Whether you own a boat or just want to spend more time relaxing near the water of your private pond or lake, having a dock built is a great way to increase the enjoyment you get from your property. A well-designed dock offers a convenient option for securing boats and personal watercraft, while also offering space that makes fishing, nature watching, or taking a quick swim more convenient and enjoyable.
Unlike a structure built on dry land, dock construction plans must also take into account the potential difficulties of working in a wet environment. If you are planning a dock construction project for your private lake or pond, here are some important construction considerations you will need to remember.
Floating or piling?
The first planning consideration for your dock is whether you will choose a floating or piling design. As the name suggests, a floating dock uses specific materials and designs to allow it to float on the water without the need for supports anchored into the bottom of the pond or lake. Depending on the size of the floating dock, floats can range from foam or air-filled containers like barrels and drums to rigid components made from a high-density foam material. Floating docks can make it easier to keep boats anchored securely when water levels rise and fall frequently, but their constant movement can make using the deck for relaxation less comfortable in some situations.
Unlike a floating dock, piling docks are designed to be anchored into place and then held stable by the use of pilings set deep into the bottom of the lake or pond. The pilings help to limit dock movement, even in situations where the water's surface is roughened by wind or boaters in the area. Boat owners who want a solid surface to help them feel more secure when getting on or off their boat may be wise to consider a piling dock, instead of a floating one.
Electrification?
Adding electrification to the plans for your new dock can allow you to use lighting, sound systems, and electrical equipment, like boat lifts and deicers. Electrified docks can, however, pose a danger to those who are using the dock or swimming near it if the electrical upgrades to the dock's design are not carefully planned and constructed during the project.
To learn more important considerations for having a private dock built on your property, work closely with a qualified dock construction contractor in your area.