What Materials Are Used to Install a Canoe Landing Site?

The materials required to install a canoe landing site depend upon whether you choose to construct it from sand or concrete. Regardless of the main material choice, a sub layer should always be installed to help the material keep its form and stability. Always check with the city or township prior to canoe landing installation to determine whether a permit is required first.

  1. Concrete

    • Concrete can be used to create the angle of the ground at which a canoe can be launched into the water, although not necessary. If concrete is used, it should have a rating of at least 3000 pounds per square inch (psi). Once mixed with water, the concrete should have 4 to 6 percent air entrainment, or tiny bubbles trapped within the mixture intentionally.

    Stone

    • For concrete bottom canoe landing sites, 8 inches of crushed stone should be laid down as a base before the concrete is poured. The stone helps to compact the ground below the concrete, providing a more stable foundation.

    Wood

    • Wood is required to build a pier next to the launch site for which people can use to enter and exit a canoe. Pressure treatment of the wood is required to slow the inevitable decay to lengthen the time between pier replacement. Avoid using wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), as it has a chemical makeup that can contaminate fresh water.

    Hardware And Tools

    • Bolt heads, clamps and nails are required to construct the wooden pier. Hot-dipped galvanized bolts are a good choice to prolong the amount of time it takes for the hardware to rust in the water. For salt water purposes, stainless steel is preferred to prevent rusting. Typical carpentry tools such as hammers, screw drivers and a drill are required to construct the pier.

    Sand

    • Sand is a good alternative to a concrete site base, as it is softer on the canoe when launching. Concrete can rub against the bottom of a canoe, causing scratching and deterioration over time. Mason sand is a good choice for creating a small fake beach from which canoes can be launched. A thick layer of crushed stone should still be laid down first before covering it with mason sand. Leftover mason sand can be used to fill the area around the landing site providing an actual beach appeal.