From material choices to the type of dock, there are many factors that will influence the final price. In this guide we will review the many considerations that go into building a dock or ramp and how those decisions impact the overall price.
Factors Affecting Boat Dock Costs
Dock Size
Larger docks will naturally cost a lot more to install. Outside of labor costs, materials are typically charged by the square foot.
Material Choice
The material you choose for your dock is going to determine the price. Wood is generally cheaper. The drawback is that it will need more maintenance. While composite materials or aluminum docks may have a bigger upfront cost they will offer a lot more durability and require less upkeep on the owners part.
Dock Type
Permanent docks are more expensive than ones you can remove. This is due to the labor and materials that you need for the installation. Floating docks are generally cheaper than their stationary counterparts. However, they are not right for every location.
Features and Accessories
Additional features such as boat lifts, ramps, as well as ladders, will add to the amount of money needed for the dock. Each feature can cost a few hundred dollars or it may cost several thousands of dollars. It all depends on the complexity and quality of the dock.
Dock Materials and Costs
The choice of materials is one of the key factors when it comes to the price for building any dock. Below you will find some of the most common materials used to construct docks. You will also find the costs associated with each of them.
- Pressure-Treated Wood: $5 – $8 per square foot
- Composite Decking: $16 – $32 per square foot
- Aluminum: $8 – $15 per square foot
- PVC/Plastic: $4 – $10 per square foot
Pressure-treated wood is a budget-friendly option. It requires that you do regular maintenance.
Aluminum is best for saltwater environments. This is due to its ability to resist corrosion.
While PVC or plastic materials are more long-lasting and are usually easy to maintain.
Dock Installation Costs: Additional Features
When you are building a dock, you may decide that you want to add some specific features. You can do this for functionality or comfort.
Here is an overview of the costs on average for the most common dock accessories:
- Boat Lift: $1,000 – $8,000
- Boat Ramp: $1,000 – $5,000
- Ladder: $100 – $800
- Mooring Whips: $300 – $700
- Dock Bumper: $50 – $200
- Seawall or Bulkhead: $150 – $600 per linear foot
Boat lifts are useful if you want to protect your boat from the elements when you are not using it. Boat ramps will make it easier for you to launch smaller watercraft. They will also provide easy access to and from the water for you.
A seawall and a bulkhead will protect your shoreline from all types of erosion and storms. This is especially important for those properties that are close to the ocean or lakes.
Labor Costs for Dock Installation
Labor is a significant part of the cost for a boat dock. Labor costs will range from $40 to $110 per hour. It all depends on the complexity of the dock and location it is in.
If the dock is larger and has a more intricate design, it will require more time to complete. This will naturally drive up the labor costs.
If the dock requires electricity an electrician will charge $50 to $130 per hour for any wiring and lighting you do.
Labor cost will often account for at least 50% of the total cost. This is especially true for complex and large dock designs.
Contractors will often want to do an environmental assessment before they start doing any form of work. This will impact the price and timeline of the project.
Seawall and Bulkhead Costs
If your property is at risk of erosion you will need a seawall or a bulkhead. These can cost between $150 and $600 per linear foot. Seawalls are typically used in areas that are coastal or in riverfront areas. Bulkheads are more suitable for a lakefront property.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the basic dock installation, you may also need to budget for:
Permits
Most areas will require that you get a permit for dock installation. It is important that you try to be as compliant with the law in the local area as much as possible. Do not take the risk of trying to complete a dock without having a permit. If you hire a reputable contractor, they can likely help you acquire the necessary permits for your project.
Environmental Considerations
In some areas, you may need to do an environmental assessment if you’re building in protected water bodies or near wetlands. The last thing you want to do is to have your dock disrupt the habitats of any creatures that depend on the water for survival.
With this information at your disposal, you hopefully have the proper guidance to know the factors to prioritize and incorporate into your project of building a boat dock.