If you have recently picked up boating, you probably don’t know how important a dock is. It offers various benefits, such as securing your boat, easy boarding, and extra space for leisure activities. Many types of docks exist, but the two most popular ones are fixed and floating. A few factors you must consider when choosing a dock include shape, configuration, material, and size. The average cost of a boat dock is between $7,000 and $25,000.
The best thing about docks is that they can be fully customized. You can furnish it with sofa seats and a grill for Sunday BBQs, a diving board for swimming, and a shed to store floaties for parties. Regarding a floating dock, the price is much less, around $15,000, because it does not involve any complex construction. The more add-ons, the pricier the dock will be.
However, we are talking about the initial construction cost, which usually depends on the material.
Maintenance – The Key to Lower Your Dock’s Long-Term Cost
The most common decking material is wood. It gives that age-old look that most homeowners like. Moreover, the beauty of wood is unbeatable, but the type of wood you choose decides how much you will pay upfront and the ongoing maintenance cost.
Softwood vs. Hardwood
Softwood is light in weight, and as the name says, it’s soft, making it easier to drill, cut and install. The most common softwood decking option is red cedar. Softwood is quite cheap but an eye-catching material. Its only disadvantage is that it won’t last more than 10 years if left untreated.
On the other hand, hardwood is quite expensive and denser than softwood. The tannins and oil present in hardwood protect it from decay and insects. However, it requires the same level of maintenance and care as softwood, making it more expensive. On the plus side, a hardwood dock will last for 40 years.
Aluminum
If you think you won’t be able to take care of a wood dock, the next best option is aluminum. Though it’s more expensive than softwood but less than hardwood, it’s worth buying! Aluminum does not require maintenance because it doesn’t twist, decay, rot, rust, or warp.
Nowadays, most marinas have an aluminum dock because it lasts longer and has a warranty. It comes with a powder coat that helps preserve the paint and prevents fading. The only downside of an aluminum dock is that it will get hot in summer if you buy low-quality material.
In conclusion, any wood you choose will present problems if not sealed yearly. On the other hand, aluminum will be worth the money if you are not too concerned about aesthetics. Other deck materials, such as PVC, composite, treated wood, and modified wood, are not long-lasting. They crack and splinter easily. Moreover, the latter wood docks contain toxic chemicals hazardous to aquatic life.
Visit the EZ Dock Texas website and browse their boat dock and rental options. The company offers maintenance-free docks for residential, commercial, and government applications. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
