Hardwood vs Plastic Revetment
An honest comparison so that you choose the right material for your bank, ditch or pond.
Material selection
Which material suits your project?
When choosing sheet piling material, you are faced with an important decision: do you go for the warm, natural look of hardwood or the maintenance-free convenience of plastic? Both materias have their own strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific situation, budget and personal preference.
As a specialist in both hardwood sheet pile wall as Prolock plastic sheeting We advise customers about this choice every day. In this article we honestly compare all the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
Option 1
Hardwood revetment
Hardwood revetments — especially from azobé — have been the standard in hydraulic engineering for decades. This tropical hardwood is known for its extreme strength and natural durability. The wood is so dense that it hardly absorbs moisture, making it highly resistant to permanent contact with water and soil.
Azobé has a beautiful dark brown color that weathers over time to a characteristic silver gray. Many owners appreciate this natural patina, which gives the cladding a timeless, authentic look.
Benefits of hardwood
- Natural, warm appearance that suits any garden
- Proven lifespan of 25 to 50 years
- Extremely strong — suitable for heavy earth pressure and high loads
- FSC certified available for responsible forest management
- Traditional material that contractors are familiar with
- Excellent load-bearing capacity for heavy structures and quay walls
Points of attention
- Weathered after a few years to silver gray (unless treated annually)
- Heavier material requires sturdier piling equipment for installation
- Tropical wood has a higher ecological footprint during transport
- May eventually develop cracks due to dry-wet cycles
Option 2
Plastic revetment (Prolock)
Prolock plastic revetment is the modern and sustainable solution for bank finishing. Made from recycled HDPE plastic, the Prolock planks combine a long lifespan with zero maintenance. The material does not rot, does not splinter and is not affected by fungi, bacteria or insects.
Prolock is available in two variants: the Prolock Sigma for heavier applications and the Prolock Light for lighter sheet piling projects. Both variants are available in a natural brown or anthracite gray color that remains stable for years.
Advantages of plastic
- Lifespan of 50 years or more — virtually indestructible
- Completely maintenance-free — never paint or treat again
- Made from 100% recycled plastic (circular economy)
- Lightweight — easier to transport and install
- Colorfast: no discoloration or weathering due to UV or water
- Resistant to salt, fresh and brackish water
Points of attention
- Plastic appearance does not suit every garden style
- Lower flexural strength than azobé under extreme loads
- Higher purchase price per linear meter than hardwood
- Limited color palette compared to treated wood
Comparison
Hardwood vs Plastic at a glance
All important features right next to each other.
| Characteristic | Hardwood (Azobe) | Plastic (Prolock) |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 25–50 years | 50+ years |
| Maintenance | Minimal; weathering is natural | No maintenance required |
| Appearance | Warm, natural; weathered silver-gray | Modern, sleek; colourfast brown or anthracite |
| Weight | Heavy (±1,100 kg/m³) | Light (±950 kg/m³) |
| Courage | Very high — suitable for heavy loads | Good — suitable for light to medium loads |
| Sustainability | FSC certified tropical wood | 100% recycled HDPE plastic |
| Price per m | Lower purchase price | Higher in purchase, lower in total costs |
| Placement | Piling or vibrating; expertise required | Piling or manual; lighter equipment |
| Water resistance | Excellent (durability class I) | Excellent (does not rot, does not corrode) |
Environment & sustainability
Which material is more durable?
Both materias score well in terms of sustainability, but in different ways. Hardwood sheeting from azobé is a natural, renewable product. When you choose FSC certified wood you contribute to responsible forest management in the tropics. The wood is completely biodegradable at the end of its lifespan. However, you must take into account the ecological footprint of transport from tropical regions.
Prolock plastic sheeting is made from 100% recycled HDPE plastic, afkomstig uit huishoudelijk en industrieel afval. Door dit materiaal te kiezen, geeft u plastic een tweede leven en voorkomt u dat het in het milieu terechtkomt. Aan het einde van de levensduur is het materiaal opnieuw recyclebaar. De langere levensduur (50+ years) betekent ook dat er minder vaak vervangen hoeft te worden.
Both options are responsible choices. The difference mainly lies in your preference: a natural product with an FSC guarantee, or a circular plastic product that reuses waste.
Cost comparison
What does it really cost?
When comparing costs, it is important to look beyond just the purchase price. Hardwood sheet pile planks are usually cheaper to purchase per linear meter. For a standard sheet piling project you can count on lower material costs with hardwood.
Plastic sheeting has a higher purchase price, but saves in the long term due to the complete absence of maintenance costs. Over a period of 50 years, you will never have to invest in treatment, repair or interim replacement. When you use the total cost of ownership calculates, plastic is often cheaper.
The installation costs are comparable, although plastic can sometimes be installed with lighter equipment due to its lower weight, which can reduce labor costs. More information about prices can be found on our page sheeting costs.
Tailor-made advice
When do you choose which material?
Are you still in doubt? Our specialists will assess your situation and recommend the material that best suits your project — without any obligation.
Choose hardwood when
- You prefer a natural, warm appearance
- There is heavy earth pressure or high loads
- The budget for purchase is more limited
- Your project is located in a rural or historic area
- You work with a contractor who has a lot of experience with hardwood
Choose plastic when
- You want maximum lifespan and zero maintenance
- The project is located in a residential area
- You value circular materias
- The revetment is difficult to reach for maintenance
- You prefer a modern, sleek look
Please feel free contact us for personal advice.
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