How Many Side Brackets Do You Need for Your Dock?

Side brackets are used on custom dock designs to build out the frame of your dock. Side brackets are height-adjustable meaning you can position the posts to their ideal height before securely clamping your pipe or wood legs in place with the bracket hardware.

The size and shape of your dock, as well as the conditions of your shoreline, will dictate how many side brackets you need for your dock. Here are some other factors to consider.

Where Do You Use Side Brackets?

Side brackets are used at the beginning of the dock, the end of the dock, or to join two dock frames together. They are connected to the outside of the stationary dock frame. Typically you’ll need four legs – and thus four side brackets – per dock section depending on the size of the dock.

What Type of Side Bracket Do You Need?

When choosing side brackets, you must first consider if you will be building a pipe- or wood-leg dock. Pipe side brackets come in 1.5” and 2” diameter. Wood-side brackets accommodate 4×4 wood posts. At your dock’s corners, you will also need pipe or wood corner brackets. Lastly, to secure the dock to the seafloor, be sure also to purchase the accompanying 4×4 wood or pipe-leg base dock hardware.

What Material Should Side Brackets Be Made Of?

All dock hardware should be made of rust-resistant material. At RDS Dock Hardware, our side brackets are made of solid-cast aluminum and manufactured to withstand all weather elements including freshwater and saltwater marine conditions. Using the best materials will ensure your dock continues to perform at its best for years and years to come.

To learn more about dock design and dock hardware options, give our team at RDS Dock Hardware a call. We can help you design an effective dock system for your needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more.