Finding The Best Dock Building

Finding the best dock building, starts with locating a supplier for the job.  Marine construction demands the careful selection of materials that will hold up to the elements.  Materials which are both durable and relatively maintenance free will offer you more time to enjoy your dock as well as your time on the water.  Adding an outbuilding to your dock creates an area for entertaining as well as a shelter from the elements.  It can also provide much needed storage space for boating and fishing supplies.  Whether you enjoy your dock on its own, or use it to moor and launch a boat, a dock building will make your dock more versatile. 

Dock builders supply stores are your best source for finding the best dock building to suit your needs.  Dock builders supply outlets provide dock owners with an assortment of dock accessories, as well as plans for building a dock or improving on an existing one.  They also have complete construction kits for building your own floating dock.  If you want to build your own dock from scratch, you can purchase a dock plan and find all the materials you need at these outlets.

Using dock building plans, anyone with some construction knowledge can build their own dock.  It is best to start off with a simple plan, as most dock building plans leave room for additions and improvement later.  Do not attempt to save money on materials that are not designed for use on projects in the water.  Galvanized nails and screws are essential, as is specially treated wood, if you want your dock to last more than 5 years.

For any dock or dock building, some safety accessories should be considered mandatory.  Proper dock lighting does more than make you dock look good at night.  It makes it visible to night time boaters, and keeps everyone who uses the dock in the evening safer.  All stairs should be fitted with hand rails in case someone slips.  Ring buoys should be strategically placed on all sides of the dock in highly visible locations so they can be found quickly if someone is drowning.  They should also be easy to remove.  A first aid kit should be handy as well.  Finally, all surfaces where people will be walking should be covered with an anti-slip material as docks get very wet and slippery.  These materials are easy to find and install.

If the area where you will be building your dock is frequently subjected to significant water movement, then you should consider building a floating dock.  These docks are easy to install.  Their advantage is that they move up and down with the water, preventing damage from storms surges.  They are not good for area with strong tides or currents, nor do they work well in situations of heavy loading or unloading.  They are about the same price as stationary docks, and are recommended by the US Coast Guard for use in hurricane prone locations.

Planning how you are going to use your dock is important in finding the best dock building.  Adding a small shelter to your existing stock structure adds convenience and flexibility.  It also raises the profile of the dock, making it easier to see at night or in bad weather.  Properly lighting the building will add more security, and create a visible landmark for other boaters.  Plans and kits are available at dock supply outlets, as are the best water resistant and water proof materials.  Floating docks are a good option in hurricane areas, but are not capable of supporting an additional building.  Additional shelter on your dock will also help protect your boat from the elements during storms, prolonging its useable life.