A dock transforms your waterfront into a summer haven.
It’s a platform to jump from. A marina to tie up the boats. A deck to enjoy a cocktail.
This one uses the same dock floats contractors use at a fraction of the cost they charge.
Save your money for the fun stuff. Kayaks, boats, lighting, decorations.
Let’s get after it.
Wood Platform
A simple 8’ by 8’ wood dock has plenty of space and is easy to make.
The traditional option requires eight 2”x6” by 8’ long treated boards joists (about $50) and eighteen 5/4” x 6” by 8’ long treated decking boards (about $100).
Assembly is straightforward. It requires a box of 2.5” screw and laying out the materials near your desired location.
Create a square with your 2”x6” by 8’ lumber and space joists in between 16” apart.
Floats
The most important part of a dock is the floatation. It’s like the foundation in a home. Everything above it sits on the foundation.
I looked long and hard at float options. Tried the barrels. Tested a kit. Skip below for more information on sourcing your floats.
Once you get your floats, assembly is straightforward. Turn over your wood dock structure and use hex lag screws with bolt and washer to attach to dock.
Sourcing the Floats
Best and cheapest option comes from a company in Georgia that supplies contractors in the Southeast and Midwest, Permafloat. They don’t sell directly to the public which poses a challenge. After some digging found you can buy via Home Depot and ship to store for free (or home for $55). This made the project happen. They are 8’ long so you only need two, under $200 each last I checked. They go in and out of stock regularly so forgive us if none available. Specs are here.
http://www.homedepot.com/permafloat10x96x20
Although I won't use empty barrels for the dock (they can fail after a year or two), to save money we will use them for the walkway only.
Walkway
The walkway is the same structure with dimensions of 8’ long by 3’. You need three 8’ 2”x6” long ways, creating a similar structure 8’ long by 3’ wide with seven 5/4” x 6” by 8’ long treated decking boards.
If you have access to extra wood from a deck or walkway structure its very easy to custom fit into this dock. We found someone who was removing a wood walkway and saved $150 in lumber cost and 2hrs in assembly by using that.
Turn it Over and Connect Walkway
Smooth sailing from here, flip over the dock and push in the water. Bring it to its final location and connect the walkway using heavy duty hinges allowing for movement
A battery powered electric drill is a must unless you have electric nearby.
Secure it to Shore
I prefer to use cinder or concrete blocks to secure to shore. Wire and ropes pose unnecessary hazards.
Use heavy duty rope tied from cinder blocks to walkway, and secure cinder blocks to walkway with ratchet tie down. The cinder blocks can be used as a step or hidden with 2”x6” ramp.
The dock structure is complete! Now for the fun stuff, a dock ladder is a must. This ladder is the best we’ve found. Easy in and out, sturdy and lightweight.
Check out the spec here.
https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-3005-3380-4-Step-Pontoon/
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