A bigger dock means it’s easier to establish clear pathways. You can also reduce the risk of falling and tripping accidents. If you have more room to maneuver, then you will also make it easier to load and unload, which minimizes the chance of a collision or an injury. A larger dock will also allow enough room between boats, so they are less likely to knock into each other when docking. When you take severe weather conditions into account, it’s not hard to see why dock extensions can be a great investment.
Storage
If you invest in a bigger dock, you will also have more storage. You can keep all of your boating essentials organised, and you can also keep them secure in weatherproof cabinets. Storage lockers can also be added, as you have more room to work with. This can declutter your property while protecting your gear from exposure to the elements. You will also have more space for your watercraft. A bigger dock means you can moor boats, watercraft, or jet skis at the same time, which saves you from having to shuffle things around as the weather changes.
Entertaining Family and Friends
If you have extra room on your dock, then you will have space to entertain family and friends. You can add some seating, or you can even set up a waterfront cookout. A lot of people like to host cocktail parties on their dock, with an area for al fresco dining. A bigger dock can also help you to set up a quality entertainment space, which, in summer, is a very valuable thing to have.
What are your Options when Extending your Dock?
If you feel as though now is the time for you to extend your dock, then you’re not limited to just a single approach. The most common method would be for you to do a linear extension, which adds to your existing dock. This essentially pushes it out into the water. This is ideal if you want to reach deeper water so you can moor a bigger boat, or because you want a bigger walkway.
Another popular way you can extend your dock would be to go for an L-shaped or T-shaped design. If you add a section that’s perpendicular to the dock you have now, you can then create a more dynamic space overall. This configuration is most suited to defining zones. It may be that you have one area for docking and then an area for entertainment. This helps to add more flexibility, and it also helps to provide better protection against other boats. If you want even more flexibility, adding a floating platform can work well, as it works with the rising and falling water levels. This creates the ideal swim deck, or space for kayaks.
Planning your Project
If you want to extend your dock, you need to make sure that you navigate permitting and regulations. Local regulations will dictate your dock size, placement, and even materials. If you overlook things like this, then you not only face big fines, but also the risk of having to tear down your new investment. You will also need to understand the setback requirements that are associated with your property, and the environmental impact it may have.
The Right Materials
If you want your dock extension to last for years to come, then choosing the right materials is so important. If you are building a dock extension in a freshwater lake or on a saltwater coast, then you will need to make sure that your materials can withstand the elements. Traditional pressure-treated wood is a good investment, and it’s often the most affordable, but you may need to stain it so you can stop issues like rot and decay. Composite decking is a good alternative, and it demands very little upkeep. With that said, it can be more expensive. Aluminum is another top choice, as it’s resistant to both rust and corrosion, not to mention that it’s an incredibly long-lasting solution. The biggest mistake you can make when building your dock is underestimating the force of nature.
Ensuring Safety
When extending your dock, safety should be a priority. The method used to support the new section should be robust and appropriate for your location. Driving new pilings into the substrate is important, as is connecting the new section to the old. High-quality hardware, including marine bolts, brackets, and connectors, is important. You also have to make sure that the connection can withstand the torsional stress associated with crashing waves, as well as people walking on the dock.
Extending a dock isn’t just about adding extra materials; it’s about making sure that the dock is a unified structure that flexes and moves as one.