Are you planning to install a floating dock? If so, you should keep in mind that you aren’t simply building any boat dock, you’re installing a floating dock.
For those who don’t know, floating docks involve thinking about particular factors that affect the overall design of your boat dock.
You shouldn’t try to build and design a boat dock on your own. The reason for this is that if you make at least 1 mistake, you might end up with an unstable and dangerous floating dock.
Aside from that, your effort will also go to waste. Because of this, it might be best to hire a professional to do the job for you.
Usually, the shop where you purchase your floating dock offers installation services. They will come up with a design for your floating dock tailored to your needs and preferences.
Today, we are going to share with you a couple of things you should consider when building a floating dock.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
You might be able to build your floating dock if you’ve got some handyman DIY skills. This is particularly true if you’re building a smaller floating dock. On the other hand, building a dock is not a simple job. This is particularly true if it is your first time building this type of structure.
Most of the time, the ideal thing you should do is to hire an expert. While you might have to spend money on the labor cost, you will have peace of mind knowing that your floating dock is installed properly and securely.
Decking Material Ideal for Floating Docks
At best, wood and wood composite decking provides excellent water resistance. You can also protect your investment if you use waterproof plastic decking.
If you really want to go all out with the material, you can use fully synthetic decking. This material will not absorb moisture. It can also prevent insect infestation, rot, or mold growth.
You’ll have an option to pick from a huge range of materials for your floating dock. One option you’ve got is pressure-treated lumber. They’re usually available at most reputable floating dock manufacturers such as Hisea Dock.
While pressure-treated wood is a common choice, it isn’t your only option. Other choices you can pick from include composite decking, modified wood, and hardwood.
If you don’t know what material to use, you should hire a professional. He can help you pick the right material for your needs. The professional can suggest the ideal decking material according to the weather and water conditions of your area. We also suggest you install neon LED lights around your floating dock to make it cozier at night.
Building Materials Ideal for Floating Docks
If you use marine-grade and durable materials, you can guarantee that your floating dock will last long. Make sure you choose the most reliable floats and framing.
In addition to that, use stainless steel hardware and screws fitted for projects that are frequently exposed to water.
Depth of the Water
Floating docks are ideal in bodies of water with a reliable minimum depth. These docks adjust to falling and rising water levels.
Your floating dock can scratch the ground if water levels drop extremely low. This can lead to damage in the future.
The Shape of Boat Dock
It’s important that you consider the shape of the boat dock. When it comes to floating docks, you need to pick a modern shape. Make sure it creates angles that improve aesthetic appeal as well as are beneficial to the effectiveness of your dock.
You should always choose a newer shape if you want to use your floating dock for boats. The reason for this is that it adds more access points to your boat.
Benefits of Floating Docks
There are a lot of reasons why you should choose a floating dock. These reasons include easy expansion, affordable installation, quick installation, versatility, boat protection, and adaptability to water conditions.
Over time, you can personalize floating docks with ease compared to fixed docks.
Framing
If you don’t have the skills and knowledge required, it might be best to leave this job to a professional. They’ll go work on creating the frame of your floating dock.
A professional can create shapes and measurements that will work with the footers and posts in place. Then, they will install the decking material. The job of the support posts is to support your floating dock.
Footer Selection
Professionals don’t recommend sinking the wooden posts to create a dock footer. While this is the easiest process to follow, it’s quite unstable.
That is why professionals recommend surrounding your posts using PVC pipes that contain concrete. This will help produce stable footers for your floating dock.
Think about utilizing 18-inch or 12-inch PVC pipes for the dock footers. PVC pipes extend a lot of inches above the body of water. This will stop any visible wood from sinking into the ground.
Aside from that, it will also help protect your floating dock from damage. Thus, you can use it for a long period.
Height of the Floating Dock
A huge portion of your floating dock will be submerged underwater. Your objective is to put the floating dock above the waterline as much as possible. Storms and severe weather conditions can damage your floating dock if it is mostly underwater.
Meanwhile, you also don’t want your floating dock to be way above the water. The reason for this is that you’ll have a hard time getting out and in your boat.
If you hire a professional, you won’t have to worry about this.
Conclusion
A floating dock can be as ornate or as simple as you want. However, a common factor of any effective design is solid construction using durable and high-quality materials. Make sure you consider the things above when building a floating dock.
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