How do you make a cheap floating dock?

Asked by: Alicia Roberts

What is the best material to use for a floating dock?

Aluminum is considered by many dock owners to be the best choice for decking material because it requires no maintenance, will not rot, decay, warp, or twist and it only needs to be cleaned as you see fit. Aluminum decking from ShoreMaster is also incredibly lightweight while remaining extremely durable.

Can you use Styrofoam for a floating dock?

If you’re building a floating dock, expanded polystyrene is an excellent economical choice. It’s waterproof and if it’s punctured or damaged, your dock will continue to function.

What wood is best for floating dock?

The best wood boards for docks are western red cedar, redwood, cypress and eastern white cedar. However, if the dock will feature permanent piles or cribs, then you are going to want a stronger hardwood, such as Douglas fir, tamarack and hemlock. Certain other woods may suffice in a pinch, but those are preferred.

How do you make a floating stable dock?

When a dock needs to be set away from the shore to reach a specific desired water depth, gangways and ramps are the ideal solutions for stabilization. Gangways and ramps allow the docks to move freely vertically, but they must connect to a fixed abutment.

Is PVC decking good for docks?

When thinking about your next marina, boardwalk or boat dock, Endeck capped cellular PVC decking is the perfect solution to a slip resistant, low heat build-up, with long term performance, providing your customers years of hassle-free enjoyment.

Can I leave my floating dock in the water during winter?

Make sure that nothing hits or rubs against rocks or any object that could damage the floats. You can also use a winch to make work easier. We do not recommend leaving your floating docks in the water during the winter as they could be damaged.

How much weight can styrofoam hold on water?

Since water weighs 62.4 lb / cubic foot, one cubic foot of foam (assuming no water enters foam, for very dense foam this might be nearly the case) should support a maximum weight of 62 lbs.

How much Styrofoam is needed to float a dock?

Lot of materials are available for building docks, but none feature the buoyancy and ease of use as Styrofoam billets. One square foot of Styrofoam is enough to keep 55 pounds afloat.

How many floats do I need for a floating dock?

To calculate the amount of floats needed (for residential use) we recommend do this calculation: Multiply the dock area (length x width) by 25 (for 25 lbs buoyancy per square foot). Divide this amount by the buoyancy capacity of the chosen float (ex. the R-750 float has a capacity of 750 lbs).

How do floating docks attach to land?

Gangways are the best way to attach your floating dock to the shore or a connecting ramp. A gangway is a long platform, often with handrails, that spans the distance between land and your dock.

Is Trex good for docks?

An innovator in the world of decking, Trex is a leading manufacturer of composite decking boards. Unique processes combined with a variety of styles make Trex decking a great choice for a stylish deck or dock that is built to last.

How do you anchor a floating dock?

We recommend using the “crisscross” or “X” configuration for both Standing and Floating dock systems. To achieve this, attach the chain to the anchors on the right side to the left side of the dock. Then, attach the chain on the anchors on the left side to the right side of the dock.

How much weight can a floating dock hold?

Dock Flotation Rule of Thumb



Regular dock floats they will support 65 pounds per lineal foot. Considering an 8ft x 16ft dock has three 16ft floats it will support 3 x 16ft x 65lbs = 3,120lbs. The actual dock will weight by itself 10.5 pounds per square foot.

How does a floating dock stay in place?

A floating dock is a platform that is supported on air-tight, buoyant pontoons that displace water and allow the dock system to float on the water’s surface.

How long do floating docks last?

around 20 to 30 years

Floating docks last around 20 to 30 years, but that’s less time than a stationary dock will last. Stationary docks usually last around 25 to 35 years. Due to their floating nature, you won’t want a floating dock if you’re building in an area with high water traffic.

How do you build a small floating dock?

If you're making your dock a little bit bigger or smaller you can tweak those just draw it out first and then you'll know what to pick up at the hardware. Store.

Can you leave a floating dock in the water?

Leaving a Floating Dock in the Water



If the water level remains high enough that dock sections won’t come into contact with rocks below, you may be able to safely leave it in the water year-round. However, you should still take precautions to keep it as safe as possible when you leave it sitting for the winter.

Can a floating dock sink?

If a section of your floating dock is sinking, it is an indication that there is something wrong with your boat dock. You need to get this problem fixed right away before your floating dock completely sinks.

What material are floating docks made of?

EZ Dock floating docks are made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) with thick, heavy walls and no frame. Inside the LLDPE sections is an air-filled chamber, which is how the docks stay level and steady when in use.

How much is a floating dock?

between $15 to $35 per square foot

A floating dock costs between $15 to $35 per square foot, depending on the choice of decking. This includes the dock and labor to install. Prefabricated aluminum types, the cheapest, come in at $1,500. It’s constructed by placing decking over airtight barrels, drums, or marine floats.

How does EZ Dock work?

The EZ Dock surfaces have a non-skid texture molded into the dock sections. The docks also have grooves to channel the water away. These two features work together to provide slip-resistant footing, even when the surfaces are wet.

How wide should a floating dock be?

For stability, floating docks should be at least five feet wide.

What are the different types of docks?

There are various types of docks, including standing sectional, standing wheel-in, and floating docks. Each of these types of boat docks has its own benefits for waterfront property owners wanting to get the most out of their shoreline.

Can I use pressure treated wood for a dock?

Treated Wood is the most preferred material for docks. Choose the right treatment level depending on the kind of water you are building in: Fresh water: A minimum of . 60 pcf pressure treated wood.

Are floating docks safe?

Fuel points and electrical components around floating docks can create an unsafe situation for people. You should invest in a fire extinguisher and check the electrical wiring for insulation and ensure the electrical systems are working properly.