What You Need to Know to Build a Custom Dock : Part II – Design
Building a custom dock is a multi-phased process. First, there’s preparation, planning and design. Then, you need to source your materials. Lastly, you need to construct and install the dock.
In part one of this blog series on building a custom dock, we discussed several factors to consider before starting your dock project. In this post, we’ll discuss design variables to think through as you plan your perfect dock.
Designing Your Custom Dock
Building a dock is similar to constructing a traditional deck off the water, but there are other marine-specific variables you need to consider. In terms of dock design, the shape, height and footings are good places to start.
- Dock shape – Consider your shoreline, its demands, and your purpose for the dock. While standard dock configurations include straight, L- or T-shape dock designs, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and design something that is both functional for your needs as well as aesthetically pleasing. Modern dock designs come in all different shapes and angles.
- Dock height – Determining your dock height will require you to take some accurate measurements. You want your dock to be far enough above the waterline to minimize damage but not so far above the water that it becomes difficult to get in and out of your boat or access the water for swimming and fishing. Your dock height will also influence the type of dock hardware you buy and is an important design variable to account for in your planning.
- Pipe base and footings – Securely grounding your dock should also be evaluated during design. Knowing whether the lake bottom is soft versus rocky will help you determine the appropriate pipe base for your dock design and construction. Your shoreline conditions can also tell you if you’ll need to stabilize your dock with cross braces.
You want your dock design to be strong and sturdy while also being fully functional for your needs. At RDS Dock Hardware, we can help you evaluate all design possibilities and match appropriate materials and hardware for long-lasting dock durability. Get in touch with us to learn more.
