Hiring a professional to build a dock is the best way to determine what material will suit your lakefront property best. The platform faces harsh abuse from the outside elements and takes a heavy beating from the water. Therefore, you must understand which material suits your area best.
It would be best to think about certain factors when you’re getting a new dock to ensure it’s a worthy investment, such as the material’s durability and cost. Remember, weaker materials would require more maintenance. You might save on installation upfront, but you will pay thousands of dollars on maintenance and polishing later.
The three most common docking materials include wood, PVC, and aluminum. Let’s look at their pros and cons:
Wood Dock
People prefer wood docks because of their strength and natural beauty. They are affordable and last longer. Although there are stronger materials than wood, they do not offer the same aesthetic appeal.
Pros
Affordable Initial Investment
Depending on the type of wood you choose and its finish, the price of a wood dock can vary. However, the initial cost is always less compared to aluminum. The best wood type is treated wood, but its price is double than that of standard wood.
Cons
Aging
Wood is susceptible to splintering, warping, cracking, and rotting. Insects are also attracted to wood, weakening its integrity. Lastly, wood absorbs water and makes it soft in areas, increasing the chances of it collapsing under water.
Regular Maintenance
Wood requires a lot of maintenance. From regular cleaning to polishing, these steps maintain the wood’s protective seal and keep it safe from mildew. Since wood is softer than aluminum, it can be damaged by boats bumping into it and extreme weather.
Weight
Wood dock is quite heavy, making installation difficult. Hence, hiring a professional who has completed such projects is important.
PVC Dock
This is a lightweight docking option used for both stationary and floating docks. This plastic polymer is becoming quite popular because it’s a non-slippery surface and is easy to maintain.
Pros
Low Maintenance
PVC is mildew and mold-resistant. It does not fade under the sun or require repainting or staining.
Cons
Does Not Last Long
PVC docking is expensive compared to a composite material and does not last long.
Gets Hot
If you live in an area where the sun shines constantly, your PVC dock will feel too hot underfoot. Since the material is hollow, it absorbs heat and is less sturdy than a concrete dock.
Aluminum Dock
Aluminum is known for its low-maintenance feature. It is often chosen by businesses that operate by the waterfront. One of the best things about aluminum is that if you prefer its durability and wood’s aesthetic appeal, you can get it stained to resemble wood.
Pros
Does Not Decay
Aluminum is 100% safe from rot. I won’t twist or warp even if the water fluctuates and rises above the platform.
Lightweight
Aluminum is extremely lightweight. The frame can be easily modified to accommodate multiple boats.
Cons
It’s Expensive
Compared to other docking materials, aluminum is the most expensive. For maintenance, you need to apply a powder coat after some years. However, this maintenance still makes it less expensive than wood in the long run.
In conclusion, wood corrodes faster than PVC and aluminum, making it a questionable decking option. For high-quality docking options, visit the EZ Dock Texas website. The company offers different types of boat docks for residential and commercial applications. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
