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Building a wooden boat dock in a lake is a challenging task that requires careful planning and execution. It involves several steps, from choosing the right materials to ensuring stability and durability. One crucial decision is whether to use wood or concrete for the dock posts. While wooden pilings are a cost-effective option, they require regular maintenance and will eventually deteriorate. Concrete posts, on the other hand, offer more stability but demand a more complex installation process. The type of lake bed, whether sandy or muddy, also determines the installation method. Additionally, factors such as water depth, weight distribution, and the intended use of the dock play a significant role in its design and construction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dock height | Should be high enough to avoid water damage but low enough to easily access boats and dive off |
| Dock shape | Can be floating or rigid, modular or custom-built |
| Dock material | Can be wood, aluminium, concrete, or composite |
| Dock placement | Should consider local regulations and any potential wildlife disturbance |
What You'll Learn
Choose the right materials
Choosing the right materials is crucial for the longevity and stability of your wooden boat dock. Here are some factors to consider when selecting materials:
Wood Type
Pressure-treated wood is a popular choice for boat docks due to its affordability and ease of installation. This type of wood is chemically treated to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and waterlogging. However, it requires annual maintenance and will eventually deteriorate over time. Alternatively, you can opt for modified wood, which offers enhanced durability and water resistance without the need for staining. It's created by transforming softwood into a more durable and water-resistant material. Modified wood is an ideal choice for boat docks as it retains the natural beauty of real wood while providing superior performance.
Dock Framing
When selecting framing materials for your dock, consider the weight of the structure and the ease of installation. Pressure-treated pine wood is a common choice for dock framing due to its affordability and availability. However, keep in mind that all wood types used in marine environments will require regular maintenance. If you're looking for a more long-lasting and low-maintenance option, consider using an aluminium frame for your dock. Aluminium docks are easy to install and are known for their longevity.
Decking Material
The decking material you choose will impact the durability, maintenance requirements, and overall aesthetics of your boat dock. Composite decking has gained popularity in recent years due to its exceptional moisture resistance. It is composed of plastic, which makes it highly resistant to water damage. However, one drawback of composite decking is that it can become quite hot in direct sunlight. If you prefer the look and feel of natural wood, modified wood decking is an excellent choice. It offers superior durability and water resistance without the need for staining or the issue of overheating in the sun.
Post Type and Diameter
The type and diameter of the posts you choose will depend on the weight of your dock and the stability required. Round dock pilings made of pressure-treated wood are a common choice, but you can also consider plastic-coated wood or heavy-duty aluminium pilings. For docks weighing less than 10,000 pounds, select pilings with a diameter of 6-8 inches. If your dock weighs more than 10,000 pounds, opt for pilings with a diameter of 10-12 inches. Place the pilings about every 10 feet along the dock on both sides to ensure adequate support.
Footers
When constructing your boat dock, consider using PVC pipes filled with concrete to create stable footers for your posts. This method provides a sturdy foundation for your dock and helps protect the posts from water damage. You can use either 12-inch or 18-inch PVC pipes, depending on the size of your dock and the weight it needs to support. The PVC pipes will extend above the waterline, protecting the wood from submersion and potential water damage.
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Measure and cut pilings
The pilings should be the length you need to support your structure, plus an extra 4-6 feet that you can bury in the ground. Cut the pilings tall enough to hold the dock 3-4 inches above the water. Ideally, your dock will hover above the highest level the water will reach (taking tides, flooding, or heavy rainfall into account). Use a long measuring tape or a marker float to find the depth of the water from the lakebed to the surface. Then, add 4 inches plus the length of piling that will go underground (4-6 feet) to find the total height. For example, if the water is 6 feet deep, you’d need pilings that are between about 124 inches and 148 inches tall. Cut the beams a little longer than you think you’ll need them to be. You can always trim them later if needed. Even in a body of water that isn’t affected by tides, the water level may still fluctuate. If you’re unsure what the maximum water line is, ask other pier or dock owners in your area.
Spray paint your pilings at 12-inch intervals to monitor their depth. As you start to sink the pilings, it can be hard to keep track of how far they’ve gone into the ground. By marking them with spray paint, it’s easier to make sure your pilings are all installed at the same depth.
Tips
- If the lakebed is hard or compact, use the water jetter to “pre-jet” a starter hole to help the piling settle.
- Some people attach a metal brace to the piling 4-6 feet above the bottom so it doesn’t sink further into the lakebed. This is optional.
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Install posts in the water
Installing posts in the water for a wooden boat dock is a challenging but rewarding task. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Preparation:
Before you begin, it is crucial to understand the water depth, the type of seabed, and any potential underwater obstacles. Mark the exact location of each post with a marker buoy.
Choosing the Right Pilings:
Pressure-treated wood pilings are a cost-effective option, as they are preserved with chemicals that enhance their durability in water. Choose round pilings, as they are harder than square-cut ones. The diameter of the pilings should be between 6-12 inches, depending on the weight of your dock.
Installing Wood Posts:
Stand the first piling in the desired spot and use a water jet to clear away sand and silt. You can rent a water jetter from a home improvement store. Alternatively, use a power washer or a high-pressure garden hose. Aim the jet at the bottom of the piling to remove the sand and silt, guiding the piling deeper into the lakebed until you reach the desired depth of 4-6 feet.
Installing Concrete Posts:
For concrete posts, start by pushing a PVC pipe 2 feet into the lakebed. Bail out the water and remove any sand or silt with a post-hole digger. Then, pour 10 inches of concrete into the pipe and lower your wood piling into it. Continue pouring concrete around the piling and let it cure for 3-4 days.
Securing the Posts:
Once all the posts are in place, stabilize them by bracing or encasing them in cement footers. This will ensure your dock is sturdy and safe.
Building a wooden boat dock is a challenging project, but with careful preparation and the right tools, you'll be able to enjoy your new dock for years to come!
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Account for placement variations
When building a wooden boat dock, it's important to account for placement variations and the fact that part of the dock will be submerged. You'll want to maximise the amount of dock that sits above the waterline, as any part that sits below will be subject to harsher conditions and damage from a variety of weather patterns. However, you also need to ensure the dock isn't too high above the water, otherwise, you'll have trouble accessing your boat, fishing or diving off the dock.
To ensure your dock is stable, it's recommended to use a PVC pipe filled with concrete to surround your posts, rather than simply sinking wood posts into the lake bed. This will create the most stable foundation for your dock. You can use either a 12-inch or 18-inch PVC pipe for the footers, which will extend several inches above the water. This will prevent any exposed wood from going under the water and protect your dock from unnecessary damage.
If you're building in an area where the body of water freezes over in winter, you'll want to design a temporary dock that can be removed. For this purpose, lighter boards such as 2x6s are recommended. However, if you plan to keep your dock in place all year round, you'll need to ensure your dock can tolerate higher water depths. This can be achieved with proper bracing and legs driven into the ground.
When it comes to materials, pressure-treated pine wood is a popular and affordable framing option for docks, but it will need annual maintenance and will eventually deteriorate. A longer-lasting option is an aluminum frame, which requires less maintenance and will last longer in a marine environment. Composite decking is another option that has gained popularity due to its moisture resistance, although it can become very hot in the sun and has a plastic look and feel. Modified wood is another alternative that offers the durability of composite decking while retaining the natural look and feel of real wood.
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Consider the height of the dock
When building a wooden boat dock, it is important to consider the height of the dock above the waterline. This is known as the freeboard height. The ideal height will depend on several factors, including the type of dock, the weight of the dock, the water conditions, and the intended use.
As a general rule of thumb, docks should be 10 to 20 inches above the waterline. This allows for changes in water level and makes getting on and off boats easier. However, if you anticipate significant changes in water levels, you may want to adjust the height accordingly. For example, if the water level fluctuates frequently, it is recommended to keep the dock as close to the water level as possible while still meeting your needs.
The type of dock you have will also determine the ideal height. Fixed docks, for instance, are not removable and do not adjust with the waterline, so they must be placed at the perfect height. On the other hand, floating docks can be adjusted to accommodate changing water levels.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the dock. Heavier docks may require taller pilings or supports to ensure stability. Additionally, the water conditions play a crucial role in determining the height of the dock. If you anticipate rough water or strong currents, you may need to raise the height of the dock to prevent waves from reaching it and causing potential damage.
Lastly, the intended use of the dock should be considered. For example, rowers prefer lower docks for easier and safer entrances and exits.
When deciding on the height of your wooden boat dock, it is essential to take into account all these factors to ensure the dock meets your specific needs and provides a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
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Frequently asked questions
Pressure-treated wood is a popular option for wooden boat docks as it is affordable and can be used for the framing. However, it will need annual maintenance and will eventually deteriorate due to constant exposure to water. A longer-lasting alternative is to use an aluminum frame.
With proper bracing and legs driven into the lakebed, seasonal docks can usually tolerate water depths of up to 8 feet. If you don't use legs that are driven into the ground, such as pipe legs, the tolerable depth will be significantly reduced.
You can either use wood or concrete dock posts. For wooden posts, you can use a water jet to clear away sand and silt so that the posts sink 4-6 feet below the lakebed. For concrete posts, push a PVC pipe about 2 feet into the lakebed, remove water and silt, pour in concrete, and then lower your wooden post into the mixture.
Board size depends on how the dock will be used. If you're in an area where the body of water freezes over in winter, you'll want to use lighter boards such as 2x6s for a removable dock. Typically, decking is composed of 5/4 x 6 cedar boards.
Instead of the simple 8-foot square, consider creating angles that are conducive to docking success while offering something beautiful to look at. Some newer shapes also create more access points for boats.
