Picking a Dock System
A good dock starts with a good frame, but choosing the right dock system for your waterfront property might feel easier said than done. Fear not! We’ll help you assess what you need to know as you choose the right dock system for your shoreline needs.
Dock Frame Considerations
Equip your dock system with a durable frame and you will have a long-lasting dock you can enjoy for years to come. When choosing the type of materials for your frame, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Ease of use – How easily can you transport the frame in and out of the water? In cooler climates, you’ll want to winterize your dock so installing a system that makes this as easy as possible will save you some time and effort come fall and spring.
- Dock size – Larger docks will require a more substantial frame. As you select your dock hardware kit, consider the number of sets you’ll need. Our standard kits include 2 sets or 4 sets of the dock base, trim caps, side brackets and mounting hardware. For longer docks, it’s also a good idea to install cross braces.
- Materials – Your dock will take a beating. Make sure the materials you use for your dock frame can withstand marine elements. We recommend durable materials like zinc alloy and solid-cast aluminum because of their superior ability to resist corrosion, as well as their strength and reliability. We also offer 4×4 wood base hardware kits if you choose to use 4×4 wooden legs for support.
- Decking compatibility – Lastly, you want your dock frame to be compatible with different decking materials. Consider if you will be using pipe legs or wooden legs as you select your hardware kit. Then also consider your decking options, which include western red cedar, Brazilian hardwoods, SureStep™, composites, vinyl, and no-maintenance aluminum.
For help designing your dock, check out our dock design options. We also custom-build aluminum frames to fit your desired dock configurations. If you have questions about installing a dock, please get in touch with us at RDS Dock Hardware.
