Docks are exposed to a whole suite of elements, including the sun, wind, water, watercraft, and foot traffic. That exposure can add up and contribute to damage over time, which can lead to costly repairs, safety concerns, and a dock that’s falling apart. With the right materials and proper construction, a dock can last over 20 years if properly maintained. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best materials for a durable, long-lasting dock.
For Durable Decking
The decking is the most prominent part of any dock. It’s the first thing that you see and walk on, and the right decking material can just imbue a sense of safety and stability throughout the entirety of the dock.
Composite Decking
Although more expensive than wood, composite decking offers the promise of longevity, durability, and minimal maintenance, making it our preference for dock decking. While the exact materials in composite can vary from brand to brand, the main components of composite are wood and plastic, both usually from recycled materials. This gives you the same look and feel of natural wood with greater longevity and less porousness. The plastic components in composites also tend to have a much higher resistance to heat. Composite decking also gives you a wider variety of colors and designs.
For Beams that Hold
The beams hold the decking in place and create the frame for the entire dock. Even if you don’t always see them, the beams provide much of the structure of the dock, so they are essential to the dock’s overall durability and design.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
While you can use composites here, beams tend to benefit from the natural weight and durability of wood. Alaskan yellow cedar is considered the hardest and strongest of the cedar species. Most boat builders look for Alaskan yellow cedar for its easy workability and strength, as well as its natural resistance to rot and insects. Alaskan yellow cedar also has excellent impact resistance, along with good strength and wear properties. Treating the wood can further prevent water damage to lengthen the life of this wood.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is another solid wood for beams. A common wood used in framing, railroad ties, and flooring, Douglas fir is naturally hard and resistant to abrasion and impact. This makes it one of the most ideal timbers for heavy structural applications. The excellent strength-to-weight ratio, general durability, and resistance to weather make Douglar fir one of the best materials for dock beams.
For Floats With Great Buoyancy
The floats are what keep the dock afloat. With the wrong material, your dock may find itself more underwater than above it. Steel and fiberglass floats tend to be the traditional choice as they are hollow, making them easier to move and affordable upfront. However, any damage or puncture to these floats will cause them to lose all buoyancy.
Foam-Filled Floats
We recommend roto-molded foam-filled floats. While these may cost more upfront, they provide excellent buoyancy, durability, and longevity. The expanded foam inside creates a heavier, more robust float, which also makes the dock more stable. Punctures and whole breaks generally will not have any effect on buoyancy as the expanding foam takes up all the space, preventing water from leaking in.
Why Quality Dock Materials Matter
Quality materials almost always end up costing a little more upfront, but it is worth making that investment. Materials that are lower in quality may be cheaper initially, but they also tend to succumb more easily to damage, which means more resources spent on repairs and replacements. Spending more upfront on quality materials can actually save you more in the long run.
Ultimately, quality materials also provide peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about your dock suddenly sinking or any large splinters forming underfoot. You know for sure that your dock is stable, durable, and ready for everything to come.
At Kiwi Docks, we carry about quality in every dock we make which is why we use materials like composite decking, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Douglas Fir, and foam-filled floats to ensure a dock that will make it through the long run. To learn more about our dock construction, contact us today!
