16th October, 2020

How To Determine What Type of Dock You Need

Since there are different climates, shorelines, and bodies of water, there are also different docks adapted to survive in them. When building a new dock, there are therefore multiple considerations you should make so that it will provide the functionality you want from it. Learn how to determine what type of dock you need by ruminating over the details that we outline.

Know Local Regulations

Many areas will have local regulations that govern the kind of docks you can construct on the water. The laws may limit the size of your dock or how much it touches the bottom of the body of water in question. These are usually meant to protect the water, shore, and flora and fauna from destructive disturbances. Naturally, you should find out what rules you must follow so that you do not need to restart a dock-building project and face fines. You may call your state’s Department of Natural Resources and your local government to do so. Asking the real estate agent associated with the property or nearby neighbors can also give you insight into what types of docks are okay.

Think of Your Location

You want your dock to last a long time, so you should think of your location as a part of how you determine what type of dock you need. Look at the nature of your shoreline and figure out what docks you cannot put there. This will help you to narrow down your list of options. As an example, a sandy shore that is relatively level can support a dock on its surface; you don’t need to drill the ramp into the ground. Conversely, a shore with a stone wall requires that you firmly secure your dock with metal base plates. You should also think about the rise and fall of the water level throughout the year. A floating or removable dock will be better suited to substantial annual changes.

Consider Maintenance Needs

It’s important to consider the amount of maintenance that you must carry out for your dock as well. A removable dock that you can wheel out of the water when you aren’t using it may not need as much attention as one that is constantly in contact with the water. The dock’s material also makes a large difference on maintenance needs. Plastic lumber and other plastic building materials usually do not need much more than an occasional scrubbing or pressure wash. The same goes for aluminum, which does not rust, and steel, which manufacturers can galvanize to resist the damaging effects of water. Wood is the material that calls for the most work, as you must periodically reapply stains or seals to protect it from moisture and sunlight.

To create a dock that will remain strong through changing outdoor conditions, you could use the plastic structural lumber that Tangent Materials offers. Call us to find out more about our products and the unique qualities they have.