What Materials Are Needed to Install a Lake Dock

Thinking about adding a lake dock? It can be a super fun project that gives you easy access to activities like fishing, swimming, and, of course, boating. Whether you’re planning a sturdier stationary one or a simple floating dock, it’s important to choose the right materials for durability. The kind of boat dock you build will depend on the body of water, the depth of water, and how you plan to use it. Today, let’s walk you through the materials needed to install a lake dock and help you understand the most important factors to think about while building it.

Types of Docks: Floating Dock vs. Stationary Dock

Before diving into materials, you should determine what type of dock you’re building. The two main options are floating docks and stationary docks. Lets know more about these in more detail.

Floating Docks

Floating docks are a type of dock that rests on the water’s surface and adjusts to changing levels of water. They are perfect for lakes with fluctuating water levels or soft lakebeds. A floating dock system is versatile and also easy to install and maintain.

Stationary Docks

Stationary Docks, also known as fixed docks, are more stable and built on pilings or legs secured to the lakebed. They are best for areas where the level of water remains constant. However, they are a bit more difficult to install and require professional dock builders.

In some cases, people choose a combination of both, using a fixed and floating dock system to maximize usability. Discuss your needs with your local dock construction company, and they will give you the best suggestion, keeping in mind your water property needs and your budget.

Materials for Building a Lake Dock

Now, let’s answer the main question: what materials are needed to build a lake dock? To ensure your dock lasts for many years, you’ll need to carefully choose the materials for the dock construction. Whether you’re building a floating dock or stationary dock, certain materials are super important for a sturdy dock that withstands water exposure and changing weather conditions.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is a modern material used in dock construction. Made from a blend of plastic and wood fibers, it’s resistant to rot, insect damage, and moisture. Unlike wood, composite decking requires minimal maintenance and is available in many attractive colors. It’s perfect for both fixed docks and floating docks.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is one of the most common and popular choices for dock decking material. It’s treated with chemicals to resist moisture, insect damage, and rot, making it a durable option for both floating and stationary docks. However, it requires regular maintenance from professionals, including sealing and staining, to maintain its performance and appearance.

Dock Floats

For a floating dock, the main material needed to support the dock on the water is dock floats. These buoyant devices keep the dock stable on the surface. Dock floats are made from durable plastic materials that resist UV damage and punctures. Some dock floats are foam-filled to prevent water from seeping in, even if the outer shell gets damaged. Discuss with your local dock construction contractor that which material would be best for your waterfront property.

Aluminum Docks

Aluminum is durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant, making it a good choice for dock decking and the structural frame of your boat dock. Aluminum docks are popular for floating dock systems because of their ease of handling during the dock-building process and also because of their durability. They also require little to no maintenance, making them a long-lasting choice for any boat dock.

With over 25 years of combined experience

Foothills Docks are experts when it comes to building docks.

Boat Dock Hardware

Durable and strong boat dock hardware is highly important for holding your dock together, whether it’s floating or fixed. This includes fasteners, brackets, and connectors made from marine-grade metals that resist corrosion or any other damage. Common materials used for marine dock hardware include brass, stainless steel, and galvanized steel.

Dock Accessories

Once your boat dock’s structure is complete, you can add various dock accessories to enhance its functionality and appearance. This includes bumpers, ladders, benches, cleats, and more. Accessories help customize your boat dock to suit your needs, whether for fishing, swimming, or boating.

Steps in the Dock Building Process

Now that you know what materials are needed to install a dock on the lake, let’s now talk about the dock building process.

Site Assessment

The first step is the site assessment. Before dock construction begins, assess the needed location. Hire professionals to check the water depth, shoreline conditions, and the type of soil at the lakebed. Professional dock builders know everything and will give you accurate recommendations for your site.

Planning the Dock Design

The next step is to plan the dock design, which, again, the professional dock building contractors will do. This includes deciding whether to go with a fixed or floating dock and determining the width, length, and type of dock decking you want. This stage also involves selecting the appropriate dock hardware for your design.

Installing the Dock Frame

The third step after the dock design is installing the frame of the dock. For a stationary dock, professionals install pilings or posts into the lakebed to support the dock’s frame. For a floating dock, dock floats are used to keep the frame buoyant. Pressure-treated wood or aluminum are common choices for the structural frame, as they provide longevity and also durability.

Dock Re-Surfacing for Enhanced Durability

DOCK RE-SURFACING

Attaching the Decking

Once the frame is safe and secure, it’s time to attach the dock decking material. Whether you choose composite, aluminum, or pressure-treated wood decking, make sure the decking is securely fastened using the right marine dock hardware.

Adding Dock Accessories

After the main structure is complete, professionals will add dock accessories such as ladders, bumpers, and boat cleats. These enhance the functionality of the dock and make it more user-friendly.

Maintenance Tips for Your Lake Dock

After completing the dock building project, regular maintenance is a MUST-DO to ensure the dock stays in good condition. Keep these tips in mind, and always hire a professional dock construction company for all maintenance tasks.

Seal and stain the wood from professionals every few years to protect it from water damage and UV rays.
Cleaning Composite Decking ( For composite decking)
Regularly inspect your dock hardware for signs of rust or corrosion.
Replace damaged or weakened components to maintain the structural integrity of the dock.

Conclusion

Building a dock on the lake is a rewarding dock-building project, but it requires careful planning from professionals and the right materials to ensure long-term success. Whether you go for a floating dock or a stationary dock, the key is to use the most durable materials like composite decking, pressure-treated wood, aluminum docks, and high-quality boat dock hardware.

By hiring an experienced dock constructor, understanding what materials are needed to install a lake boat dock, and following the right approach, you can have a sturdy dock for your boat that will serve your boating and recreational needs for years to come.

Foothills Docks: Expert Dock Builders with 20+ Years of Experience on Upstate Lakes

At Foothills Docks, we bring over 20 years of experience in contracting for a local dock company on the upstate lakes, having assembled and installed more than 1,500 docks. We are well-versed in the unique needs of Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell and are proud to be listed as knowledgeable contractors with Duke Energy.

We also assist you in the permitting process with Duke Energy, ensuring our dock designs are stamped and approved by engineering teams. As a family-owned business, we are super happy and proud of our craftsmanship, which is backed by our experience as a South Carolina licensed home builder and custom dock fabricator.

Get in touch with us for expert dock services, including dock construction, fabrication, manufacturing, installation, and custom dock building.

With a combined 55+ years of experience among our employees, we are committed to delivering the highest-quality docks. Call us today to learn more about us!