Many docks are modular and have lightweight cubes that can be easily carried to the lake or larger sections. They are anchored with concrete block anchors or chains that allow the dock to rise and fall as water levels change.
A local contractor can help you obtain the necessary permits and comply with dock restrictions. They will also be familiar with the conditions of your lake and know how to build for maximum stability. Contact Mountain Island Lake Dock Builder for professional help.
If you’re building a new dock or installing a boat lift, it’s important to mark for fasteners before starting. If you don’t, you could end up with wood slivers in your family members’ feet or, worse, a dock that wreaks havoc in the next big storm. Fortunately, it’s easy to do with simple tools.
Begin by locating an area without obstructions where you can assemble the dock. Then remove the lag bolts and pins from the EZ Port (if it’s attached to a dock section) and mark for the lag bolt holes on the concrete base. This will help ensure the EZ Port is installed correctly, and your dock will not shift over time.
Now is also a good time to check if your site is free of underground utilities. Many parts of cottage country aren’t, so take a few moments to call before digging in your yard to avoid expensive damage or even serious injury.
When you’ve done that, dig a hole for your dock pilings. If you’re using a pier style dock, your pilings should be set at least 24 inches below the bottom of the water. If you’re using a floating dock, you may be able to anchor it to the bed of your lake or river with concrete footers.
Once the pier or floating dock is secured to its foundation, it’s time to build the frame, or the horizontal structure that sits on top of the pilings. Choose a design that best suits your needs and use the appropriate materials. If you have a large dock, you’ll probably want to consider a combination of deadweight and chain anchors, which are particularly secure in windy or wavy conditions.
Once the frame is in place, you can install the decking, or surface of the dock. Then, it’s just a matter of enjoying your waterfront! To learn more about seasonal docks or any other waterfront life questions, contact a ShoreMaster dealer near you. Our experts will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you find the right solution for your needs.
Pre-Assembly
Many building contractors and DIYers are obsessed with efficiency, but when it comes to assembling docks that will spend all summer in the water, speed can result in sloppy work and shoddy results. One way to prevent this is by marking for fasteners ahead of time. The process of measuring along edges and ends of boards, then drawing pencil lines to guide the placement of nails or screws might seem like overkill, but it will pay dividends. Without it, you are likely to drive fasteners in at inconsistent intervals, which can weaken the structure and lead to rust or corrosion.
Most modular docks, such as those from Sunny Dock, are easy to install, but the same cannot be said for fixed wooden structures and certain types of permanent anchoring systems. These are typically more complex to fit and should be done by professionals.
Regardless of what type of floating dock you choose, a solid, stable base is crucial to its performance. In some cases, this means pouring a concrete pad or constructing a crib on shoreline rock. In other cases, it means installing a pipe or auger system that penetrates the lake bed and holds your dock in place. Either way, there are many options available, and you should be able to find something that fits your situation and budget.
Once you have the foundation, it’s time to get started on assembling the dock itself. Most manufacturers will provide the dock sections in a box, complete with heat-sealed parts packages, boxed and labeled accessories, printed assembly instructions and a detailed, step-by-step video walkthrough. These components and instructions are designed to make the assembly process quick, easy and fun, even for those with limited construction experience.
There is a lot of research work looking at pre-assembly in construction but it often takes the form of separate elements of much larger research projects and is often combined with other topics such as innovation or standardisation. However, it is a potentially important area of construction and further research should be encouraged especially where there is clear linkage to procurement routes and supply chain relationships.
Preparing the Site
A dock is a structure that is built in water to provide access to bodies of water for recreational and other purposes. It is a complex project that involves a number of steps to ensure safety and durability. Dock installation should be done by a professional fitter to avoid costly repairs and ensure compliance with regulations.
The first step is preparing the site. This includes ensuring that the lake bottom is stable, free of rocks and other obstructions and that the area is clear of vegetation and weeds. It is also important to consider future expansion plans and pre-plan for utilities, such as lighting and water access points. This will save time and money in the long run by implementing flexibility during construction.
Once the site is prepared, it is ready for construction to begin. The next step is constructing the dock frame. This is done by measuring the area and taking into account factors such as water depth, hazards and required access. Then, the frame is constructed using pressure-treated lumber or other deck materials and assembled with galvanized or stainless steel screws or bolts.
Next, pilings and anchors are installed to support the dock. These are typically made of concrete and driven into the lakebed, using chains or cables, to secure them. Dock accessories are then installed, such as ladders and boat cleats, and the decking is laid. Finally, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that the dock meets all applicable standards and codes.
Having the right equipment for construction is critical for speed, efficiency and safety. For example, the right power augers can make a huge difference in how quickly and easily a dock is constructed. Choosing an experienced, reliable service provider that uses well-maintained machinery will ensure that the job is completed on time and within budget. It is also important to check with local authorities to learn about any permits or restrictions on dock size, placement and use. In some cases, failure to meet these requirements could result in fines or the requirement to dismantle the dock.
Installation
Whether you’re installing a floating dock, piling dock or crib dock, proper installation is vital to ensure long-lasting performance. For example, it’s important to ensure the dock posts are secure in the ground using a pile driver (a piece of heavy equipment that applies downward force) or by encasing them in concrete footers. This also helps stabilize the dock and reduce movement in windy, wavy conditions.
Many waterfront property owners choose a floating dock configuration because it allows them to be more creative in their layout design, is easier to maintain than fixed docks and allows them to adapt to changing lake bed conditions. For NyDock floating docks, the anchors are fastened to a ramp that stays on the shore and rises and falls with changes in water levels, allowing for easy access to the dock.
Once the structure is in place, it’s time to finish off the dock with accessories and other features. These may include benches, decking, lighting and more. Most accessories can be installed as DIY projects if you’re comfortable working with tools, or your local ShoreMaster dealer can provide the help you need.
For example, a swim ladder can be attached to the dock by screwing it into a pin that is provided on each modular section of the dock. The dock’s modular design also makes it easy to remove, store and reassemble for the winter.
When it comes to maintenance, regularly check for signs of damage and corrosion both above and below the waterline. This includes examining railings for loosening, and regularly cleaning the surface to remove algae, dirt and debris. You should also inspect your gangway and stairways for loose or broken pieces and keep track of the condition of any safety equipment like life jackets.
One other key consideration when it comes to dock maintenance is ensuring that your apron space is adequate to handle current and future freight. This area is the space that leads up to your bay door and should be free of potholes, depressions or any other obstacles that could prevent trucks from maneuvering into the dock.