How to Build a Dock

One of the greatest ways to enjoy a waterfront property is by creating a private dock. Whether just to enjoy the water, have a place to park your boat, or have a nice and quiet fishing spot, a dock is a splendid addition to your outdoor living space.

Required Materials

• measuring tape
• deck bumper
• treated lumber
• steel screws and fasteners

Required Tools

• ladder
• cordless drill
• dock stringer
• circular saw

Steps in Designing the Dock

1. Measure the water’s depth.
2. Determine which method to use for driving the support posts by finding out the conditions at the bottom of the dock.
3. Plan your dock. Plans may be downloaded from the Internet or deck plans may be modified to become docks. You may also get an architect to draw out custom plans.
4. Purchase the materials needed for the construction, such as treated lumber and stainless fasteners. Most building centers can assist in identifying all the materials needed for building a dock.

Steps in Planning the Dock

1. Decide on the primary purpose of the dock. Most people build a simple dock to get on and off their boats. Other people build a dock to have a place in the water where they can sunbathe and enjoy a drink with friends.
2. Determine the kind of materials to be used. Most docks are built out of wood or aluminum.
3. Decide on the dock configuration. Docks generally come in two configurations:

• a simple long and thin section that lets a person easily get on and off a boat; and
• a two-part dock that consists of a long and thin section and a wider section ideal for lounging.

Steps to Construct the Dock

1. Drive the support posts. The posts should not be apart for more than 8 feet. Use a boat or a barge when driving posts in deep water. A ladder may be used when working in shallow water.
2. Affix the stringers with stainless screws and bolts. Place the stringers at a section that can hold high water levels in case of floods or tides.
3. Join the decking to the stringer boards. Leave at least ” of space between the decking boards to let the rainwater drain from the dock.
4. Cut the decking boards.
5. Place bumpers on the dock’s outer edges. Bumpers make the dock look more presentable and protect it from boats parked next to it.
6. Attach the railings if the design calls for it. Attach it firmly in support the weight of someone inclining on it.
7. Put in other accessories that you may prefer such as benches and lockable dock boxes.

For more information on How to Build a Dock read:

How to Build a Dock

How to Build a Dock

How to Build a Dock