Cornwall's coastline, estuaries and rivers call for construction that can withstand the elements without compromising on design. At Warvena Construction, we specialise in building boathouses, slipways, jetties and pontoons that are as durable as they are beautiful — combining marine-grade materials with the timber-framed craftsmanship we're known for across the county. Whether you're adding a luxury waterfront boathouse to a private estate or restoring a weathered slipway on a working harbour, our TrustMark-registered team brings the same attention to detail to every waterside project.

Every boathouse we build is designed around the property, the water and the way it will be used — whether that's simple boat storage, a space for entertaining, or a fully-serviced waterside retreat. We work predominantly in timber and oak frame, chosen for their natural resistance to Cornwall's damp coastal climate and their ability to age gracefully against a waterside backdrop. From luxury boathouses with living space above the storage bay, to more compact single-vessel structures, each build is tailored to the site — accounting for water levels, tidal movement and access for construction on constrained waterside plots.

Access to the water is just as important as the boathouse itself. We design and build slipways, boat slips and launch ramps suited to the specific gradient and tidal range of your site, along with jetties, landing stages and pontoons for mooring and access. All structures are built using marine-grade timber and fixings designed to withstand constant exposure to salt water, tidal movement and coastal weather — whether you're launching a small tender from a private garden or need a substantial slipway for a working boatyard.

Floating pontoons and fixed mooring platforms give safe, stable access to the water regardless of tide. We build both floating and pile-fixed structures, matched to the water depth, tidal range and intended use of the site — from a single private mooring platform to multi-berth pontoon systems. Every structure is engineered to handle the movement and load of Cornwall's tidal waters, using materials selected for long-term durability in a marine environment.

Many of Cornwall's boathouses are decades old, and constant exposure to salt water, damp and coastal weather takes its toll over time. We renovate and refurbish existing boathouses — replacing weathered timber, addressing structural issues and bringing older structures back to a high standard, while retaining their original character where possible. We also carry out extensions and conversions, adapting existing boathouses for new uses such as additional storage, entertaining space or guest accommodation above the boat bay.

Construction on or near the water comes with additional planning considerations beyond a standard build. Depending on the location, boathouse, slipway and pontoon projects may require permissions from Cornwall Council, the Environment Agency, and in some cases the Marine Management Organisation — particularly for works below the mean high water mark or affecting a watercourse. We guide clients through these requirements from the outset, working alongside planning consultants where needed to make sure every project is fully compliant before construction begins.

We build boathouses, slipways, jetties and pontoons across Cornwall's coastline, estuaries and rivers — including the Fal Estuary, Helford River, Camel Estuary, Falmouth Harbour, and the wider coastal and waterside areas of Cornwall. If your property has water access anywhere in the county, get in touch to discuss your project.