| 300 cm | € 237,15 |
| 350 cm | € 276,70 |
| 400 cm | € 316,20 |
| 450 cm | € 355,75 |
| 500 cm | € 395,25 |
Support posts
Hardwood support posts are placed every 100–150 cm as a foundation for the sheet pile planks. Choose post lengths that extend at least 1 metre deeper than the bottom of the sheet pile plank.
Okan posts (most popular choices for revetment):
| Dimensions | Length | Price incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| 80×80 mm | 2,00 m | € 18,60 |
| 80×80 mm | 2,50 m | € 23,25 |
| 80×80 mm | 3,00 m | € 27,90 |
| 80×80 mm | 3,50 m | € 32,50 |
| 80×80 mm | 4,00 m | € 37,15 |
| 80×80 mm | 4,50 m | € 41,80 |
| 80×80 mm | 5,00 m | € 46,55 |
| 100×100 mm | 3,50 m | € 60,40 |
| 100×100 mm | 4,50 m | € 77,60 |
| 120×120 mm | 2,50 m | € 65,90 |
| 120×120 mm | 3,00 m | € 79,05 |
| 120×120 mm | 3,50 m | € 92,25 |
| 120×120 mm | 4,00 m | € 105,40 |
| 120×120 mm | 4,50 m | € 118,65 |
| 120×120 mm | 5,00 m | € 131,75 |
| 120×120 mm | 5,50 m | € 145,00 |
| 120×120 mm | 6,00 m | € 158,10 |
Deck planks and finishing beams are available in various sizes. View the full range in the webshop.
Specifications
Technical specifications
40 mm sheet pile planks
| Thickness | 40 mm |
|---|---|
| Wood species | Hardwood (durability class I) |
| Available heights | 200, 250, 300, 350 en 400 cm |
| In stock | 200, 250 and 300 cm available directly |
| Connection | Tongue-and-groove profile |
| Durability | 25–40 years |
| Certification | FSC-certified |
| Application | Garden ponds, small ditches, banks up to approximately 100 cm depth |
50 mm sheet pile planks
| Thickness | 50 mm |
|---|---|
| Wood species | Azobé (Lophira alata) & Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis) |
| Available heights | 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 en 500 cm |
| Connection | Tongue-and-groove profile (tongue-and-groove) |
| Durability | Class I — 30 to 50 years |
| Certification | FSC- and TLV-certified |
| Application | Deeper waterways, professional water works, high ground pressure |
About the wood species
Azobé (Lophira alata) — also known as Ekki — is the most widely used hardwood for revetment in the Benelux. With a density of approximately 1,060 kg/m³, azobé is one of the heaviest and hardest commercial wood species in the world. The wood has durability class I, the highest classification, and is naturally resistant to fungi, insects and marine borers. Azobé is dark brown to purple-brown in colour and weathers over the years to a characteristic silver-grey.
Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis) — also known as Denya — is an African hardwood comparable in durability to azobé. With a density of approximately 950 kg/m³ and durability class I, okan is an excellent alternative. The wood is yellow-brown to olive-brown in colour. Okan is used in our range in combination with azobé for 50 mm sheet pile planks, and as the primary wood species for posts, beams and planks.
Both wood species withstand permanent water contact without chemical treatment. This is the essential difference from softwood (pine, spruce): impregnated softwood lasts 10–20 years in water contact, hardwood 25–50 years.
Choosing guide
40 mm or 50 mm — which thickness do you choose?
The choice between 40 mm and 50 mm depends on four factors: bank height, soil type, water type and budget.
Choose 40 mm when:
- The bank is lower than 100 cm above the water line
- The soil is relatively light (sand, light clay)
- It is a private project such as a garden pond or ditch along your property
- Budget is an important factor — 40 mm is approximately 30–40% cheaper than 50 mm
Choose 50 mm when:
- The bank is higher than 100 cm or the waterway deeper than 150 cm
- There is heavy ground pressure from clay, peat or raised ground
- You have fluctuating water levels or flow
- The project falls under water board requirements prescribing a minimum thickness
- Maximum lifespan is the priority or the plank height is 400 cm or more
Price comparison by height
| Height | 40 mm | 50 mm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 cm | € 152,40 | € 197,65 | +30% |
| 300 cm | € 182,85 | € 237,15 | +30% |
| 350 cm | € 213,35 | € 276,70 | +30% |
| 400 cm | € 243,80 | € 316,20 | +30% |
Lifespan
Lifespan: 25 to 50 years
Azobé and okan sheet pile planks last 25 to 50 years when used correctly, even in permanently wet conditions. The wood is naturally resistant to fungi, insects and rot — without any chemical treatment.
Factors affecting lifespan
- Water type: Fresh water is the least demanding. In brackish or salt water, hardwood weathers faster. In fresh water azobé achieves 40–50 years; in brackish water 25–35 years is more realistic.
- Soil type: Clay soil retains moisture longer. Sandy soil drains better.
- Fluctuating water level: The zone where wood alternates between wet and dry wears fastest.
- Thickness: 50 mm planks have more wood mass and last longer than 40 mm.
Maintenance
Maintenance is minimal: no painting, staining or impregnating required. Over time the wood develops a beautiful grey patina without affecting structural strength. Optionally you can apply UV-protective hardwood oil to preserve the original dark brown colour — purely cosmetic.
Want to know more? Lifespan and maintenance of revetment materials
Installation
Installation tips for hardwood sheet piling
With the right preparation, installing hardwood sheet pile planks is also feasible for an experienced DIYer. Bear in mind the weight: a 50 mm azobé plank of 300 cm weighs approximately 30–35 kg. Always work with at least two people.
-
Check permits
Depending on the municipality and water board, an environmental or water permit may be required. If in doubt, contact your water board before starting work. See permits for revetment.
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Install hardwood support posts
Drive a hardwood post (minimum 80×80 mm okan) into the ground every 100–150 cm. The post must extend at least 100 cm deeper than the bottom of the sheet pile plank. Use a vibratory hammer or pile driver.
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Drive in the planks
Use a vibratory hammer or wooden driving cap to drive the planks into the ground. Never strike the wood directly with a steel hammer — this damages the tongue-and-groove profile. Let each plank drop into the groove of the previous one before driving.
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Work from low to high
Start at the deepest point of the bank and work upwards to prevent shifting due to ground pressure. Regularly check that the planks are level and aligned.
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Fasten planks to posts
Fasten each sheet pile plank to the support posts with stainless steel timber bolts or screws. Always use stainless steel (A2 or A4) fixings — galvanized steel corrodes in permanently wet conditions.
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Finish with deck plank
A hardwood deck plank on top provides a neat finish and protects the top ends from water ingress. Okan planks (e.g. 40×200 mm or 40×250 mm) are excellent for this.
Cost example
Cost example
A concrete calculation example for a common situation.
Situation: 10 metres of bank along a ditch, bank height 70 cm, 40 mm sheet piling of 250 cm.
| Item | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 40 mm sheet pile planks, 250 cm | ~7 planks (±150 cm per plank) | 7 × € 152,40 = € 1.066,80 |
| Okan support posts 80×80 mm, 3.00 m | 8 pcs (every 125 cm) | 8 × € 27,90 = € 223,20 |
| Okan deck plank 40×200 mm, 5.00 m | 2 pcs | 2 × € 68,95 = € 137,90 |
| Stainless steel fixings | approx. | € 40,00 |
| Total materials | € 1,467.90 incl. VAT | |
| Per linear metre | € 146.79 incl. VAT |
More on costs: Cost per metre
Applications
When should you choose hardwood sheet piling?
Hardwood is the best choice when you value a natural appearance combined with maximum strength.
High banks and deep waterways
At ground pressure of more than 80 cm, the bending stiffness of 50 mm azobé is unrivalled. For professional quay walls and deeper waterways (150+ cm), hardwood sheet piling remains the industry standard.
Visible locations
In gardens, parks and at homes where the natural appearance and warm colour of wood contribute to the overall look. Many owners appreciate the characteristic silver-grey patina.
Heavy soil types
Clay and peat soils that exert significant lateral pressure require the superior flexural strength of hardwood. Under extreme ground pressure, contractors sometimes combine 50 mm sheet piling with heavier posts (120×120 mm).
Professional projects
For contractors and water boards that must meet strict specifications and long-term guarantees. FSC and TLV certification provide traceability.
Structural loading
When the top of the revetment also serves as an edge frame, landing stage or border for paving. Hardwood can withstand higher point loads than plastic.
Unsure between hardwood and plastic? Compare hardwood vs. plastic · Call for personal advice: 0522 - 85 15 51
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about hardwood sheet piling
Both are tropical hardwoods in durability class I. Azobé (density ~1,060 kg/m³) is slightly harder and heavier than okan (~950 kg/m³). In practice, performance in water contact is comparable. Our 50 mm sheet pile planks are supplied in a combination of azobé and okan.
That depends on your municipality and water board. For revetment along ditches and waterways managed by the water board, a water permit is almost always required. For a garden pond on your own property, this is usually not the case. Read more on our permits page.
We recommend a post spacing of 100 to 150 cm, depending on revetment height and ground pressure. For high banks (>100 cm) or heavy clay soil: 100 cm. For lower banks in sandy soil: 150 cm is sufficient.
Yes, provided you have the right tools (vibratory hammer or manual pile driver) and work with at least two people. The weight of the planks (20–35 kg each at 300 cm length) makes solo work impractical. For projects longer than 15 metres we recommend a contractor.
No, that is not necessary for durability. The wood is naturally protected. After a few years it weathers to silver-grey without affecting strength. Want to keep the original brown colour? You can apply UV-protective hardwood oil annually.
40 mm is suitable for lighter applications (garden ponds, banks up to ~100 cm), 50 mm for heavier situations (deeper waterways, high ground pressure, professional projects). 50 mm offers greater bending stiffness and a longer lifespan (30–50 years vs. 25–40 years). Price difference: approximately 30%.
TLV stands for Timber Legality Verification — a system that guarantees the wood was legally harvested. Our 50 mm sheet pile planks are both FSC- and TLV-certified, meaning the origin is traceable and legal.
Yes, but lifespan is shorter than in fresh water. In fresh water azobé can last 40–50 years; in brackish water 25–35 years is more realistic. The tongue-and-groove connection remains watertight in all conditions. For brackish/salt water we always recommend 50 mm.
Read more
Everything for your revetment project
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