5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dock Designer

Are you unsure what to ask when hiring a dock designer?

Hiring a professional dock designer is a great way to ensure your dock is built to last. But before you choose someone, it’s important to ask the right questions. 

Here are five questions to ask a dock designer:

1. How long have they been designing docks?
2. What is the best way to reach them?
3. Do they have warranty/follow-up services?
4. How long will the installation process take?

When you know what to expect, you’ll enjoy a smoother design process and a finished dock that fits your shoreline perfectly. Learn more in our latest article!

Start Planning Your Dock Design!

Alumi-Span has been designing and manufacturing docks for 70 years--if you're looking for expertise you can trust, you're in the right place!

Ready to get started? Contact us today—our team is here to help you design a dock that fits your shoreline perfectly.

Try our dock design tool to start visualizing your ideal setup!

Holiday Safety Tips for Decorating Your Dock

Decorating your dock is a great way to celebrate the holidays, but safety should always come first!

Here are a few tips for winter dock safety:

• Use outdoor-rated lights and keep cords away from the water.
• Secure decorations tightly against wind and snow.
• Avoid tripping hazards by keeping ladders and walkways clear.
• Stay warm and dry while decorating — wear non-slip boots and layers.

A strong, aluminum dock from Alumi-Span is built to handle all seasons — even festive ones! Enjoy decorating confidently knowing your dock can stand up to Michigan winters.

Learn more in our latest article.

Add Holiday Cheer to Your Aluminum Dock!

Your dock doesn’t have to sit empty all winter! Decorating is a great way to enjoy the holidays with family, neighbors, and friends! With a little imagination (and a sturdy dock beneath it), you can make your waterfront sparkle all season long!

Explore our full line of aluminum dock systems, ladders, posts, and accessories — built for beauty, strength, and generations of lake memories. 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

5 Easy Ways to make Your Dock Shine This Holiday Season

Want to make your lakefront festive this winter?

Try these quick decorating ideas for your dock:

1. Wrap the railings with LED lights or garland for instant charm.

2. Add holiday colors with ribbons, bows, or nautical ornaments.

3. Light up your boat for a glowing touch on the water.

4. Set up a cozy gathering spot with lanterns and blankets.

5. Keep safety first by securing all decorations and avoiding icy areas.

Your dock can be more than just a summer destination — it can be part of your holiday display!

Explore durable, weather-resistant aluminum docks at Alumi-Span.com and get ready for a bright holiday season by the lake.

Learn more in our latest article.

Add Holiday Cheer to Your Aluminum Dock!

Your dock doesn’t have to sit empty all winter! Decorating is a great way to enjoy the holidays with family, neighbors, and friends! With a little imagination (and a sturdy dock beneath it), you can make your waterfront sparkle all season long!

Explore our full line of aluminum dock systems, ladders, posts, and accessories — built for beauty, strength, and generations of lake memories. 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Redesigning Your Dock Layout for Next Season

Was this summer your boat dock’s last season?

In our last blog, we talked about updating your existing dock for next spring. But what if you’re ready for a whole new setup? 

Here’s a few things to consider!

Redesign Your Dock Layout

Has your family outgrown your current dock setup? Off-season is the perfect time to redesign your layout! You can add more slips, create a larger lounging area, or make it easier to launch kayaks and paddleboards, just to name a few ideas. With our modular systems, customization is simple.

Upgrade to a Brand-New Dock

Sometimes, starting fresh is the best solution. Today’s dock systems are designed for easier installation, improved safety, and lower long-term maintenance. An all-new dock ensures decades of reliability. Some of our docks have been in use for over 50 years!

Learn more in our latest article.

Boat Dock Parts for All Your Projects, All Year Long

Whether you’re upgrading hardware or planning a full rebuild, we have the boat dock parts you need. To get started, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Upgrade Your Dock Hardware This Off-Season

Need to upgrade your dock, but not ready to invest in a brand-new setup?

This off-season, you can replace parts and rebuild your existing dock to make it nicer for the spring, without committing to the time and price of installing an entirely new dock!

Replace Old Hardware & Upgrade Parts

Bolts, brackets, and cleats wear down over time. Replacing rusted or loose hardware now can prevent dangerous failures next season. Consider upgrading to higher-quality hot-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel parts for a longer-lasting dock.

If you already use our hardware, the hot-dipped galvanized won’t corrode, but it can still wear down with age. If your hardware is old, we recommend at least inspecting it to make sure it’s in good shape for next year.

Rebuild Your Old Dock

If your dock has seen better days but still has a usable frame, rebuilding may be the best option. New decking materials can bring fresh life to an old dock while keeping costs manageable.

Learn more in our latest article.

Boat Dock Parts for All Your Projects, All Year Long

Whether you’re upgrading hardware or planning a full rebuild, we have the boat dock parts you need. To get started, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Winterization vs Removal

What’s the difference between winterizing a dock and removing it from the lake?

In short, winterization is for boat docks that are permanent and can withstand winter weather in the lake, and removal is for docks that aren’t permanent. Here’s a few tips for preparing for both situations.

If You’re Leaving the Dock in for Winter

Whether or not a dock can be left in depends mostly on the lake.  If your lake doesn’t get large ice flows, AND there are no regulations against it, a dock can be left in. Ice flows are what usually cause dock damage, rather than just plain freezing.

If you’re leaving your dock in, you “winterize” the dock. If that’s your plan:

• Remove accessories like lights, ladders, bumpers, and cleats to protect them from ice damage.
• Double-check that cables, anchors, and hardware are in good condition to prevent shifting or breakage.

If You’re Removing the Dock

If your lake gets large ice flows or there are regulations against leaving it in, the dock needs to come out for the winter. If that’s the case:

• Always remove leg sets from each section before storing.
• Number your leg sets so when you install your boat dock next spring, you’ll have minimal re-leveling to do—saving both time and effort.
• Store sections and parts in a secure place to protect.  If you decide to cover them to protect them from snow and ice, be sure there is air flow.  Don’t seal them in completely. 

Read more in our latest article.

Everything You Need to Install, Remove, and Winterize Your Boat Dock

Whether you have a question about installing, removing, or winterizing your dock, Alumi-Span is here to help! To get in touch, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to helping you make the most out of your boat dock!

Time to Start Planning for Fall!

How do you know when to start winterizing or removing your dock?

Here are a few tips on general timing, as well as regional recommendations!

Signs It’s Time to Start Planning

While every lake and river has its own seasonal rhythm, here are a few signs you should start thinking about dock removal or winterization:

• Water Temperatures Are Dropping. Cold water makes late-season work more uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
• Weather is Becoming Unpredictable. Fall storms can bring wind, waves, and ice sooner than expected.
• End of Boating Season. Once you’re done with boats and personal watercraft for the year, your dock’s off-season prep can begin.

Regional Timing Recommendations

Your ideal timing will depend on your location. Here are a few examples:

• Northern Climates: Ice formation can start as early as October or November, so removal or winterization should happen before freezing conditions set in.
• Milder Regions: You may have more flexibility, but don’t wait until heavy winds or snow are in the forecast.
• Fluctuating Water Levels: If your area sees significant water level changes in the fall, factor that into your schedule to avoid working in unsafe conditions.

Read more in our latest article.

Everything You Need to Install, Remove, and Winterize Your Boat Dock

Whether you have a question about winterizing, removing, or installing your boat dock, Alumi-Span is here to help! To get in touch, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to helping you make the most out of your boat dock!