Do you have a lake house? If you plan to build a boat dock for it, you probably ask yourself which material to choose: Wood or aluminum?
A great boating adventure starts at the dock. When getting one, you need to consider plenty of things, such as your budget, the lake’s depth, aesthetics, etc. While choosing a design is easy, the real battle is finalizing a material. Look at the benefits they offer, your lake’s bed, and the shoreline before making a decision. There are a couple more options, such as PVC, composite, etc.
However, wood and aluminum are the best, not to mention the most common. Let’s take a look at their characteristics to help you decide which one you should choose:
Wooden Dock
Affordability
Most lake house owners prefer a wooden dock because of its affordable market value. It is available in two types: untreated and treated. The latter will cost you more because it comes sealed and lasts longer than the former. The decking makes up around 50% of the docking system.
Maintenance
A wooden dock requires regular maintenance. It needs to be sealed annually to ensure it stays water and mold-proof. In extreme weather conditions, wood fades, splinters, and breaks.
Durability
A wooden dock lasts around 15 to 20 years. The only hassle is its maintenance, which, as we mentioned, is costly and time-consuming.
Aesthetic Appeal
Lazy days, lying in the sun and working on your tan — it’s the perfect afternoon every person wishes to spend on a Sunday. Hence, the beauty of a wooden dock is unbeatable! It’s the one-boat dock type that is shown in magazines.
Aluminum Dock
Affordability
Aluminum docks are expensive. However, their high price is worth the durability and strength they offer.
Maintenance
Aluminum docks do not require much maintenance. In fact, all you need is a bucket of water and a mop. Simply clean the surface, and you are done.
Durability
Aluminum is the most durable material, immune to problems, including splintering, warping, and molding. It might develop a little rust, but nothing that cannot be fixed with a marine-grade cleaner.
Aesthetic Appeal
The Aluminum dock is lightweight and can be removed during winter. Since the chemical treatment given to wood affects marine life, aluminum is a much more environmentally friendly option. Moreover, you can paint aluminum to give it a unique look.
In conclusion, choosing a docking material depends on how often you plan boating. Other than this, aluminum is a high-quality option because it requires minimum maintenance. Isn’t that one of the biggest pet peeves of lake house owners – spending hours sweeping, brushing, and scrubbing their dock? Aluminum eliminates the need to get down on your knees and ensures your boat dock is clean.
EZ Dock Texas offers boat docks in various quality materials and designs, including floating docks, PWC ports, etc. Check out their blog to learn about boats, docks, and accessories. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
