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Building The Perfect Floating Dock: A 4-Point Checklist

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If you're looking to build a floating dock on a nearby lake, river, or another waterway, then you're in luck. This article will walk you through the four crucial steps that every aspiring dock builder should consider when constructing their perfect floating dock.  

Continue reading to learn more about diving into the wonderful world of dock building.

Choose Your Materials Wisely

The first step in building a floating dock is to select the right materials for your project. What type of wood do you want to use? Will it be pressure treated? And what about your hardware?

Make sure you choose materials that are able to withstand rotting and rusting from prolonged exposure to water and salt air. Remember, your dock will be exposed to the elements, so you'll want tough and durable materials. Plus, the right materials will help to keep your dock looking great and functioning properly for years to come.

Analyze Your Waterway

Once you've chosen your materials, it's time to analyze your waterway. Identify any potential hazards like shallow areas, strong currents, wind gusts, obstacles in the way of launching or docking, etc. You want to ensure that your dock is safe and secure so it can withstand the elements.

Shallow areas can be tricky, especially if there is a need to anchor the dock. It's important to keep any anchors away from shallow areas, so they don't get stuck in the mud. Also, consider building a dock that can float in deeper water. This will help ensure that your dock won't bottom out when the tide is low.

Get the Right Measurements

Once you select your materials, it's time to measure them out and ensure they fit together correctly. Take into consideration how much weight your dock will need to support, as this will influence how large or small each piece needs to be.

For instance, if you're planning to have a large number of people on the dock at any given time, then it may need thicker boards or larger pieces. These thicker boards will also help protect your dock from waves and other issues that are out of your control.

Additionally, if there are any bends or curves in the dock design, make sure those measurements are accurate as well so that everything fits together seamlessly once assembled. This way, you won't have any gaps or weak points in the dock that can cause it to fail over time.

Assemble With Care

The final step is assembling the pieces together with care and precision. Be sure to secure each piece tightly in place so that nothing comes loose over time due to wear and tear from being exposed to water or harsh weather conditions.

If necessary, use extra screws or bolts for added security where needed. For instance, adding extra screws or bolts in areas that will see a lot of foot traffic or heavy use can be helpful. This will ensure your dock stands up against the elements and remains safe and secure for years to come. 

Contact a local floating deck builder to learn more. 


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