Rip Rap, Shoreline Steps & Pathway Steps

Protect your shoreline and improve access to the water with professionally installed rip rap, lake steps, and pathway steps.

We provide durable erosion control solutions and custom lake steps designed for lakefront properties on Lake Lanier and beyond. Whether you’re searching for rip rap installation near you, needing safe and stable lake steps to your dock, or looking to enhance your waterfront with a long-lasting pathway, our team delivers expert craftsmanship built for steep banks, fluctuating water levels, and North Georgia’s unique terrain. From grading and underlayment to stone placement and step construction, we provide complete shoreline protection and easy, beautiful access to the water.

Shoreline Preservation

A lakefront property comes with many responsibilities, and one of the biggest ones is to you and your family in preserving the financial investment you’ve made in purchasing lakefront realty. Too often, lakefront property owners come to us once significant, irreversible shoreline erosion has occurred, impacting the overall value of their property. 

As leaders in shoreline erosion management, we encourage you to reach out to us to better understand how you can protect your waterfront property against erosion and maintain your property’s overall value while enhancing the aesthetics of your shoreline.

At Martin Docks, we take pride in providing comprehensive solutions for your shoreline, which, in addition to erosion control (rip rap), also include the construction, replacement, and/or modification of shoreline steps. 

To better understand our complete shoreline management offerings and how you can protect your investment, give us a call at (770) 536-0189

What is Rip Rap?

Rip Rap consists of strategically placed stones of varying size along a shoreline to prevent soil erosion caused by lake currents, wave action and weather over time. The primary objective of Rip Rap is to dissipate wave energy, minimizing the direct impact on the shoreline and preserving its integrity and longevity.

Choosing the Right Rip Rap Material

Selecting the appropriate Rip Rap material is crucial for a successful installation. Factors such as stone size, stone composition, weight, and durability play a pivotal role. Our experts will access your property and help select the proper Rip Rap material to maintain the natural beauty of your shoreline for years to come.

Martin Docks Rip Rap Process

Step 1

Site Assessment and Preparation

Before beginning any Rip Rap project, a thorough site assessment is conducted. This includes evaluating soil composition, water depth, current erosion patterns and tree removal assessments. Proper preparation ensures a seamless rock installation and tree removal process to ensure long-term stability.

Step 1

Site Assessment and Preparation

Before beginning any Rip Rap project, a thorough site assessment is conducted. This includes evaluating soil composition, water depth, current erosion patterns and tree removal assessments. Proper preparation ensures a seamless rock installation and tree removal process to ensure long-term stability.

Step 2

Design Considerations

Crafting a well-thought-out Rip Rap design is essential. Our team of experts deploys years of experience and lake knowledge to create custom installations that ensures maximum protection against erosion.


Step 2

Design Considerations

Crafting a well-thought-out Rip Rap design is essential. Our team of experts deploys years of experience and lake knowledge to create custom installations that ensures maximum protection against erosion.


Step 3

Installation Techniques

Executing the installation requires expertise and know-how. Our skilled workforce employs a variety of machinery and follows industry best practices to secure the Rip Rap effectively in-place, in compliance with regulations stipulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Step 3

Installation Techniques

Executing the installation requires expertise and know-how. Our skilled workforce employs a variety of machinery and follows industry best practices to secure the Rip Rap effectively in-place, in compliance with regulations stipulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

An image shows Shoreline and Pathway Steps Installation Lake Lanier

Shoreline and Pathway Steps Installation Lake Lanier

Accessibility to your shoreline is paramount for living your best lake life. Whether you’re in need of pathway steps, shoreline steps or both, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for new steps or revamping older steps, we can help. 

  • Our pathway steps are carefully crafted to blend into the natural topography of your property and create a bridge between your home and waterfront access point

  • Our shoreline steps are custom built to adapt to any shoreline terrain – a perfect solution for enhancing waterfront accessibility.

  • In building out steps, we take into consideration step count, materials, rise-over-run, and railings when building our steps.

  • Professionally executed steps like those built by Martin Docks will not only contribute to the overall aesthetics of your shoreline but will also enhance the safety and enjoyment of your property

Rip Rap, Shoreline Steps & Pathway Steps Installation Quote

Serving lakefront property owners since 1956, Martin Docks has made it our goal to create a lakefront space that is built to last. Rip Rap, Shoreline Steps & Pathway Steps help keep your property safe and secure for years to come on Lake Lanier. To get your estimate, give us a call at (770) 536-0189, or request an estimate online. 

Client's Testimonials

Hear From Our Happy Customers!

Our Clients appreciate us for our commitment to delivering top-notch dock systems, boat lifts, boat docks, PWC ports, rip rap, pathway & shoreline steps and waterfront accessories. From the durability of our products to the professionalism of our team, the testimonials highlight the positive experiences of our customers who have chosen Martin Docks for their waterfront needs.

Gallery: Shoreline Steps & Rip Rap

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of rip rap installation on Lake Lanier depends on several factors, including the length of your shoreline, the total tons of rock required, and the material you choose—typically river rock or granite. Each shoreline is different, so pricing varies based on slope, access, erosion severity, and equipment needs. Additional services such as tree removal may also affect cost if a tree poses a fall hazard and must be removed during the rip rap project. Because every project is unique, the best way to determine your rip rap rock price is to schedule an on-site shoreline evaluation.

Yes—tree removal can often be included when installing rip rap on Lake Lanier, especially if a tree poses a safety hazard or risks falling into the lake. However, Lake Lanier is governed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and tree removal typically requires approval or a permit. If a tree is dead, leaning, or threatening your shoreline, we can help guide the permitting process and safely remove it during your rip rap installation to protect your bank and prevent long-term erosion.

Rip rap rock is a heavy, angular stone used to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion. Not all rock is true rip rap, and choosing the wrong material can lead to erosion returning within a year. Proper rip rap-grade granite or angular stone interlocks tightly and stays in place during fluctuating water levels, heavy rain, and boat wake—unlike smooth river rock or landscape stone, which can shift or wash away. Always make sure your contractor uses rip rap-grade material specifically approved for Lake Lanier shoreline protection to ensure long-lasting results.

Learn more about safeguarding your property with rip rap, here.