A dock is built to withstand harsh weather and other outside elements. This is why deciding which material to choose before building a dock is important. It’s an expensive investment that has its pros and cons.
Most people rent a floating dock because they don’t want to hire a professional to build a dock. However, if you are a boating enthusiast, you can save thousands of dollars annually on renting a slip at the marina. Moreover, driving to the marina to take your boat out for a sail can be annoying. It makes you wonder if your boat was closer to you and easily accessible.
To help you make a decision, here are the pros and cons of building a dock:
Pros
Affordable
Boat docks come in different materials, including plastic, wood, composite, aluminum, vinyl, etc. Getting a dock installed by a professional includes labor cost, which makes up a large chunk of the total expense. On the other hand, a do-it-yourself dock kit allows you to cut this cost.
The assembly is easier thanks to the instruction booklet, and you won’t need any assistance.
Perfect in Shallow and Deep Water Bodies
Nowadays, floating docks are all the rage because they stay above the water level no matter how high or low the tide is. You don’t need to worry about the dock sinking. Moreover, you can remove it in winter and place it safely in a shed.
Great for Entertainment
In summer, when the heat is unbearable, your dock becomes the perfect spot for entertainment. String a few outdoor LED lights, furnish the deck with wicker chairs and tables and rent a dozen floaties for a swim party.
Easy To Adjust
If you wish to expand your dock, you can easily attach more pieces and change their shape and size.
Cons
Noisy
Residential floating docks can be a little noisy. Depending on your chosen material, your peaceful time might have too much disturbance.
Not Durable
Wooden docks are not durable. As for aluminum and other materials, they are quite expensive. If you choose the former material, you will have to spend thousands of dollars on maintenance annually. Still, the dock will not last more than 10 to 15 years.
Maintenance
Maintaining a wood dock can be a hassle because you have to pressure-wash, sand, polish, and seal the dock annually. In the long run, your dock will prove to be too costly.
As you read, the advantages of getting a personal dock outweigh the disadvantages. One other factor that determines the durability of a dock is its material. For example, a wooden dock has a short life compared to an aluminum and composite dock. Wood absorbs water and is susceptible to rot. It needs to be regularly polished to maintain its integrity. On the other hand, aluminum is waterproof and remains cool to the touch.
Let Nor Col EZ Dock build a floating dock for your lake house. The company offers different types of plastic docks in Saskatchewan and docking accessories. Their range of docks includes stationary docks, floating docks, drive-on docks, and kayak docks. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
