When selecting a material for your boat dock, you’re likely to be presented with two choices —aluminum or steel. Both are popular options for boat docks but knowing more about them and learning the pros and cons of each can help you make the right decision.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminum Boat Docks
Following is a list of advantages and disadvantages of aluminum boat docks:
Advantages
- Lightweight and easy to install. They place less pressure on the foundation of boat docks and shorelines.
- Extremely durable. However, that is dependent on the type of material used.
- Environmentally-friendly. They can be sourced and recycled easily.
- Corrosion-resistant. They can resist rust and do not lose strength while oxidizing.
- Do not require a lot of maintenance and upkeep.
- Cool to the touch, allowing people to walk on it barefoot.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than steel boat docks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Boat Docks
Following is a list of advantages and disadvantages of steel boat docks:
Advantages
- Unmatched strength. Boat docks made from galvanized steel are superior in strength and durability; hence, making them perfect for people who use their docks regularly.
- Galvanized steel and pilings are chemically treated, not coated. Steel dock floats can last several years and even decades once installed. Weathering only affects the galvanized surface.
- Costs less than aluminum boat docks.
- Steel is less malleable than aluminum but that is not steel’s downside. Less malleability means that steel can maintain its shape better than aluminum.
Disadvantages
- Slightly shorter lifespan
- Weigh more
Which One Should You Get?
You know all the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of material for floating docks. It is pertinent that you do not make the wrong choice when settling on a material for your boat dock. Lightweight and durable aluminum boat docks are an excellent choice for waterfront properties and in areas where you need to remove your floating dock in the winter.
If you are opting for steel boat docks, choose one made from marine-grade and rust-free 6063-T6 aluminum with gusseted corners and horizontal supports. Regardless of the type of boat dock system you choose for your waterfront property, it requires proper floatation for safety and stability. Even though a boat dock with less flotation costs less, it affects the stability of the boat dock.
Steel floating docks are a good alternative to wood and aluminum dock systems. If you want to save money and at the same time, get a durable and strong boat dock, choose steel. Steel docks are easy to design and do not take a lot of time for installation. You can easily and quickly install them on a variety of different water applications.
An alternative to Aluminum or Steel boat docks is EZ Dock’s floating, modular, composite docks and accessories offer advantages like no other: unbeatable adaptability, exceptional performance in rough water, superior strength and durability, virtually no upkeep, universal accessibility, ease of installation, and more fun!
Have you made up your mind about the type of boat dock you want to install on your waterfront property? If you have, you can contact EZ Dock Texas at 800-654-8168 for a quote if you reside in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico.
