Know How To Build Your Own Floating Dock

Do you know the difference between piling and floating docks? Which one will be easiest to maintain and the most cost effective? If you don't want to deal with the headache of installing posts for a piling dock and you don't have the budget for a stone-anchored crib dock, then it would be best to consider a floating dock.

1. Before You Build

Floating docks are affordable - between $25 and $30 per square foot - can be easily built by DIY-ers and hobbyists. They're best for smaller boats, such as those used for fishing, and they can adjust to water rising and falling (unlike a stationary dock).

2. Materials You Will Need

Before you cook, you make sure you have all of the ingredients to make the recipe, right? It's the same with a DIY floating dock. Before you begin building, you'll need to make sure you have a nail gun, a wrench, a saw, and a drill at the very least. You'll also need wood for the frame and dock floats to install underneath the structure.

3. The Building Process

It sounds counterintuitive, but because you'll be installing the floats on the underside of the dock, you'll build it upside down. You'll first need to measure the area for your dock and allot enough lumber to build a frame. After doing so, you'll install the dock floats inside the frame. Flip the dock over (asking for help if you need it to prevent injury) and make sure everything is secure before building the deck on the other side.

4. Finishing The Project

Now that you've built the frame and installed the dock floats on its underside, it's time to build the deck - the part you'll walk on to get to your boat. This part is easier because it simply involves nailing sturdy deck boards to the frame.

5. After You Build

After your dock is complete, you'll want to test it out by walking on it on dry land to make sure each board is securely fastened. When you're ready, push it out into the water and secure it to the shore: this is where you'll want to use a couple of pilings to make sure it doesn't float away.

Building your own dock sounds like a big undertaking, but it's actually quite affordable and it can make for a fun DIY project. Contact us today to learn more about the process and materials used in building your own dock!