Private Residential Docks and Piers

Investing in a residential dock or fishing pier offers many benefits. You can easily access your boat at any time, and it also adds significant value to your property. Learning about the different types of residential boat dock designs available is important in helping you find the best option to meet your needs. Hiring a company offering residential dock and fishing pier construction is also a good idea to ensure you are happy with the results.

Residential Boat Dock Design and Construction

The two most popular docks for residents are floating and piling docks. A floating dock includes the decking, floaters, and drums or airtight barrels. A contractor will build a floating dock by attaching the floaters underneath the decking, as increasing the number of floaters will increase the deck’s strength.

On the other hand, a piling dock comprises posts or heavy stakes to support the decking. A contractor will drive the stakes into the bottom of the lake while attaching the deck to the pilings. Other less common types of docks include crib, pipe, and suspension. Working with a residential dock building contractor can help you determine the best type to meet your needs.

Different Dock Materials Available

Learning about the different materials for residential boat dock designs is essential in finding the best option. A traditional residential dock includes pressure-treated wood, preventing insect infestation and rot. However, you will still need to treat your residential dock periodically to limit the damage of corrosion and weathering.

Composite decking is another popular option, as the boards are manufactured with plastic and wood fibers. One advantage of composite decks is that it requires minimal maintenance, but you will need to wash and sweep them regularly. It’s also important to remember that composite decking has fewer finish options than pressure-treated wood.

Vinyl is also available for residential floating docks. The main benefit of a vinyl dock is its durability, and it requires virtually no maintenance. However, vinyl decking is a more expensive option, and you don’t have as many color choices. Reaching out to a dock and pier construction contractor can help you determine the best material for your dock.

Florida Gulf Coast Dock and Pier Maintenance

Keeping your fishing pier and residential dock well-maintained is key to extending its lifespan and saving you money. While pressure-treated wood is the most cost-effective option, it requires the most maintenance. Choosing “Marine Grade” wood will help keep moisture out and limit rot. Using a hardwood dock is another popular option, as you will need to keep it clean and oil the surface frequently to avoid fading. Many people choose composite residential boat dock designs due to the less need for maintenance.

Protection from Storm Damage

Taking additional measures to keep your fishing pier and dock safe against storm damage is well worth your time. One of the benefits of a floating deck is removing it and storing it in a safe place to prevent hurricane damage. You can also use a rope and tie your floating deck to a fixed structure to keep it secure. Removing loose items is also important, whether canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, chairs, or other items. These loose items can quickly turn into a flying projectile during a hurricane, as storing these items in a safe location is vital to limiting hurricane damage.

Staying proactive by preparing for these storms is key to keeping damages minimum. Florida fishing piers often face the brunt of severe weather, as learning how to limit hurricane damage is a necessity. Understanding how to adjust your dock lines, modify chafe gear, and other safety precautions are critical to limiting storm damage. Hurricanes will only continue to pose threats to anyone living in Florida, as following these tips can help keep these damages to a minimum.

Should You Repair or Replace?

Knowing when to repair or replace a fishing pier isn’t always easy. Signs of excessive rot or rust can lead to significant problems, so it’s often recommended to consider a replacement. Foundation damage is another serious problem that can lead to safety issues. Getting an experienced contractor to inspect your fishing pier is important in identifying the severity of the damages.

Closing Thoughts

A fishing pier or residential dock is an excellent investment for anyone living in Florida. Hiring a contractor specializing in pier and dock construction will save you a lot of time, and you will be happy with the results. Learning about the different residential boat dock designs can help you determine which ones are the best to meet your needs. Understanding pier maintenance is also crucial in keeping it in excellent condition for many years.