Want a dock that falls and rises with the level of water? A floating dock system is your answer. These docks are super flexible, making them the best option for areas with fluctuating water levels. Floating docks are anchored to the shore however they rely on floats (often plastic or foam) to keep them buoyant. Floating dock systems are favorite for personal use because they can be moved easily.
Each of these dock options has its own pros as well as cons depending on the conditions of your waterfront property, but once you’ve decided on the type of dock, you’re ready to start scoping out that perfect spot for the dock.
With over 25 years of combined experience
Foothills Docks are experts when it comes to building docks.
Fixed dock or piling docks require deeper water because the pilings need to be driven into the lakebed so that they are stable. And if you’re looking at a location with water that is shallow, these might not be the best choice.
Floating docks & pipe docks are the bad boys and are a lot more flexible. The reason is that they don’t rely on a fixed structure embedded in the lakebed. You can install a pipe dock or floating dock in shallow or deep water. Floating docks, in particular, are the best if you’ve got a shoreline that slopes gradually into the lake.
Before you begin building, make sure to use a tool to measure how deep the water is in the area where you want to build your dock. You’ll want to choose a spot where the water is at least a few feet deep, especially if you are planning to launch boats from your dock.
You should always make sure your dock is in a spot that is protected from waves and heavy winds. Constant heavy winds and wave action can wear down your dock materials faster and make it less safe to use.
If you’re considering a floating dock for your waterfront property, it’s best to choose a more sheltered area as these docks are prone to shifting in rough water. However, they are suitable for exposed locations as they are less likely to be impacted by waves.
Keep in mind that no boat dock is completely safe and immune to the forces of nature, so always consider wave height and wind direction when planning your dock-building project. It’s advisable to discuss your plans with dock installation contractors to get the best advice.
DOCK RE-SURFACING
Finding the right spot for your lake dock doesn’t have to be rocket science at all, but it does require some time to ponder and then planning carefully. By understanding the wind exposure, water depth, shoreline conditions, and accessibility, you can make sure your dock installation lasts for years to come. Whether you’re going with a good ol’ piling dock, floating dock, or any other dock, picking the perfect spot on your waterfront property will ensure you’re reeling in those epic dock memories for years to come.
Hit us up for some expert dock services, including dock construction, fabrication, manufacturing, installation, and custom dock building. At Foothills Docks, we’ve been in the docking game for over 20 years, working with a local dock company on the upstate lakes.
We’ve put together and set up more than 1,500 docks, so you know we have the right skills. We know exactly what Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell need, and we’re proud to be recognized as top-notch dock construction contractors by Duke Energy.
Foothills Docks team even help you out with the Duke Energy permitting process, making sure our designs for boat docks are legit and also approved by the engineering teams. We’re a family-owned business, and we’re stoked about the quality of our work. And , we’ve got the experience as a licensed home builder in South Carolina and custom dock fabricator to back it up.
Our crew has a total of 55+ years of experience, and we’re all about delivering the dopest docks. Give us a shout today to find out more about what we can do for you!