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Lake dock designer how to#

Crib docks are docks which have one or more “crib,” structures which are typically made of wood and provide support for the overall structure, anchoring the structure permanently to the waterbed.

And in places where the water level shifts, permanent docks can’t easily be adjusted to suit the level of the water. Their disadvantage is that in areas with harsh winters and heavy ice build-up, the dock structure can shift or be damaged. Permanent docks offer one enormous advantage: less labor each fall and spring because they don’t need to be removed and replaced as the seasons change. Within each category there are several options available, all of which come with advantages and disadvantages. There are two broad categories of docks available: permanent and removeable. With the preliminaries and preparation behind you, it’s time for some big decisions.

Lake dock designer how to#

If you’re uncertain how to proceed, contact your municipality and if the rules prove difficult to navigate, consider enlisting legal help. Are docks even allowed on your particular body of water? Are there rules governing certain types of structures? Are permits necessary before a project can begin? And are permits for certain kinds of docks easier to obtain than others? A floating dock, which is completely removable for winter storage and does not make contact with the lake or river bed, may be viewed as having a lower environmental impact than other designs and hence more acceptable in some areas. The Fine Printīe sure to do a thorough investigation of the laws and regulations governing dock projects in your jurisdiction. Be prepared to make compromises according to your available budget establishing a budget at the outset of your project will help keep costs under control. You’ll want to choose materials that will last under the harsh conditions of sun, wind, and water. Again, a larger dock will cost more to maintain than a smaller one.

Ongoing maintenance and the associated cost of maintenance is another consideration. A dock with a larger footprint will, as one would expect, cost more than one that is smaller.

The project budget will contribute to dock size and materials. A floating dock, for example, would be too unstable, and therefore a poor choice, in an area subject to high winds and wave action. The goal here is to arrive at a dock that can perform within the constraints of a particular locale.Įach specific dock type (which we’ll explore below), is designed to perform according to a particular set of environmental conditions. Site-specific considerations will also dictate dock design and material choices. Swimming or entertaining will likely require a wider, more spacious footprint. In the latter case, the size of the boat – or is it boats, plural? – will play a role in determining suitable size and design. There are plenty of use-case options and combinations, including swimming, diving, entertaining, and boat mooring. The first step in landing on a suitable residential boat dock design requires answering a fundamental question: what will the dock predominately be used for? The answer will likely govern your dock’s size, structure, materials, and cost. The key is to match your needs and location with the available options. Each one offers unique advantages depending on the use case and site conditions. Simply put, there are plenty of options when it comes to boat docks. Waterfront property owners who have had a dock installed, on the other hand, know there’s no getting around some big decisions on design, location, and materials before you’re able to enjoy a dock for summertime lounging. When Otis Redding first sang his 1968 classic “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay,” he omitted any mention of all the thought and planning needed to arrive at a successful dock project.