Damwand is a heavier form of shore protection and a water-retaining wall: a vertical structure that separates ground and water and protects quays, waterways and shores against erosion and water pressure. Where ordinary shore protection mainly stabilises the waterline, damwand takes on a structural role — it holds back water, carries ground pressure and stands for decades.
The two materials we supply for damwand at Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel are Azobe hardwood with tongue-and-groove joint and Prolock plastic damwand. Azobe is a tropical hardwood of durability class 1, naturally resistant to permanent water contact, with a service life of 30+ years in water. Prolock is a recycled plastic damwand system with an expected service life of 50-60 years and virtually no maintenance.
In this article you'll read what damwand is exactly, which materials are available, where the wall is applied, what the pros and cons are and how maintenance works.
Definition
What is damwand? Damwand is a vertical wall structure that functions both as shore protection and water barrier. The planks or profiles are placed interlocked — hardwood via a tongue-and-groove joint, plastic via a click system — so that a closed wall is formed. This distinguishes damwand from loose shore planks: it provides not only surface protection but also structural water retention.
The wall is installed between posts, with the post spacing for Prolock not exceeding 1.50 m. Because the profiles interlock, a continuous barrier is formed that absorbs ground pressure and acts as a water barrier — hence the name "damwand" (dam + wall).
Materials
Damwand comes in two main materials, each with its own price range and service life.
Azobe hardwood (tongue-and-groove) — tropical hardwood, durability class 1, naturally resistant to permanent water contact. Available in 30-50 mm thickness and lengths from 2 to 5 m, with tongue-and-groove joint for a closed wall. Service life in water: 30+ years. TLV certified. Price: approx. EUR 200-400 per metre, depending on thickness and height.
Prolock plastic damwand — recycled plastic profile system, 50 cm wide per element, available in heights from 50 to 300 cm. Service life 50-60 years, maintenance-free. Post spacing max 1.50 m. From our Meppel branch we keep approximately 5,000 m² of Prolock in stock. Price: approx. EUR 73-183 per metre. A detailed comparison can be found in plastic damwand vs. wood.
Applications
Damwand is used where water-retaining or heavy load-bearing shore protection is required:
- Quay walls — vertical walls along loading and unloading berths, where ships moor and ground pressure is high.
- Waterways — closing or bounding of ditches, channels and polder ditches.
- Shore protection — heavier variant of shore protection for vulnerable or flowing shores.
- Groundwater barrier — prevents upward-pressing groundwater under sites and basements.
For most private and commercial projects our shore protection systems range is the starting point; for heavier quay and water-barrier projects we recommend Prolock shore protection or Azobe damwand.
Pros and cons
Azobe hardwood damwand
- Pros: long service life (30+ yr in water), natural material, high density and strength, TLV certified.
- Cons: heavy to handle, higher price (EUR 200-400/m), eventually greys at the surface (cosmetic, structurally harmless).
Prolock plastic damwand
- Pros: maintenance-free, 50-60 yr service life, lighter weight, lower price (EUR 73-183/m), recycled material.
- Cons: plastic appearance does not suit every setting, less massive feel than hardwood.
Maintenance
Azobe damwand naturally greys to a silver-grey tint once exposed to water and light. This is a cosmetic process that does not affect the structure — treatment is not required. Those who wish to keep the warm hardwood colour can oil periodically; this is not relevant for service life.
Prolock damwand is virtually maintenance-free: no greying, no oil, no rot. Once installed, the wall stays in place for the full 50-60 years without intervention. Inspection of posts and fixings remains advisable after extreme water levels or collision.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is damwand?
Damwand is a vertical, water-retaining wall structure of interlocked hardwood or plastic profiles. It combines shore protection with structural water retention and is used for quay walls, waterways and groundwater barriers.
Which material do I choose for damwand?
Choose Azobe hardwood for a natural appearance and maximum structural strength, or Prolock plastic for a lower price, maintenance-free management and a 50-60 year service life. Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel (KvK 04062841, founded 2009, 4.8 stars from 141+ reviews) supplies both systems from its own stock — see shore protection systems.
How long does damwand last?
Azobe hardwood damwand lasts 30+ years in permanent water contact. Prolock plastic damwand has an expected service life of 50-60 years and is maintenance-free.
What does damwand cost per metre?
Azobe hardwood damwand is around EUR 200-400 per metre; Prolock plastic damwand around EUR 73-183 per metre, depending on height and execution.