Dock Construction is a multi-step process that begins by obtaining any necessary permits. After this, an experienced professional will visit your property to assess it and produce a proposal with cost estimates for you.
Your dock’s size and shape depend on the dimensions of your property. Popular dock layouts include L-shaped or U-shaped designs.
Dock construction must consider local regulations relating to size limitations, environmental safeguards, and setback requirements. Professionals have extensive knowledge of these matters and ensure compliance for their clients.
Types of Docks
Docks serve multiple functions beyond boating and fishing – they protect personal watercraft from harsh waves and corrosive waters as well as providing a convenient place for docking and unloading boats. Dock types vary depending on each property’s individual needs – piling, fixed crib suspension models are just some options that are widely available; floating modular docks made of plastic may also be found among them.
Property owners should consider the shoreline’s unique environmental conditions and depth when choosing a dock for their shoreline. Saltwater shorelines require docks that can tolerate frequent deposits of corrosive saltwater; freshwater shorelines allow most types and materials to work as long as they are regularly inspected and maintained.
Dock construction materials should ideally be low-maintenance and environmentally-friendly. Wood is an eco-friendly choice that requires less air and water pollution, though regular maintenance to prevent rot and splintering is still necessary. Aluminum and steel are also popular choices due to being durable, corrosion resistant, and easy maintenance options.
Piling docks are ideal for use in waters with unpredictable waves and tides as they can withstand changes to both land and water movements. Constructed from large wooden beams called pileings inserted into lakes or pond floors and attached with hoops or rollers, piling docks are the most commonly seen fishing and large boat docks.
Crib docks, made up of wooden frames filled with rocks or gravel, are another popular type of dock. Ideal for soft bottoms with soft floors and offering rustic charm, crib docks restrict water flow while potentially impacting marine habitats; according to one 2018 study they may also reduce stem density and biomass growth in salt marsh vegetation.
Fixed Piers
If the water levels don’t fluctuate much, a fixed pier could be exactly what’s needed. Dock builders frequently prefer this type of structure because it is less costly and offers greater stability than floating docks; it is also perfect for areas that experience freezing temperatures that could damage floating piers.
Fixed piers can be constructed from various materials, including concrete or steel. Some fixed piers are even constructed out of aluminum – which has the added advantage of being non-rusting; its lighter weight also makes transport simpler; however, its downside may include corrosion issues when exposed to salty or brackish waters.
A pier’s shape depends on both its purpose and location. For instance, if it needs to support a boat dock in a busy waterway, opting for one that extends further out will protect boats from shallow waters causing damage; on the other hand a shorter residential pier may be more suitable.
Fixed piers come in various forms, from multicolumn bent piers and pile piers. The former consists of several columns connected by beams; isolated footing is usually employed if there are large spacing gaps between columns; otherwise combined footing is often utilized – often found on bridges.
Pile Piers are an alternative form of multicolumn bent and should only be utilized when the ground is unstable. They consist of steel or RCC piles driven into the soil with caps installed to form a pier-like structure.
If you’re planning on building a pier, consulting with an expert is vital to ensure its construction will be safe and durable. A consultant can help select a design suitable for your needs as well as providing maintenance advice such as regular power wash-seal sessions to prevent corrosion; and help in installing drain systems so soil won’t become waterlogged around it.
Floating Docks
Floating docks are versatile structures that remain on the surface of water, offering safe passage for vessels as they come and go from shore. Starting with a sturdy frame constructed of aluminum, wood or fiber-reinforced concrete and supported by buoyant plastic tanks or pontoons to form an unstable foundation for decking to be attached; floating docks also boast easy repair capabilities as they use removable floats which can be pulled up for inspection or replacement; unlike stationary docks which rely on underwater pilings to remain functional.
Depending on their size, construction, and materials, floating docks can serve both commercial and residential uses. Marinas and waterfront resorts frequently use them for dining, shopping, relaxing and docking personal watercrafts for their guests to use – they’re also prevalent at commercial ports and harbors for temporary cargo loading/unloading facilities; finally they’re also often preferred dock options in public or governmentally protected areas like lakes/ponds/rivers as they don’t disrupt ecosystems as easily.
Floating docks’ primary advantage lies in their easy installation and ability to adapt quickly and seamlessly to changing water conditions. Furthermore, floating docks make excellent options in tight spots where traditional docks with legs or piles cannot fit, rising and falling in tandem with fluctuating water levels. Furthermore, floating docks are easier for high tides or floods since they can simply be anchored deeper waters for faster access.
Floating docks can be constructed from various materials, but aluminum and composites are among the most widely-used choices. Both offer exceptional strength and durability at an economical cost; aluminum being less costly than steel in this respect. Composite materials offer significant advantages over wood in terms of resistance to rot and corrosion as well as being more eco-friendly than their wooden counterparts. These docks offer residents of waterfront property an ideal lifestyle to take advantage of, such as boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and grilling by the water. Furthermore, they’re popular commercially as they can be customized to meet specific requirements such as a walkway or boat lift and more visually appealing than traditional truss docks.
Materials
No matter the purpose of your lake dock, whether it be to launch water activities or provide an idyllic place to unwind and take in the scenery, quality materials must be used when building it. Options available for building materials for docks include natural wood, composites and synthetics – each depending on use, environment and personal preference.
Wood is an increasingly popular material choice for the frames and decking of docks, as its natural beauty blends perfectly into lakeside environments. Wood can also be pressure treated to protect it against rot and other environmental issues that threaten docks’ durability, while many manufacturers also utilize combination treatments that meet modern ecological standards for increased longevity.
Cedar wood offers another good choice, being naturally resistant to rot and other wood-boring insects without needing special treatments. Cedar is also highly water resistant, making it suitable for docks or any structures exposed to wet conditions regularly. Though cedar may cost more than other materials for dock construction projects, its long lifespan justifies any additional expense.
Round pilings are an integral component of dock construction and must withstand repeated submersion in water. While they may be less appealing to some homeowners, wood remains the go-to material due to its affordability and customizability. While wood piles cannot guarantee protection from decay or marine pest attacks, many are treated with high levels of preservatives like California Copper Azolate (CCA) or joist tape that help safeguard them against decay or pest attacks.
Plastic is an excellent material choice for building float docks. It is lightweight and easily works as lumber in terms of cutting, routing, drilling, and sanding processes; plus its environmental friendliness ensures no leaching of chemicals into the environment. Finally, its strength to resist wind and wave forces provides great buoyancy qualities – an added plus when considering buoyancy levels as an indicator for strength.