Jetty vs. Pier — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
A jetty is a structure built into a body of water to control erosion and sedimentation. A pier is a raised platform extending from land into water, primarily for docking boats or for recreational use. Jetties protect; piers provide access.
Difference Between Jetty and Pier
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Key Differences
A jetty is a structure that is built into water bodies like oceans or lakes. It serves primarily as a protective barrier to control the impacts of waves, erosion, and sedimentation. Jetties are often made from rocks, concrete, or other heavy materials to withstand the force of water and wind.
In contrast, a pier is a platform that extends from land into a body of water. Its primary function is to serve as a docking area for boats or as a spot for fishing and recreational activities. Piers are typically constructed from wood, concrete, or metal, and they may have amenities like benches, lights, and shelters.
Jetties are essentially functional, designed to serve a specific engineering purpose in guiding or controlling water flow. They are not typically designed for public access and may not have any amenities for people.
Piers, on the other hand, are often intended for public use and enjoyment. They may have various amenities such as restaurants, shops, and fishing spots. While some piers do serve functional purposes, like for the loading and unloading of cargo ships, they are generally more versatile in their uses compared to jetties.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Control erosion, sedimentation
Docking, recreation
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Material
Rocks, concrete
Wood, concrete, metal
Accessibility
Generally not public
Often public
Amenities
Rare
Common
Construction
Heavy-duty
Varied
Compare with Definitions
Jetty
A structure built in water to control erosion.
The jetty near the shore prevents soil erosion.
Pier
Used for docking boats or recreational activities.
The pier is a popular spot for fishing.
Jetty
Usually made of heavy materials like rocks or concrete.
The jetty is constructed from large boulders.
Pier
May have amenities like shops and restaurants.
We had dinner at a restaurant on the pier.
Jetty
Serves a specific engineering purpose.
The jetty was built to protect the harbor.
Pier
A raised platform extending from land into water.
We walked along the pier to watch the sunset.
Jetty
Not typically designed for public access.
The jetty is off-limits to pedestrians.
Pier
Often open to the public.
The pier is a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Jetty
Can guide or alter water flow.
The jetty helps in directing water currents.
Pier
A pier is a raised structure that rises above a body of water and usually juts out from its shore, typically supported by piles or pillars, and provides above-water access to offshore areas. Frequent pier uses include fishing, boat docking and access for both passengers and cargo, and oceanside recreation.
Jetty
A jetty is a structure that projects from land out into water. It may also refer more specifically to a walkway accessing the centre of an enclosed waterbody.
Pier
A platform extending from a shore over water and supported by piles or pillars, used to secure, protect, and provide access to ships or boats.
Jetty
A landing stage or small pier at which boats can dock or be moored
Ben jumped ashore and tied the rowboat up to the small wooden jetty
Pier
Such a structure used predominantly for entertainment.
Jetty
A structure, such as a pier, that projects into a body of water to influence the current or tide or to protect a harbor or shoreline from storms or erosion.
Pier
A supporting structure at the junction of connecting spans of a bridge.
Jetty
A wharf.
Pier
A pillar, generally rectangular in cross section, supporting an arch or roof.
Jetty
Resembling jet, as in texture.
Pier
The portion of a wall between windows, doors, or other openings.
Jetty
Of the color jet; black
Jetty tresses.
Pier
A reinforcing structure that projects from a wall; a buttress.
Jetty
A structure of wood or stone extended into the sea to influence the current or tide, or to protect a harbor or beach.
Pier
A raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty.
Your boat is docked at the pier.
Jetty
A wharf or dock extending from the shore.
Pier
A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.
There is a gaming arcade on the pier.
Jetty
(architecture) A part of a building that jets or projects beyond the rest, and overhangs the wall below.
Pier
A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.
Jetty
To jut out; to project.
Pier
(architecture) A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof, or the hinges of a gate.
Jetty
(archaic) Made of jet, or like jet in color.
Pier
Any detached mass of masonry, whether insulated or supporting one side of an arch or lintel, as of a bridge; the piece of wall between two openings.
Jetty
Made of jet, or like jet in color.
The people . . . are of a jetty.
Pier
A projecting wharf or landing place.
Jetty
A part of a building that jets or projects beyond the rest, and overhangs the wall below.
Pier
A platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
Jetty
A wharf or pier extending from the shore.
Pier
(architecture) a vertical supporting structure (as a portion of wall between two doors or windows)
Jetty
A structure of wood or stone extended into the sea to influence the current or tide, or to protect a harbor; a mole; as, the Eads system of jetties at the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Pier
A support for two adjacent bridge spans
Jetty
To jut out; to project.
Pier
Constructed from various materials including wood.
The wooden pier creaked as we walked on it.
Jetty
A protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away
Common Curiosities
What is a jetty?
A jetty is a structure built to control erosion and sedimentation in water bodies.
What is a pier?
A pier is a platform extending into water, often used for docking boats or recreation.
Can I fish on a pier?
Yes, piers are often used for fishing.
Are jetties open to the public?
Generally, jetties are not intended for public access.
What are jetties made of?
Jetties are commonly made from rocks, concrete, or other heavy materials.
What are piers made of?
Piers can be made from wood, concrete, or metal.
Do jetties serve an engineering purpose?
Yes, jetties are primarily built for controlling erosion and water flow.
Are all jetties alike?
No, jetties can vary in size and construction based on their purpose.
Can piers have shops and restaurants?
Yes, piers often have amenities like shops and restaurants.
Can a jetty be converted into a pier?
Converting a jetty into a pier would require substantial modification.
Can both jetties and piers be found in any body of water?
Both can be found in various water bodies, but their construction and purpose may differ based on location.
Are piers safe for walking?
Generally, piers designed for public use are safe for walking.
Do piers need maintenance?
Yes, piers require regular maintenance for safety.
Are jetties permanent structures?
Most jetties are permanent, but some may be seasonal.
Do piers affect water flow?
Piers generally have less impact on water flow compared to jetties.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
