A lakeside dock will provide an access point that can be used when entering the body of water that borders your property. Compare and research dock styles, construction materials, and local ordinances that will be tied into your residential dock installation project.
Anchored And Floating Styles
A residential dock can be aligned perpendicularly from the shoreline or run parallel to an established seawall. Your contractor may advise that a particular dock design is implemented to avoid the disruption of the flow of water and to minimize interference with the fish and plant life that comprises the area. The depth of the water and the underwater terrain will be assessed during an inspection of your property.
An anchored dock is an immobile structure that will require that wood or concrete piles are anchored to the bed of the lake. A fairly flat lake bed will be necessary for the stabilization of this type of dock. A floating dock is a semi-permanent structure that contains buoyant pontoons that are supportive of upper docking materials. The panels that are constructed of upper docking materials can be removed from the dock during the winter or when turbulent weather is predicted.
The rise and fall of the water in the lake may fluctuate. During droughts, the lowering of the water level could create a considerable gap between the planking that comprises an anchored dock and the waterline. This type of fluctuation could point you toward choosing a floating model that will move up and down when the water level increases or decreases.
Dock Materials And Length Restrictions
Pressure-treated wood, composites, and metal components are often used to construct docks. Quality docking materials may be more hardy and resilient to heavy loads than inferior products. Your contractor will show you various docking materials that can be used in your dock's design.
If you will be walking barefoot along the dock, avoid materials that may splinter or that conduct heat. If you like the look of a particular wood or metal variety that won't be ideal if the dock will encounter a lot of foot traffic, these materials can be used to construct the sides of the dock and a more suitable material for walking can be installed in the center.
Follow local ordinances associated with dock length restrictions. Consult with your contractor about various dock layouts that meet the length requirements and that will support the manner in which you plan on using the dock. During the construction of the dock, you may be required to display a permit that clearly identifies your residential address.
Talk to a local contractor if you need help with home dock construction.