A dock is necessary for your waterfront property if you want to make the most of the water itself. If you’re very specific about the way your waterfront property looks, you may also be particular about the kind of dock you have installed. DIY docks are perfect for such situations.
A do-it-yourself dock is a practical project that gives you all the benefits of a dock on top of the ability to pick out the type you want., and the cost-effectiveness of making it yourself.
Let’s look at the life cycle of a DIY dock and all the steps involved in setting one up for yourself.
Conceptualization & Planning
The journey begins with an idea. You need to have a picture in mind of the dock you want. Whether you thought of it yourself or saw it on the internet, you need something to work with from the start.
At this stage, you also need to know its primary purpose. What will you be using it for? Where do you want to install it? Is the location ideal in terms of water depth and shoreline?
Considering all these things, you can start sketching out the design and decide the materials used. It’s a good idea to ask an expert if your DIY dock will hold out based on your design to prevent accidents later.
Procuring Materials & Permits
Once everything is in place, you must start with the materials. Find the best materials for your budget, but don’t forget to consider design! For example, it’s important to use lightweight materials for floating docks; otherwise, they won’t be able to serve their purpose.
Similarly, fixed docks usually need more sturdy material.
Also, review the local regulations and get any necessary permits to prevent legal issues later.
Construction
Finally, you can start with the construction! If you haven’t dealt with any kind of construction before, it’s best to get a professional to help out with this stage. This way, you can make sure the structure is usable and prevent any accidents in the future.
Building a stable framework is absolutely necessary to support the intended load. Adding accessories like handrails, benches, ladders, or lighting enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
Installation
With the installation, your hard work comes to an end! Be careful about lowering the dock in the water and aligning it with your chosen spot. If it’s a floating dock, you can anchor it securely to prevent it from drifting off.
Fixed docks need to be secured to the ground, requiring more work.
Regular Maintenance & Upkeep
Once your DIY dock is in place, all the work left now is regular maintenance and care.
Regularly cleaning the dock to remove debris, algae, and mold keeps looking nice and prevents safety issues. It’s a good idea to carry out routine inspections to identify any signs of wear and tear and make repairs as soon as possible.
DIY docks aren’t just great additions to your waterfront; they also become a somewhat fun activity to carry out with your friends and family. With a great DIY dock, you get all the benefits of a dock and feel the satisfaction of having made it yourself.
Nor Col EZ Dock offers dock-building services for the best types of docks, EZ Dock. They also provide accessories that allow you to expand your floating dock and spruce up the platform. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
