Floating docks are an efficient way to access the water at your lake house and are a great addition if you have the space to build one. Knowing all the basics is helpful, from the essential dock kits you’ll need, the materials, and anchoring methods to do it successfully.
Benefits of a floating dock
Adaptable to water levels
Floating docks are adaptable to water levels as opposed to using a permanent dock or decking area that’s fixed and therefore subjected to damage or complete submersion if water levels rise.
Ease of installation
Generally speaking, floating docks are less expensive and are easier to install than a fixed dock as they do not require any substructures or pilings for support.
How to build a floating dock for your lake house: step-by-step guide
Building prep
Building prep is important to get all of the planning and permits required to ensure you can place the floating dock there in the first place. You’ll also want to think about all the materials you’ll need to create a dock of this size for your lakehouse.
Ask yourself what the dock is going to be used for. Consider points such as the position and location of the dock, as well as the typical weather conditions expected in the area. All of this is important to selecting the right materials too.
Assemble your dock with the right materials and/or kit
It’s important to be mindful of what dock materials you need and whether you’ll choose to use dock building kits or source all of the materials yourself.
An pre-packaged dock kit, for example, is a lot easier to make use of because it already comes with everything you’ll need. Shopping for all of the materials individually may allow for more customization, but will also be more work and create more of a chance that something gets missed along the way..
Create the floatation component
A floatation component is what keeps the structure buoyant while it’s on the water. Some lake house properties will have better flotation available than others. That’s why it’s worth looking at dock floats that fit your size and weight capacity.
Make sure you’ve positioned the floats correctly and that these are connected properly so that the dock is safe to step on.
Add any accessories
Accessories are an addition that can enhance your dock’s aesthetic appeal, as well as its functionality. Therefore you should look at what necessary accessories you want to put on your dock. A few ideas could be:
- Ladders and stairs
- Cleats and bumpers
- Lighting
- Lifts
- Seats and benches
No two floating docks are the same, so it’s worth personalizing yours to tailor to your needs and wants.
Anchor your dock
Installing an anchor will ensure that, while adaptable to water levels, your dock is firmly in place. Spend some extra time here if needed to protect your hard work from being unstable or even dislodging and floating away from shore.
Floating docks can be a great addition to your lake house, and by following these steps, you can build one yourself. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and functional floating dock that will provide you with years of enjoyment.