Install manual
How to install Pier Protector
Cut one piece per piling to π × pile diameter + 6 in. Wrap the pile in at least 3 layers of stretch wrap. Tack one edge of the HDPE with 3 to 4 nails, pull the sheet tight around the pile, overlap the ends 6 in, then nail the seam every 3 to 6 in.
Before you start
- Check the tide and the weather, and plan to work from a stable place.
- Wrap sound wood only. Pier Protector is a cover, not a repair for a damaged piling.
- Measure every pile. Pilings vary.
- Scrape off anything loose where the wrap will go, so the stretch wrap lies flat.
- Check any local rules for work on docks and in the water.
Tools and materials
Tools
- Tape measure (a cloth tape is handy on round piles)
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Marker
Materials
- Pier Protector, 48 in wide, cut to your length
- Install kit: a 3 in × 1,000 ft stretch-wrap roll and about 160 stainless ring-shank nails, enough for about 10 pilings
What to order
Order Pier Protector by the foot in 5 ft steps, with a 20 ft minimum, and one install kit for about every 10 pilings.
- Width
- 48 in
- Thickness
- 30 mil, UV-stabilized
- Sold by
- The foot, in 5 ft steps
- Minimum order
- 20 ft
- Longest piece
- 75 ft
- Volume pricing
- Less per foot from 50 ft in one order, all cuts counted, applied in the cart
Work out your length
- For each pile, work out π × diameter + 6 in.
- Add up all the piles and divide by 12 to get feet.
- Round up to the next 5 ft. To cover more than 48 in of height, you need more than one band per pile, each overlapped 6 in.
Example: ten 12 in piles take about 43.7 in each, 437 in in all. That is about 36.4 ft, so order 40 ft and one install kit.
The “How much do I need?” calculator on the Pier Protector page does this math for you.
Install kit
A 3 in × 1,000 ft stretch-wrap roll and about 160 stainless ring-shank nails, enough for about 10 pilings.
Steps
-
Measure each pile
Cut length = π × pile diameter + 6 in. A 12 in pile takes about 43.7 in. A cloth tape wrapped around the pile reads π × diameter for you; add 6 in to it.
-
Cut one piece per pile
Mark and cut each piece from your roll. Each piece covers up to 48 in of pile height.
-
Stretch wrap first
Wrap at least 3 layers of stretch wrap around the pile where the HDPE will go.
-
Tack one edge
Set the HDPE over the stretch wrap and tack one edge to the pile with 3 to 4 nails.
-
Pull it tight and overlap
Pull the sheet tight around the pile and overlap the ends 6 in.
-
Nail the seam
Nail every 3 to 6 in along the seam, from top to bottom.
-
Stack bands for a taller zone
For more than 48 in of height, add a band above with a 6 in overlap, the upper band over the lower one so water runs off.
Check your work
- At least 3 layers of stretch wrap sit under every piece.
- The ends overlap 6 in at the seam.
- Nails run every 3 to 6 in along the whole seam.
- The wrap is tight, with no loose edges.
- Stacked bands overlap 6 in, upper band over the lower one.
Maintain
- Look over the wraps when you check the dock.
- Re-nail any loose seam, every 3 to 6 in.
- Replace a torn piece with a new one cut to π × diameter + 6 in.
Questions
How long a piece does each piling need?
π × pile diameter + 6 in of overlap. A 12 in pile takes about 43.7 in.
What goes under the HDPE?
At least 3 layers of stretch wrap. The install kit has a 3 in × 1,000 ft roll, enough for about 10 pilings.
What is the stretch wrap for?
At least 3 tight layers of stretch wrap go on first, under the HDPE. They seal the wood surface in the wrapped band as a layer against marine borers such as shipworms and gribbles. The HDPE on top takes the rubbing, sun and debris.
How far apart do the nails go?
Tack one edge with 3 to 4 nails, pull the sheet tight around the pile and overlap the ends 6 in, then nail the seam every 3 to 6 in.
How tall a band does one piece cover?
Up to 48 in, the width of the sheet. For a taller zone, stack bands with a 6 in overlap, the upper band over the lower one so water runs off.
Will it fix a damaged piling?
No. Pier Protector is a cover for sound wood. It is not a repair for a damaged piling.
Does Pier Protector stop marine borers?
We don't promise that. The stretch wrap under each piece is there as a layer against marine borers in the wrapped band, and the HDPE on top takes the wear. For the best result, wrap sound wood and cover the band where your pilings show wear.
Ready to order?
- Free shipping to the lower 48 states
- Orders before 2 pm Central on a business day usually ship that day
- 30-day returns
Pier Protector by ProTech Plastic · protechplastic.com/products/pier-protector · Reviewed October 2026