What is sheeting? Sheeting is bank cover along ponds, ditches and canals. It guards the bank against lasting wash-out from the water. The sheeting is placed as a standing outdoor wall in the water. It holds the bank in place and stops soil from washing away. It also gives the water edge a clean, lasting shape. At Jan Sok in Meppel we supply two options. One option is hardwood (Azobe) and one option is plastic (Prolock Sigma). Both have their own strengths, based on the project and the budget. You also weigh how long the sheeting needs to last.
People who search “what is sheeting” want a clear meaning first. Then they select wood or plastic for the outdoor bank. In this guide we set out what sheeting is. We show which timber makes proper sheeting and where it is used. We also set the pluses of hardwood versus Prolock plastic. We close with an upkeep plan and answers to common questions.
What sheeting is
Sheeting is a working bank cover placed along canals. It guards the bank against wash-out and scour. When people ask us “what is sheeting”, we keep the meaning simple. It is a standing wall of planks or panels, and posts fix that wall into the water bed. The wall sits partly in the water and partly over the water line. It takes the press of the water and the bank soil. Without sheeting, a ditch bank or pond edge would wash and sink. A well placed wall gives the water edge a fixed shape. It keeps the water in the ditch or pond. It also stops soil from going into the water. Do not mix sheeting with damwand. Damwand is a heavier, water-holding wall that also holds back ground water. Sheeting mainly fixes the bank.
Timber and plastic options
Good sheeting begins with the right timber choice. At Jan Sok we work with two proven options. Hardwood (Azobe) is for people who want a wood look and top strength. Prolock Sigma plastic is for people who want little upkeep and a long span.
Hardwood (Azobe)
Azobe is hardwood from Africa that lasts a long time on its own. It needs no extra outdoor treatment. Under EN 350, Azobe sits in class 1. That class lasts a long time, more than 25 years. Azobe resists lasting water contact. That makes it the classic choice for sheeting in ponds, ditches and canals. In water, a well placed Azobe sheeting lasts 30 plus years. The timber is heavy, hard and in stock fine-sawn. It also has a herkomst mark. People who choose hardwood choose a wood look that greys over the years.
Prolock Sigma plastic
Prolock Sigma is a sheeting system made of reused plastic. The panels are 50 cm wide. Heights run from 50 to 300 cm, so they fit almost any bank height. Prolock is built for a long life span of 50-60 years. It needs no lasting upkeep. The plastic does not decay, does not rot and needs no treatment. A key install rule is post spacing of at most 150 cm. That spacing lets the system take water press without warp. In Meppel we keep around 5000 m² of Prolock in stock. So we can supply outdoor projects quickly.
Where sheeting is used
Sheeting is used where a bank needs to be guarded, fixed or shaped. The most common uses are:
- Ponds and garden ponds - a clean edge line and no washing-away soil.
- Ditches and trenches - cover against scour from changing water levels.
- Canals and cuts - longer stretches with even bank cover.
- Home and trade projects - from a single pond edge to full ditch stretches for builders and water boards.
For a full range view, see our sheeting systems range for both hardwood and Prolock.
Pluses and drawbacks
Both options have their own traits. The choice depends on what you value more. Some people want a wood look. Some people want almost no upkeep.
Hardwood (Azobe): wood look, very high strength, 30 plus year life span in water, class 1. Drawback: greys over the years. It needs some upkeep if you want to keep the first colour.
Prolock Sigma plastic: 50-60 years with no upkeep, reused plastic, no greying or rot, fast supply from stock. Drawback: a made look that does not suit each garden. The buy price is also higher than basic wood sheeting.
Not sure which to choose? Read our review in sheeting wood buying. Also see the step-by-step guide Prolock install step-by-step plan for a solid basis. For the Prolock system itself see also Prolock sheeting.
Upkeep
Upkeep differs sharply between hardwood and Prolock. Azobe sheeting does not need treatment to remain lasting. The class 1 rating applies with no extra soak. Outdoor wood with no oil greys on its own. This is only the look and does not harm the build. To keep the warm wood colour, clean the timber now and then. Oil it if you like. Prolock Sigma needs no upkeep. Rinsing with water is enough. Inspect the posts and joints of both options once a year. Check that the edge line stays straight. Top up soil behind the sheeting where needed.
Common questions
What exactly is sheeting?
Sheeting is bank cover along ponds, ditches and canals. It is a standing wall of hardwood or plastic. It guards the bank against wash-out and gives the water edge a fixed shape.
How long does sheeting last?
An Azobe hardwood sheeting lasts 30 plus years in lasting water contact. Prolock Sigma plastic has a life span of 50-60 years and needs no upkeep.
Which is better: hardwood or Prolock plastic?
That depends on your aims. Hardwood (Azobe) gives a wood look and 30 plus years of life. Prolock Sigma needs no upkeep and lasts 50-60 years. Both are right for lasting water contact.
What post spacing applies to Prolock sheeting?
For Prolock Sigma a max post spacing of 150 cm applies. This lets the system take water press without warp.