Dock Guides

Simple Dock Upgrades for Improved Enjoyment and Functionality
Simple Dock Upgrades for Improved Enjoyment and Functionality
Docks take a beating. There’s no just getting around it, and without routine maintenance and some general “freshening up” from time to time, your dock may become dilapidated and potentially... Read more...
Your Summer Dock Maintenance Checklist
Your Summer Dock Maintenance Checklist
When we talk about dock maintenance, it often falls within the same breath as “end of season” or “pre-season,” but maintenance - even in the middle of peak summer usage... Read more...
Dock Safety Best Practices
Dock Safety Best Practices
Dock safety should be one of the most important criteria you factor into your custom dock design. Anytime you’re near the water, you simply have to prioritize it. A simple... Read more...
Building a Custom Dock That’s Accessible for All
Building a Custom Dock That’s Accessible for All
Residential docks are not always the most stable - or accessible. Even with the best cross-bracing techniques and sturdiest dock piling, docks are susceptible to wobbles, bobbles and movement of... Read more...
How Many Side Brackets Do You Need for Your Dock?
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... Read more...
What Should You Do With Your Dock at Shore?
What Should You Do With Your Dock at Shore?
Whether floating or stationary, docks bridge the distance between your shoreline and waterfront experience. To ensure safety and stability - and to prevent an errant dock from floating away! -... Read more...
How Long Should Dock Pipe Legs Be?
How Long Should Dock Pipe Legs Be?
Planning and designing a custom dock requires some forethought and precision. Once you have a good understanding of your shoreline conditions and how you intend to use the dock, it’s... Read more...
How Do You Attach a Ramp to a Floating Dock?
How Do You Attach a Ramp to a Floating Dock?
Connecting a ramp or gangway to your floating dock is a relatively simple DIY project as long as you have the correct dock hardware and tools. As always, take appropriate... Read more...
What to Look for When Choosing Dock Cleats
What to Look for When Choosing Dock Cleats
As you create your custom dock design, an important accessory to consider is dock cleats. If you plan to anchor watercraft of any kind to your dock, you’ll need a... Read more...
Considerations When Installing a Dock Bench
Considerations When Installing a Dock Bench
Depending on the size of your dock, you may have room for additional dock accessories to enhance your use and enjoyment of the shoreline. Once such accessory is a dock... Read more...
How to Install a Dock Ladder
How to Install a Dock Ladder
Dock ladders are an essential dock accessory if you or your family and friends plan to spend any time in the water as they make getting in and out of... Read more...
What Accessories Do You Need for Your Custom Dock?
What Accessories Do You Need for Your Custom Dock?
Designing a custom dock is the perfect way to create a waterfront experience that is both functional and suited to your aesthetic. But whether you choose a floating or stationary... Read more...
Floating or Stationary? Which Dock is Right for You?
Floating or Stationary? Which Dock is Right for You?
Floating docks and stationary docks both offer advantages to property owners looking to enhance their shoreline, yet they are different in some key ways. Read on to explore the features... Read more...
How Expensive is it to Build a Dock?
How Expensive is it to Build a Dock?
Budgeting for a custom dock should be one of the first steps you take on your road to design and installation. Having clear expectations about cost and what you can... Read more...
How Hard is it to DIY Your Dock Installation?
How Hard is it to DIY Your Dock Installation?
Planning and design is one part of creating a custom dock. Then there’s installation. Working in water poses unique challenges and requires some specialty skills and tools, but if you... Read more...
Where to Start When Building a Custom Dock
Where to Start When Building a Custom Dock
The off-season is an opportune time to consider your dock design goals. If you can’t be on the water, you may as well dream about being on the water! And... Read more...
Practical Considerations When Selecting Dock Materials
Practical Considerations When Selecting Dock Materials
Building a custom dock is all about dreaming up the perfect waterfront structure to meet your needs and goals. And while it’s a time to consider even the wildest possibilities,... Read more...
Eco-Friendly Dock Construction Materials
Eco-Friendly Dock Construction Materials
Sustainable dock design is a priority for many waterfront property owners, yet it can be challenging to know the best ways to approach a custom construction. Below, we’ll offer some... Read more...
The Advantages of Using Aluminum for Dock Construction
The Advantages of Using Aluminum for Dock Construction
The materials you select for your custom dock will have a huge impact on its durability, maintenance and longevity. You want to give careful thought to your priorities before going... Read more...
A Guide to Choosing the Right Materials for Your Dock
A Guide to Choosing the Right Materials for Your Dock
There are a few major decisions you’ll have to make when it comes to creating a custom dock for your waterfront property. Choosing the right materials is one of them.... Read more...
How to Build a Custom Dock When You Have Challenging Shoreline Conditions
How to Build a Custom Dock When You Have Challenging Shoreline Conditions
While we wish all shorelines would be host to the perfect environment for your custom dock, the reality is many seafloors are rocky, muddy or marshy, or the shoreline experiences... Read more...
Tips for Building a Sustainable Custom Dock
Tips for Building a Sustainable Custom Dock
Building a sustainable dock design requires you to consider a few elements. One is the dock materials themselves. Another is how the dock’s construction and everyday use will be mindful... Read more...
What To Do if You Have a Wobbly Dock?
What To Do if You Have a Wobbly Dock?
If your dock suffers from wobbly dock syndrome, it should be fixed right away. A wobbly dock can be a safety hazard and compromise the structural integrity of the entire... Read more...
Important Design Considerations When Building a Custom Dock
Important Design Considerations When Building a Custom Dock
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of custom dock design is just that - it’s custom. The sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can create, although there... Read more...
How Long Does a Wood Dock Last?
How Long Does a Wood Dock Last?
The lifespan of a wood dock can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of wood used, the quality of construction, local climate, level of maintenance, and the... Read more...
Anatomy of a Boat Dock
Anatomy of a Boat Dock
There are numerous boat dock design options - from floating docks to wood and metal docks, large and small docks, and everything in between. Whether you choose to install a... Read more...
How Do You Install Dock Posts in Water?
How Do You Install Dock Posts in Water?
A strong, sturdy dock starts with strong, sturdy piling. If you’re installing a new pipe-leg or wood-leg dock frame, it’s imperative that you correctly install your dock posts. Dock pilings... Read more...
What are Metal Docks Made of?
What are Metal Docks Made of?
Boat docks come in a variety of materials with wood, steel and aluminum being the most common. If you’re interested in pursuing a custom metal dock , there are some... Read more...
What are the Poles that Hold up a Dock Called?
What are the Poles that Hold up a Dock Called?
Just like any industry, the dock industry has its own set of vocabulary used to describe various parts of a dock. For those new to dock design , it can... Read more...
How Do You Secure a Dock Ramp to the Shore?
How Do You Secure a Dock Ramp to the Shore?
Varying shoreline conditions mean you often need to make some modifications to your dock design in order to create a safe and functional dock. For many owners, this includes adding... Read more...
How is a Dock Anchored?
How is a Dock Anchored?
Different dock systems require different anchoring methods to secure them to the seafloor or shoreline. The method you use to anchor your dock will depend on your waterfront conditions, the... Read more...
How Do You Tie a Floating Dock to the Shore?
How Do You Tie a Floating Dock to the Shore?
The very nature of floating dock systems is that they float. The beauty of them is that you don’t have to worry about fluctuating water levels or the depth of... Read more...
What Happens if You Leave a Dock in Over Winter?
What Happens if You Leave a Dock in Over Winter?
Love it or hate it, winter is on its way. That means now is the time to make a plan for your dock. For some dock owners, you may be... Read more...
What Should I Do with My Dock During the Winter?
What Should I Do with My Dock During the Winter?
For many dock owners, the view out their home’s window looks a whole lot different in January than it does in July. And while we may not want to think... Read more...
Can I Leave My Dock in Water Over the Winter?
Can I Leave My Dock in Water Over the Winter?
Whether or not you should leave your boat dock in water over the winter will depend on a few factors, but climate is the biggest one. If you live in... Read more...
How Do You Winterize a Boat Dock?
How Do You Winterize a Boat Dock?
Seasonal changes can have a big impact on our properties and boat docks are no different. Anything that’s out in the elements must be durably built, but just because a... Read more...
What Do You Do with Docks in the Winter?
What Do You Do with Docks in the Winter?
As the weather begins to turn, inevitably we must think about winter. Like it or not, the chill of winter will be here before we know it and that means... Read more...
How Do You Store an Aluminum Dock for the Winter?
How Do You Store an Aluminum Dock for the Winter?
Aluminum is one of the most durable dock decking and hardware materials , but even it cannot evade ice’s powerful strength. To ensure that your aluminum dock is protected during... Read more...
How Do I Protect My Dock from Ice?
How Do I Protect My Dock from Ice?
Ice can be a stealthy foe for dock owners. Though it may look innocent enough - in fact, quite charming, really, in the idyllic winter months - it can cause... Read more...
How Do You Store Your Dock for the Winter?
How Do You Store Your Dock for the Winter?
It’s hard to believe the summer boating season has come and gone. Hopefully, you, your family and friends have made many good memories out on the water this year. Now,... Read more...
Maximizing Your Dock's Lifespan: End-of-Season Preventative Maintenance Tips
Maximizing Your Dock's Lifespan: End-of-Season Preventative Maintenance Tips
As summer comes to a close, the fall checklist begins. One area you shouldn’t forget to include in your list of to-dos is end-of-season dock maintenance. While it can be... Read more...
How to Choose the Right Dock Floats for Your Waterfront Property
How to Choose the Right Dock Floats for Your Waterfront Property
Floating docks are popular for many residential waterfront properties because of their versatility, relative ease of maintenance and cost-effectiveness. If you plan to install a floating dock, you’ll need to... Read more...
Eco-Friendly Docking Solutions: How to Build a Sustainable Dock
Eco-Friendly Docking Solutions: How to Build a Sustainable Dock
Waterfront properties offer unmatched views, recreational opportunities and a chance to connect with nature. If you're fortunate enough to own shoreline property, building a dock can further enhance your experience... Read more...
The Importance of Dock Safety: Best Practices for All Users
The Importance of Dock Safety: Best Practices for All Users
Anytime you’re near the water, it’s imperative to prioritize safety. This includes when you’re on a dock. A simple slip and fall while walking to your boat can lead to... Read more...
DIY vs. Professional Dock Installation: What You Need to Know
DIY vs. Professional Dock Installation: What You Need to Know
We won’t beat around the bush. Custom dock installation is a big job, but if you have the skills and know-how to do it, it certainly can be a DIY... Read more...
Must-Have Dock Accessories for Your New Dock Design
Must-Have Dock Accessories for Your New Dock Design
The options are endless when it comes to custom dock design. Chances are good that if you can dream it, you can likely build it with a little ingenuity (and... Read more...
The Pros and Cons of Different Dock Materials: Which is Right for You?
The Pros and Cons of Different Dock Materials: Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right materials for your dock comes down to a matter of preference in terms of aesthetics, maintenance, cost and longevity. With a wide variety of options available, it... Read more...
5 Common Dock Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
5 Common Dock Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Owning a dock can provide endless hours of entertainment - from swimming and fishing to boating and lounging and more. Yet owning a private dock also comes with maintenance responsibilities... Read more...
How Do I Choose Between a Floating or Stationary Dock?
How Do I Choose Between a Floating or Stationary Dock?
Choosing between a floating dock versus a stationary dock requires you to think through a few variables, including how you intend to use the dock and what the conditions of... Read more...
How Do I Anchor a Dock to Keep it Stable?
How Do I Anchor a Dock to Keep it Stable?
If you suffer from wobbly dock syndrome or want to improve the stability of your floating dock, there’s one simple strategy you should use to anchor your dock. Read on... Read more...