How Much Does It Cost to Build a Dock?

The cost to build a dock will depend largely on the size of your dock and the type of materials you choose to use. Your dock type and the location of your dock will also influence your overall costs.

As you plan for a custom dock installation, here are a few factors to consider when developing your budget.

Average Dock Costs

On average, most docks cost between $15-$40 per square foot to build. That generally equates to just under a few thousand dollars for a very budget dock to roughly $30,000 on the higher end. The best-of-the-best docks can push $70k.

Dock Cost by Type

Dock types include floating, piling, pipe, roll-in, and crib, among others. The type of dock you install will depend on your needs, geography and if they will remain in the water year-round. Pipe-leg docks are among the most common dock type and run generally $20-$40 per square foot.

Dock Cost by Material

The materials you choose will have a big impact on overall dock aesthetics and durability. Certain materials like wood require more maintenance than decks made of composite, vinyl and no-maintenance aluminum. While the upfront cost for material like wood may be cheaper, the ongoing effort and expense it takes to maintain may not be worth the savings. As you assess material costs, it’s important to consider the trade-off between price and longevity.

Labor Costs for Dock Installation

Dock installation is a labor-intensive project, and it’s one you want done correctly. Labor costs can amount to nearly half of your overall quoted project. Be sure to understand the breakdown of labor and material costs when reviewing your estimate.

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; you bring the installer.
• DIFM (Do It For Me) – We bring the dock, hardware, and installer. RDS partners with many dock builders and installers around the country. 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.

Other Cost Considerations

In addition to labor and material costs, you should also factor in your shoreline property’s location and if any groundwork will need to be done prior to installation. Deep or rocky terrain is more challenging than shallow water that’s easy to dig in. You should also check to see what permits are required to build your dock.

For a more accurate cost estimate to build your dock, fill out our custom dock form. At RDS Dock Hardware, we’ve been designing long-lasting dock systems in the U.S. since 1986 and can help you get started with yours today.