Did you purchase a lake house? You know what would increase its value and give you additional space to have fun with your family and friends ― a dock.
Building a dock is quite expensive. It’s an investment that requires much thought because it costs thousands of dollars and, depending on the construction material you choose, the hassle of maintenance.
The average cost of building a boat dock is $17,000. On the lower end, a dock costs $4,000, and more than $30,000 on the high end. The cost is calculated based on per linear foot, which is $100 ($15 to $20 per square foot).
Breaking Down the Cost
Constructing a dock does not just involve buying some wood planks and nails. Many other things are required, such as pilings, ramps, ladders, cleats, bumpers, etc. The total cost can rise up quickly and get out of hand. Some companies offer do-it-yourself dock kits with the parts and clear instructions on assembling them.
However, if you plan to build the dock by yourself, here’s what the separate parts will cost you:
- Piling: $20 – $40 per foot
- Drums or Floats: $75 – $400 per piece
- Ladder: $100 – $600
- Bumper: $50 – $100 per piece
- Ramp: $500 – $1,000 (The price might increase depending on the material you choose)
- Decking: $15 – $65 per square foot (The price might increase depending on the material you choose)
- Boat Lift: $1,000 – $20,000
- Mooring Whips: $300 – $500 per piece
- Boathouse: $10,000 – $50,000
*These prices may vary if you decide to get a floating dock.
Dock Material Cost
| Material | Cost/Sqft. (Including Labor) |
| Plastic | $15 to $60 |
| Pine | $15 to $50 |
| Cedar | $20 to $60 |
| Pressure Treated | $20 to $70 |
| Vinyl | $20 to $70 |
| Aluminum | $25 to $75 |
| Synthetic Wood | $90 to $175 |
| Hardwood | $30 to $90 |
| Concrete | $200 to $500 |
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most expensive docking materials. Most homeowners choose it because it lasts for decades and requires 0% maintenance compared to other materials.
A concrete dock is a free-floating dock placed on joists to keep it steady. The material can be painted in any color and designed for aesthetics. The only drawback of this material is that it gets very hot in summer.
It is still a better option than wood, which is vulnerable to mold and mildew, absorbs water, and, if not maintained, rots quickly. The initial cost of a wood dock might be low, but in the long run, it is quite high due to the fact that it needs to be sealed regularly.
One of the biggest benefits of having a concrete dock is that it is not made with any chemical preservatives, which means it is not toxic to aquatic life. Hence, many port authorities recommend a concrete dock for public marinas.
In conclusion, concrete is the most durable dock material. Though expensive, it is the best option for commercial and residential applications.
Visit the EZ Dock Texas website to contact professional boat dock builders. The company also offers do-it-yourself dock kits. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
