Are you planning to build a dock? A quick search online will tell you names of best dock material, offering benefits such as durability, budget-friendly, low-maintenance, rot-resistant and more. Some materials might not look appealing on the surface, but they are better than the standard options.
Finding one that is a complete package can be challenging. Depending on the type of boat you own, the material you choose might not be suitable. So, let’s take a look at our top options and their pros and cons:
On average, a 300 sq. ft. dock costs $15,000. This cost includes labor and a few basic docking accessories. As for the material type, here’s a how per sqft costs:
- Wood: $15 to $50
- Plastic: $15 to $60
- Pressure-Treated Wood: $20 to $70
- Hardwood: $30 to $90
- Synthetic Wood: $90 to $175
- Aluminum: $25 to $75
Wood Docks
The feel and look of a wood dock, combined with its low price tag, are why people choose this decking material. However, based on the type of wood you choose, you might end up spending thousands of dollars on maintaining it to ensure it doesn’t rot.
Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:
Pressure Treated Wood
Pros
- Last 20 years
- Completely recyclable
- Naturally resistant to certain insects and rot
- Comes pre-stained
- Doesn’t retain heat
Cons
- Contains knots
- Will eventually rot
- Needs to be waterproofed yearly for durability
- Splinters are inevitable
Hardwood
Pros
- Made from eco-friendly wood
- Somewhat resistant to algae, rot, and mold
- Comes refinished for added protection
- Lasts 75 years if maintained properly
- Completely recyclable
- Can be left in its faded form if you like an antique look
Cons
- More expensive compared to pressure-treated wood
- Needs yearly oiling to preserve its color
Plastic Dock
A plastic dock is less expensive than any type of dock. However, what makes it a popular choice is that it is mould and rot-resistant. The decking is made with strong plastic fibres, which offers it somewhat the same durability as composite decking.
Pros
- Last 30 years
- Never rots
- Low maintenance
- Environmentally friendly
- Completely recyclable
Cons
- More expensive compared to wood
Aluminum Dock
In recent years, aluminum dock has become quite popular due to its maintenance-free feature. It is less expensive than hardwood and synthetic wood. However, it is not as appealing as the above-mentioned options.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Durable and lasts around 75 years
- Can be easily cleaned with water
- Environmentally friendly
- Completely recyclable
- Is resistant to rust
- Stays cool under the feet
- Is maintenance-free
Cons
- Cannot be aesthetically customized
- Challenging to install.
In conclusion, EZ Dock low-linear density polyethylene (plastic docks) are the best option compared to wood and aluminum as it offers more durability and does not require maintenance. Aluminum docks are heavy, challenging to install, and cannot be aesthetically customized. Wood may be the cheapest option, but the future costs are found in regular maintenance.
Nor Col EZ Dock offers various types of boat docks in sturdy materials. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
