Do-it-yourself dock. You have got a lake house and a boat docked at the marina. All that’s missing from the equation is a dock. Before you head to YouTube and watch a tutorial on how to build a dock, read this:
Dave recently bought a lakefront property. The beautiful scenery had him thinking that perhaps he should buy a boat too… and so he does. One of his friends recommends he should get a dock installed too. They suggest he buy a DIY kit that allows people to build a dock by following a few instructions. However, Dave has never held a nail, let alone a nail gun. However, he watches some tutorials online and convinces himself that he can do it. Well, he couldn’t! Dave ended up taking a soak in his lake when his newly installed deck simply gave away beneath him.
When you take a DIY route, you need to be honest with yourself about your skills. A kit can be a budget-friendly option if you are Bob Vila-worthy, have plenty of time on your hands, and have amenable water depth and shoreline. You should still consult a designer at least to know how your dock should be laid out.
The purpose of telling you this story is not to stop you from going for a do-it-yourself dock. We simply want to point out that if you are not savvy with power tools, it’s better to hire a professional to do the job.
What to Consider in a DIY Job
One of the most important things to look at when installing a dock is the lake’s depth and bed. Let’s say you do have the handyman skills to build the dock, but this one limitation will prove to be a great challenge.
When it comes to lake bottoms, here’s what you need to know:
- If it is flat and sandy, you will have little trouble with installation
- If the depth differs by a short length from the shoreline, the installation will still be easy
- If the bottom of the lake varies a lot and is rocky, you will need help to make the adjustments
Measuring the depth with accuracy can be very tough. Remember: Lakes get drawn down frequently and refill independently, depending on the water needs and season. If the depth of your lake varies by a big margin due to fluctuating water levels, you should consider installing a floating dock.
A floating dock moves up and down with the water, and the best thing about it is that you can take it out of the lake in winter. If you have neighbors at your lake and they have a dock, have a chat with them to find out how they manage in different seasons.
Some common dock designs are in the shape of L, T, U, and Y. Your lake’s bottom configuration and shoreline, along with local regulations and ordinances, will have a say on the shape, location, size, and type of your dock. So, better check with your local authorities to ensure that you won’t be in any violation.
Visit the Nor Col EZ Dock website for quality floating docks. The company also offers do-it-yourself docks, covered floating docks, plastic docks, kayak launches, etc. For a quote and more information, call (800) 654-8168.
