• Assessment: Bank slope, soil, ice push, fetch/wave energy; select design per EI/energy.
• Prep: Clear edge, shape slope, filter fabric placed continuous with overlaps; toe trench.
• Rock selection: Natural fieldstone by specified gradation (e.g., 6–12″ mix); attractive, durable, and lake-friendly.
• Installation: Rock keyed at toe, proper batter up the slope, chinking for lock-up; transitions at inlets/outlets.
• Finish: Blend upper edge with native vegetation for habitat and water clarity.
• Walk-in access (optional): Stone steps or framed path for safe lake entry.

Do I always need a DNR permit for riprap?

Many projects do; some replacements/repairs may be exempt if they meet DNR criteria. We’ll check eligibility and advise if a General or Individual permit is required.

What size rock do you use?

We spec natural fieldstone by gradation to match site energy and slope; properly keyed at the toe and compacted for lock-up.

Can you install steps or a kayak access through riprap?

Yes—access points are framed and integrated during installation so the revetment still resists erosion.

How long does riprap last?

Properly installed riprap can last for decades; periodic vegetation management and occasional stone touch-ups keep it performing.

How long does permitting take?

Exempt/General paths tend to be faster than Individual permits. County shoreland/zoning review may also be required.

Do you work on rivers as well as lakes?

Yes—requirements vary by bank condition and energy; we’ll advise during the site visit.

What is shoreline riprap?

In short, rip rap is a system of rocks that minimizes shoreline erosion caused by water and ice. Properly installed, shoreline rip rap can last a lifetime and adds beauty to any river & lakefront property.

What type of stones are used for riprap restoration?

Shoreline ripraps can be constructed of granite, limestone, fieldstone, and more. However, Koch Kuts works almost exclusively with fieldstone riprap because it is durable, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing – fieldstone is smooth, round, and available in a selection of earthy tones. Additionally, there are some downsides to granite, limestone, and other options like traprock or concrete.

Do you have photos of your work?

Absolutely! Check out our Shoreline Before & After Gallery to see some of the shoreline rip raps we’ve replaced and how great the restorations/installations turned out. We work hard on every shoreline restoration we undertake and are proud to share the results. Our project photos also show how well our landscape design services enhanced many of the lakeshore restorations.

Lakes We Work On (SE Wisconsin)

Geneva • Como • Delavan • Muskego • Wind Lake • Tichigan • Browns • Eagle • Pewaukee • Oconomowoc chain • Silver Lake • Camp Lake — plus many smaller lakes and rivers.

What locations do you service?

Located in Burlington, Wisconsin, we’re happy to deliver high-quality shoreline restoration & riprap installation services in a 40-50 mile radius of us. That includes:

• Racine County
  Burlington, Rochester, Waterford, Tichigan, Wind Lake, Eagle Lake, Yorkville, Sturtevant, Elmwood, Racine, Mt Pleasant, Caledonia, Raymond, and the surrounding areas.
• Kenosha County
  New Munster, Twin Lakes, Silver Lake, Camp Lake, Salem, Paddock Lake, Bristol, Woodworth, Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha, and the surrounding areas.
• Walworth County
  Pell Lake, Lake Geneva, Fontana, Williams Bay, Como, Delevan, Elkhorn, Richmond, Whitewater, La Grange, Abells Corners, Troy, East Troy, Potter Lake, and the surrounding areas.
• Waukesha County
  Muskego, Mukwonago, Eagle, North Prairie, Wales, Delafield, Oconomowoc, Nashotah, Hartland, Pewaukee, Waukesha, and the surrounding areas.