Completing a DIY Dock. As we mentioned in “Part 1” of this blog, if you have Bob-the-Builder worthy skills to build a dock, then go ahead and design your structure from scratch. However, with so many do it yourself kits available in stores, it’s quite easy to put the pieces together and then tweak your structure a little to give it a personal touch.
We have already covered the basics of building and installing a dock. Previously, we covered how to install a floating dock.
Now, let’s move on to installing standard boat docks such as a pipe dock.
How to Install a Pipe Dock
Pipe docks stand on aluminum pipes that are embedded into the lakebed. One of the best things about pipe docks is that the material used to build them makes them quite stable. Since a pipe dock is well above water, you don’t have to worry about the damage such as rot.
These docks have wheels underneath so that you can easily roll them toward your destination. Some have their major parts assembled and others are broken down into pieces and can be latched on site.
If you have room in your budget, another option that you have is to get a cantilevered system that will allow you to raise the dock onto the dry land.
Things You Need to Keep in Mind When Building a Dock
While the terrain, how you plan to use it, and the water depth of a dock are key factors that help you determine the shape and size of the dock, there are a few other things that you need to consider.
For example, if you regularly swim in your lake then it’s better to choose a “T” boat dock design. This will not only allow you to dock multiple boats but will safely tuck away the sharp corners of your watercraft.
Ideally, a floating dock should be 6 feet wide so that it offers better stability. On the other hand, standard docks can be made a bit narrower. As for the walkways, make them at least 3 feet to 4 feet wide so that people can walk past comfortably.
Framing
For the dock boards and framing, the best material is pressure-treated lumber which is not only cheap but also quite durable. However, you will have to get a permit for it. In case you decide to go with some other kind of wood, you need to apply an offcut sealant on it for protection.
Options such as cedar and composites are most commonly available. The reason people refrain from buying them is that the former needs maintenance. The latter is susceptible to hot-footing on sunny days.
This concludes all the things you will need to take care of while building a dock. Remember, if you are choosing the pipe dock, your lake needs to be shallow enough so that it doesn’t get overflowed during high tide. If you go with the floating docks, pay close attention to the buoyancy and make sure that the surface of the do it yourself dock is large enough for stability.
Have more questions? EZ Dock Texas can help. Contact us today.
