A lakefront home feels incomplete without a dock. A well-built dock is a valuable and versatile addition, which provides boat enthusiasts the perfect place to tie their jet skis and boats. Another great thing about a dock is that it’s the perfect platform for throwing a party.
How valuable your boat dock is, depends on who builds it. Luckily, many companies now offer DIY dock kits to give boat enthusiasts a chance to put their handyman skills to use.
Should you build a dock on your own? Should you buy the materials separately or use a DIY kit?
Let’s find out:
A helpful dock is better than an attractive one that is inadequate and unsafe. Hence, tackling this project with planning and great care is essential.
When deciding which route to take, be honest: How good are you with tools?
Combined with your skills, you can easily build a dock if your lake’s water depth and shoreline are amenable. However, if the bottom is soft and even, and the water level does not stay the same, you will have trouble getting things in place.
One of the best things about building a dock by yourself is that the up-front cost is quite low. So, we recommend getting a floating dock kit because you can modify it according to your changing needs. Moreover, you can easily take it out of the water in winter.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you have made up your mind and plan to take the DIY route, there’s one more thing you need to be aware of: Maintenance.
If you are getting a wood dock, you must seal and polish it annually to ensure it does not die due to mold. When cleaning your dock, use marine-grade solutions. These are chemical-free and don’t cause any damage to your boat dock.
Don’t forget to take before and after pictures to spot areas that need repairs. These are just some of the basic tasks that keep your dock in shape and make it last longer.
If you have the budget and choose an aluminum dock, installation and maintenance won’t be a problem. This material is lightweight and does not rust, splinter, or break. If your heart is set on wood, other durable options exist, such as hardwood, treated wood, etc. However, these are quite expensive and hard to install.
In conclusion, your handyman status helps you decide whether you can build a dock independently. Remember that this task involves picking up heavy materials and using dangerous tools. We recommend hiring a professional if you hesitate or feel you are not up to it.
EZ Dock Texas has handled several dock projects and delivered exceptional results. We are ready to take on the challenge and build your dream boat dock according to your design preferences. Our services are available for residential, commercial, and government applications. Check out our catalog to learn more about the types of docks we offer. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
