The Cons of Vinyl Dock Sections (and How Alumi-Span Makes Them Better)

In our last blog, we went of the pros of vinyl docks. However, vinyl isn’t the best material for everyone.
 

Here are a few things to keep in mind, especially when comparing vinyl to anodized aluminum:

1. Lower Structural Strength

While vinyl performs well as a decking surface, it is not as structurally strong as metal materials. However, when built correctly, vinyl sections can be very strong.  Alumi-Span has load tested their sections up to 1200 pounds! 

2. Potential for Wear Over Time

Vinyl does hold more dirt than aluminum, making it require more frequent cleaning.  This and exposure to sun for years can cause some fading in the color.  Alumi-Span’s lighter, pastel colors limit this fade, so it is barely noticeable. 

3. Not Ideal for Permanent Installation

While vinyl works well when being taken in and out each year, it is not ideal for permanent installation.  When temperatures drop below freezing, vinyl can get more brittle.  It does not break easy, but if something heavy is dropped on it, frozen vinyl can crack.

Read more in our latest article.

We Offer Dock Sections for All Preferences!

Alumi-Span offers both aluminum AND vinyl dock sections! We also offer stained cedar, treated pine, and faux wood. Whatever section is best for you, we have it available!

If you have questions or are ready to place an order, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you design your dream dock!

The Pros of Vinyl Dock Sections

Vinyl dock sections are a popular option among waterfront property owners, but are they the right fit for
your needs?

Here’s a quick list of the pros of vinyl docks:

1. Affordable Upfront Cost

One of the biggest advantages of vinyl dock sections is their cost-effectiveness. Vinyl is generally less expensive than many other decking materials, making it a great option for property owners working within a budget. 

2. Low Maintenance

Vinyl decking requires very little upkeep. Unlike wood, it doesn’t need to be sanded, stained, or sealed, saving you time and ongoing maintenance costs. 

3. Resistant to Rot and Splintering

Because vinyl is a synthetic material, it won’t rot, warp, or splinter over time. This makes it a safer and more comfortable surface for bare feet and frequent use. 

4. Slip-Resistant Surface

Many vinyl dock sections are manufactured with textured surfaces that improve traction, even when wet—an important safety feature for swimming and boating activities. 

5. Lightweight and Easy to Handle

Vinyl decking is typically lighter than wood or composite materials, making dock sections easier to install, remove, or reposition when needed. 

6. Aesthetic Flexibility

Vinyl decking often comes in multiple colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their dock to match their waterfront property. 

Read more in our latest article.

We Offer Dock Sections for All Preferences!

Alumi-Span offers both aluminum AND vinyl dock sections! We also offer stained cedar, treated pine, and faux wood. Whatever section is best for you, we have it available!

If you have questions or are ready to place an order, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you design your dream dock!

Make Your Dock Safe for Young Family Members

In our last blog, we talked about accessories that can help make your dock safer. Here are a few
additional safety tips to go with them:

1. Choose Non-Slip Decking for Foot Traffic

Children tend to sprint across a dock toward the water — and slippery surfaces can turn that excitement into a dangerous slip. Non-slip decking materials are essential:

• Vinyl and Aluminum Decking with textured treads keeps traction even when wet and bare feet are involved. 
• Hand-sorted Lumber deck boards reduce the risk of splinters. 

Whether you select premium wood, vinyl, or aluminum options, surfaces designed to shed water and provide traction help prevent falls.

2. Keep the Dock Well-Lit

Good lighting isn’t just for evening dock parties — it’s a safety essential. Dock lights help families spot changes in walking surfaces, avoid tripping hazards, and safely transit the dock at dusk or after dark. 

Solar LED lights or post cap lights are easy to install and low-maintenance.

3. Keep the Walkway Clear & Organized

A cluttered dock is a tripping hazard:

• Store ropes, life jackets, and water toys in designated bins.
• Mount paddleboard and kayak racks to keep walkways clear and free of clutter. 

Organized docking space makes it easier for kids to walk without unexpected obstacles.

4. Ensure Regular Maintenance

A safe dock isn’t a one-time project — it’s ongoing care. Regular checks help catch and fix:

• Loose boards
• Worn connections
• Mildew or algae buildup that can make surfaces slick 

Routine cleaning and seasonal maintenance keep your dock structurally sound and safe for kids.

5. Safety Gear Should Be Easy to Access

Even with the best dock design, accidents can happen:

• Keep child-sized life jackets near dock entrances so kids can easily grab them before stepping onto the dock. 
• Have first-aid kits nearby with supplies for minor cuts and scrapes. 

When safety gear is visible and accessible, family members are more likely to use it.

Read more in our latest article.

Complete Your Dock’s Safety-Check with Alumi-Span Boat Dock Parts

We design and build high-quality boat dock parts that make waterfront living safer and more enjoyable — especially when kids and family are involved.

Ready to design or upgrade your family-friendly dock? Explore our dock sections, bumpers, ladders, lighting, and more — and let’s make this summer safe and unforgettable!

Whether you’re ready to place an order or if you have questions, feel free to call 855-523-2444 or submit an online contact form here.

Boat Dock Parts for Safety

Your dock may be cleaned up and ready for spring, but is it safe?

A range of accessories can dramatically improve dock safety for young family members:

Dock Bumpers

Soft bumpers around edges cushion hard surfaces that kids might bump into or trip over, and also protect boats and dock edges. 

Stairs & Ladders

Easy-to-use stairs or ladders allow kids to enter and exit the water safely — far preferable to climbing on slippery rocks or jumping into deep water without support. 

Corner Sections

These eliminate gaps or edges where children might be tempted to jump, giving a smooth, safe transition around the end of your dock. 

Read more in our latest article.

Complete Your Dock’s Safety-Check with Alumi-Span Boat Dock Parts

We design and build high-quality boat dock parts that make waterfront living safer and more enjoyable — especially when kids and family are involved.

Ready to design or upgrade your family-friendly dock? Explore our dock sections, bumpers, ladders, lighting, and more — and let’s make this summer safe and unforgettable!

Whether you’re ready to place an order or if you have questions, feel free to call 855-523-2444 or submit an online contact form here.

Quality Still Comes First

2026 is Alumi-Span’s 70th year in business! 

One thing that makes us incredibly proud? You can still find 50- and 60-year-old Alumi-Span dock sections out in service today. They’ve weathered countless seasons and are often enjoyed by second and third generations of the same families.

Through all the years and all the changes, our values haven’t budged:

• Build things the right way
• Never cut corners
• Keep improving
• Offer honest, lasting value
• And always — always — make it in Michigan

Even today, the F-stringer style developed back in 1961 remains the most practical design for most inland docks. And Alumi-Span continues to lead the way in engineering and craftsmanship.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re filled with gratitude for the families who have trusted our docks, the marinas who have partnered with us, and the generations of Berlin and Hoover family members who poured their energy into making Alumi-Span what it is today.

Learn more in our latest article.

Learn How to Build a Boat Dock!

Ready to start building? 

If you need tips on how to build a boat dock, we’ve got you covered! Click here for our installation videos. If you have questions or you’re ready to place an order, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 855-523-2444 or through our online contact form. We look forward to helping you build an amazing dock!

Where the Alumi-Span Story Begins

2026 marks Alumi-Span’s 70-year anniversary!

Our story starts in 1956 inside Metalloy Foundry, run by mechanical engineer and boating enthusiast Dick Berlin. Back then, docks were heavy, rusty, and made of steel or iron. Dick saw a better way. He created an all-aluminum dock system — lighter, cleaner, and stronger than anything on the market. In fact, some of those very first docks are still out on the water today.

The Breakthrough That Changed Everything

Just a few years later, in 1961, Dick introduced what would become a defining moment for the dock industry: the F-stringer aluminum dock section. By combining F-shaped side beams with interlocking aluminum boards, he created a dock that wasn’t just lighter — it was smarter, safer, and more affordable.

People took notice:

• Alcoa recognized it as one of the best new aluminum products of the year
• It appeared in over 20 industry publications
• And soon, over 200 marinas across the northern states were carrying it

Competitors tried to copy the idea, but the original Alumi-Span system set the bar.

Learn more in our latest article.

Learn How to Build a Boat Dock!

Ready to start building? 

If you need tips on how to build a boat dock, we’ve got you covered! Click here for our installation videos. If you have questions or you’re ready to place an order, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 855-523-2444 or through our online contact form. We look forward to helping you build an amazing dock!

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.

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.

Augers and Permanent Bases

Do you know if your dock needs an auger or permanent base?

Following our previous blog, here are two more pieces of hardware that can help keep your dock stable:

Augers: Augers screw down into the ground and are ideal when the dock needs to be anchored. This can be because a boat is being tied directly to the dock, it is a shorter dock, or the dock stays in all year round. Often a combination of augers and bottom plates can be used to keep installation easier or both can be used in milder muck situations. Read our previous blog for more info on bottom plates.

Permanent Dock Base: Alumi-Span’s Perma-Auger is a great way to get an augered dock base, without the work each year. Designed to stay under the ice line year-round, these are installed one time. Regular 2”OD uprights simply drop into them. A large vinyl funnel makes it easy to put in the post even if visibility is restricted. They should not be installed in areas so shallow that the ice can freeze around the unit. Leave 6-10 inches of pole sticking out of the lake bottom to avoid sand getting in the tube.

Read more in our latest article.

Shop Boat Dock Parts and More!

No matter your lake bottom conditions, Alumi-Span has a solution for you! Call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form to get our advice on what boat dock parts would work best for you!

Bottom Plates

Do you know what type of bottom plate you need to keep your dock stable?

Here are three types of bottom plates offered by Alumi-Span:

• Standard Bottom Plates: The standard bottom plate is great for solid, sandy lake bottoms on docks over thirty feet long. This 6”x6” plate fits around both a 2” OD pole or a 1.9” pole. The advantage to using bottom plates is you can leave your entire leg set together when taking the dock out each year.This not only makes installation easier, but it also minimizes levelling of the dock from year to year. These plates can also be moved up the pole a bit for milder muck situations.
• Large Bottom Plates: The large bottom plate provides added support and is used for a variety of reasons. These 12”x12” plates are ideal for supporting party platforms. They not only add stability, but they make installation of a platform easier as well. This is because they allow the truss to stand on its own in the water as sections are added to it. These larger plates are also helpful when muck is an issue (up to a foot and a half of muck). The plate can be run up the pole, so that the leg set can be jammed into the muck and still have something stable on which to rest.
• Bottom Plates and Treated Boards: For more extreme muck conditions (over a foot and a half), a treated piece of plywood with a hole in the middle can be used in combination with a standard bottom plate. The upright poles of the leg set go through the board, while the bottom plate rests on top of it. The board creates a stable surface on which your dock can rest. It also gives you something to stand on while doing the install.

Read more in our latest article.

Shop Boat Dock Parts and More!

No matter your lake bottom conditions, Alumi-Span has a solution for you! Call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form to get our advice on what boat dock parts would work best for you!