Different Dock Materials. You can choose from a large variety of materials to build your boat dock. Whether you are designing a boat dock or replacing your existing boat dock with a new one, you need to think carefully about all the different dock materials available for building boat docks and floating docks. The common factors to examine include durability, initial cost, maintenance, and damage risk. The following is a list of materials you can choose from:
1. Wood Boat Docks
We love the natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance of wood docks. What we don’t life is its variable lifespan, continuous maintenance, limited safety risks, and cost. The cost of wood boat docks varies and depends on the wood you choose.
It also depends on the size of the boat dock. Synthetic wood is just as expensive as pressure-treated wood. If you have a wood boat dock, maintain it to increase its lifespan. Wood boat docks are also susceptible to insect attacks such as Powerpost beetles, termites, and carpenter bees.
Wood boat docks exposed to rain and saltwater will degrade and rot over time. You will need to paint and seal your boat dock continuously. Components of pressure-treated wood require constant maintenance to prevent it from degrading.
After every 2 to 3 years, you will need to refinish your wood dock. Replacing dry and rotted wood is inexpensive. Spotting the damage earlier can save you money, as you can use a wood filler to repair small pitted holes and minimal rotting.
Dark-colored wood will absorb more heat, making it difficult to walk on it bare feet. Splintering can cause injury and result in an infection. You will need to sand the wood down to remove splinters. If you maintain it well, it can last for 20 years.
2. Aluminum Boat Docks
Interlocking edges used to create aluminum boat docks create a gapless and watertight seal. Since they are pre-built, they cost more than other materials used for building floating docks. They are more durable than wood boat docks and are four times lighter and three times stronger than wood boat docks. This material will not rust but corrode.
The corrosion process prevents it from rusting. This can compromise the boat dock’s structural integrity. Corrosion will cause your boat dock to appear dull. You may start seeing lime and calcium deposits, including water stains.
You will need to pressure wash your entire dock to remove them. Although your boat will not damage the material, it can damage your boat. There is also no need for routine maintenance. You can expand, remove, and rearrange aluminum dock floats. They have a lifespan of over 30 years.
3. Plastic Boat Docks
Plastic boat docks are a durable and innovative alternative to wood and aluminum boat docks. They are affordable and easy to install. They offer the longevity and durability of aluminum boat docks, but without the hefty price tag. You can replace a damaged section of the plastic dock instead of replacing the entire structure.
You can clean it with plain soap and water and use cleaning solutions to remove stains. They will not damage your boat, as plastic floating docks rise and fall with the water. You can add fenders during hurricane season for additional protection.
They require fewer repairs and are a much better investment than the wood and aluminum docks. You can use it for various water activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. They are eco-friendly and will not contaminate the surface, water, and boat dock. They are made from polythene material with molded and recyclable couplers that will not damage the environment.
If the first two options did not appeal to you, but the last option was a hit with you, Contact EZ Dock Texas at 800-654-8168 for a quote if you reside in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico.
