What You Need to Know to Build a Custom Dock: Part IV – Installation
After careful planning, design, and materials selection, it’s finally time to install your dock. While much of your custom dock can be assembled out of the water, you will need some specialty tools and equipment when it comes to putting your dock in the water. Below we’ll discuss what you need to know to successfully install your custom dock.
Installing Dock Footers
Depending on your dock materials and whether you’re using a pipe base or wood base, you’ll want to carefully select compatible dock hardware for your design. The 4×4 wood base will support 4×4 wood posts, whereas the pipe leg base dock hardware (which comes in different sizes) will support pipe leg docks.
Another consideration when installing your dock is the type of water bottom you have on your shoreline. For rocky lake bottoms, we recommend cutting the pipe leg at a 45-degree angle so the pipe itself is situated into the rocks. A pipe auger can be used when the subsoil is full of vegetation and organic matter. For more about building a dock with pipe legs, be sure to read this post.
DIY Installation or Hire a Professional
Dock installation requires some specialty skills and tools. If you have limited experience with building projects or limited time to do the installation yourself, it may be worth the extra money to hire a professional. Not only will they do a high-quality job that will ensure your deck lasts as long as possible but hiring out the installation can also save you time and energy.
At RDS Dock Hardware, we offer a la carte dock design and installation options to fit your needs and preferences. You can choose from the following options:
- DIY – You pick up and install your dock system.
- DIY with help – We bring (or ship) the dock and dock hardware to you; you bring the installer.
- DIFM (Do It For Me) – We bring the dock, hardware, and installer to you. RDS partners with many dock builders and installers. Our partners have years of experience and can help you determine what you need based on local laws, water structure, and any existing docking you have.
As you prepare for your custom dock project, get in touch with us at RDS Dock Hardware to ask your questions and learn more about custom dock design.
