When you build a custom dock, you must give equal consideration to both the frame and decking. Without a solid frame, you won’t have a solid dock. Because the frame will be partially submerged in water, you also need to ensure it is made of durable material that can handle nature’s extremes.
What to Know About Dock Frames
Among the most durable dock materials is aluminum. It’s extremely low maintenance, and it won’t rot, twist or warp. At RDS Dock Hardware, we use marine-grade 535 aluminum alloy in our dock components, which allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising performance.
Should You Go Standard or Custom?
No two lakefronts are the same, and no two docks should have to be either. If a standard frame size fits your needs, then, by all means, go for it. Typical standard sizes for dock frames include
- 4’x10’
- 4’x8’
- 6’x10’
- 5’x10’
If you need something custom, however, just gather your desired length and width measurements, and we will custom build an aluminum frame for you.
Aluminum frames are lightweight and easy to transport in and out of the water, which is especially nice when it’s time to winterize your dock. Our frames utilize a box-style extrusion so that we can weld around the entire corner of the frame. We use two stringers to reduce deck bounce and increase strength. We also add a cross piece to increase stability and ensure dimensional uniformity.
If you have questions about dock frame design or accessories, get in touch with us at RDS Dock Hardware. We’re happy to answer your questions and provide a free custom quote on a new dock design.