How to Build a Dock
Materials and Tools needed
- Treated lumber
- Circular saw
- Measuring tape
- Dock stringer
- Deck bumper
- Cordless drill
- Steel fasteners and screws
- Ladder
Designing and Planning your Dock
Before building your dock, measure the water depth so that you can have the correct dimensions for some of your materials.
Check the bottom conditions of the place where you want to build your dock. By doing so, you can determine what method you will use to drive support posts into the dock
If you do not know how to build or design a dock, you can look for some plans or ideas from the Internet. If you are not satisfied with the dock plans found on the Internet, you can always modify them or ask an architect to design a dock plan for you.
When you already have a design of the dock you want to build, you can start shopping for supplies at your nearest hardware store.
It’s difficult to build a dock alone so you might need to ask one or two persons to assist you.
Steps to Build a Dock
- Drive the support posts in. The maximum distance of support posts should be 8 feet. If you are working in deep water, a barge or boat will be of great help. A ladder will do if you are working in shallow water.
- Attach the stringers with stainless screws or bolts. The stringers should be at a level that can accommodate high levels of water.
- Connect the decking to the stringer boards. You should leave at least ¼ inch space in between the decking boards to allow rain water to drain from them. Cut the decking boards just enough to fit the support posts.
- Now, attach bumpers to the outer edge of the dock. Use quality bumper because dress up the dock and to protect the boats that will park next to it.
- If your dock design includes a handrail, secure a sturdy railing that can withstand the weight of a person leaning against it.