Cantilevering the beam beyond the posts, and the joists beyond the beam, keeps the posts and footer forms under the dock.
A MOVING DOCK IN THE WATER INSTALL
This gets rid of the sharp 90-degree corners while leaving plenty of room to pull up a paddle boat, install a ladder, or go fishing.įigure 1. Generally, I crop the two outer corners of the rectangle at 45 degrees, back 2 feet to 3 feet depending on the dock’s width. A fairly typical dock is a rectangle 16 feet wide by 12 feet deep (Figure 1). You can build a basic 8-foot-square dock, but it would be impractical for anything more than a place to put a couple of chairs. I also ask them a number of questions: Do they want accessories, such as a ladder or a fish cleaning station? Will they keep a table or storage bins on the dock? Do they have a boat? Their answers will affect the size of the dock. I encourage them to stick to lighter colors of composite decking, such as gray or cedar, which stay cooler and are less likely to burn bare feet. Getting Startedīefore I design a dock, I spend time with the customers to find out how they plan to use it. This works out well for me, as it means there are a lot of potential clients who want a dock, whether for fishing, swimming, entertaining, or some combination thereof. Most new subdivisions have lakes - often even stocked with fish - built by developers seeking the premium pricing that's typical for lake-front lots. Where I live in Indiana, docks are common. A few techniques, however, are different for docks, mostly involving the footers. Like decks, docks have footers, posts, beams, joists, decking, and railing docks also have the same load requirements as decks. Fully synthetic decking cannot absorb moisture or support mildew, mold, rot, or insect infestation.Īre you ready to build your floating dock? Contact a WearDeck Dealer near you to find answers to your installation questions, contractor recommendations, and order the ideal deck board for your new dock.Building a dock is a lot like building a deck - with wet feet. Waterproof plastic decking like WearDeck safeguards your investment. Wood and wood composite decking offers water resistance at best. What Decking Material Is Best For Floating Docks? Select the most reliable framing and floats along with stainless steel screws and hardware suited for projects frequently exposed to water. What Building Materials Are Best For Floating Docks?įloating docks last longer when built with durable, marine-grade materials.
A MOVING DOCK IN THE WATER PROFESSIONAL
We recommend investing in a trusted professional to ensure that your dock is safe and built to last. Most experts recommend that you hire a professional builder unless you have sufficient experience with marine construction. Should I Build A Floating Dock myself or Hire a Professional? If water levels drop too low, your floating dock can scratch the ground and experience damage. They adjust to rising and falling water levels. How Deep Is The Water?įloating docks perform best in bodies of water with a reliable minimum depth. Consider how and when you will enjoy your dock. Floating docks move with the water which can cause problems in busy waterways or rough waters. They provide great swimming platforms and easy access to your boat. How Will You Use Your Floating Dock?įloating docks work better for some uses than others. 5 Factors to Consider When Building a Floating Dock 1. You can customize floating docks over time with ease compared to their stationary counterparts. The benefits of floating docks include their adaptability to water conditions, boat protection, versatility, quick and affordable installation, and easy expansion.
Both types of docks offer unique benefits. Floating docks, considered semi-permanent structures, float and move with water levels. Stationary docks, considered permanent structures, sit on columns called pilings. A gangway or ramp connects the dock to the shore. Instead of attaching the dock to pilings driven into the seabed, floats or barrels support the platform. What Is a Floating Dock?Ī floating dock refers to a dock system that rests on the water’s surface.
Before you start building, let’s go over a few factors that will impact the performance and longevity of your floating dock. Our customers love to use WearDeck products to construct durable floating docks.
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