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.

Getting Ready for Summer - Part 2

In our last blog, we talked about setting a budget and considering the usage of your future dock. This week, we’ll continue with design planning and shore considerations!

Plan for Maintenance and Looks

If you’d rather spend your weekends enjoying the water instead of sanding or staining wood, aluminum is the way to go. It’s virtually maintenance-free and built to withstand the elements. Prefer the look of wood? No problem—many aluminum docks now come in finishes that mimic the natural beauty of wood without the upkeep. Alumi-Span also offers real wood options.

Know Your Shoreline

Your dock should work with your lake, not against it. Things like shoreline type, lakebed conditions, seasonal water level changes, wave activity, and even prevailing winds all play a big role in determining the best dock design. A custom-fit dock ensures better performance, safety, and longevity.

Read more in our latest article.

Design Your Perfect Dock with Alumi-Span Parts

The layout of your dock matters. Sure, a simple rectangle gets the job done—but with the right plan, you can create something that truly fits your lifestyle. Whether you're into kayaking, hosting sunset dinners, or just lounging with a good book, the right design makes all the difference.

Let’s design your perfect dock—so you can spend more time enjoying the lake and less time worrying about upkeep. Call our dock experts today at 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form to get started!

Getting Ready for Summer - Part 1

Are you looking to build a boat dock?

Maybe you’re planning on upgrading your current dock?

Here are a couple things to think about before you get started:

Set Your Budget

Materials are often the biggest factor when it comes to cost. Aluminum docks might be a bit more expensive upfront than wood, but they more than make up for it in durability and low maintenance. They’re built to last—and they’ll save you time, effort, and money in the long run.

Think About How You’ll Use It

Will your dock just be a spot to tie up your boat, or do you want it to double as a hangout space? If you’re planning on relaxing, entertaining, or even fishing from your dock, aluminum is a great option. It’s lightweight, stays cool in the summer sun, and is easy to clean—perfect for a multifunctional setup.

Read more in our latest article.

Design Your Perfect Dock with Alumi-Span Parts

The layout of your dock matters. Sure, a simple rectangle gets the job done—but with the right plan, you can create something that truly fits your lifestyle. Whether you're into kayaking, hosting sunset dinners, or just lounging with a good book, the right design makes all the difference.

Let’s design your perfect dock—so you can spend more time enjoying the lake and less time worrying about upkeep. Call our dock experts today at 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form to get started!

Start off Summer Right with an Aluminum Boat Dock

It’s finally spring! Are you already dreaming about being out on the water in the summer breezes?

What’s better than being out on the lake with friends and family?

Do you need a boat dock that can provide years of fun and function for your family?

Aluminum boat docks are very low maintenance. Even though they’ll rarely need your attention, the sturdiest docks still require a lot of work to stand up to intense storms, heat, and high winds here in the Midwest. Protect your investment with regular inspections and maintenance!

Here’s what we recommend:

• If you leave your dock in year-round, you should perform a maintenance check in the spring before you tie up a boat or host a fishing party. Look for obvious signs of damage and corrosion before you attempt to use your dock recreationally.
• Lake levels (especially on the Great Lakes) can fluctuate several inches year to year. Water levels change based on rain patterns or land use near your lake. You never want waves to come over the top of your dock, so evaluate the platform height from the water and modify leg heights as needed.

Read more about our aluminum boat docks on our website!

Find out why your friends and neighbors have been enjoying Alumi-Span aluminum boat docks for more than 50 years! Try out our dock design tool online, or give us a call to start your dock project. We can’t wait to help you get out on the water this summer! Contact us today.

How to Make Dock Installation Easy

Dock Installation has a reputation for being the most hated chore a cottage owner has to tackle each year. Those who hate it are usually in the same situation – they own a heavy all-pine dock that requires 100% augering.

We talk to dozens of customers each year who, in frustration, decide they’ll do or pay almost anything to eliminate this back-breaking work. They look at rolling docks and many other fancy options, only to find out that they’re mega-expensive and most of them don't work nearly as well as advertised.

Did you know a properly designed conventional dock can be installed in about 3 minutes per section without any augering or heavy lifting, even in muck? You can save thousands of dollars while retaining the flexibility of nearly any configuration is icing on the cake.

There are a few basics things that are key to quick, easy assembly:

Light Weight Sections
No matter what style of dock you have, remember that if it's not light, it's not easy. Old splintery, hot, all-wood sections often weigh 200 – 250 pounds, or potentially more if they're wet. Alumi-Span offers over 25 different sizes and styles of dock sections ranging in weight from 45-150 lbs. All aluminum and vinyl docks are by far the lightest; however, Alumi-Span also offers a cedar option with weights just slightly more than our all aluminum or vinyl sections. Cedar saves a lot of money as compared to the more maintenance free materials and it is still significantly lighter than a pine dock.

Eliminate Augering!
Many conventional wood docks and some aluminum frames ones do not have a stringer bracket to connect the dock to the crossarm. A dock like this has to be augered or the poles would fall over. Adding stringer brackets and bottom plates to an existing dock with conventional augers can automatically take a lot of the work out of it. 

Read more about dock installation on our website!

Guide to Custom Boat Docks

Is your style as far from cookie-cutter as possible?

Why not customize your boat dock?

You want the inside of your home to perfectly match your style and your needs, so the outside of your home should be no different!  

There are many options for a boat dock at your waterfront property, but you don’t want to settle for run of the mill boat dock parts. Before you commit to a decision to go custom with your boat dock, there are a few things you might want to consider!

Read more about customizing your boat dock on our website!

Custom boat docks have so much to offer and can be an incredibly rewarding investment! If you’re looking for help making your custom boat dock dream a reality, give us a call! We’re happy to take you step-by-step through the entire design and building process, or guide you in the right direction to quality boat dock parts.

You can also use our dock design tool to see what your dock will look like before you invest in dock sections and other boat dock parts.

With 62 years of experience selling top quality boat docks, sections and accessories made in America, Alumi-Span offers boaters an outstanding product they can rely on. Contact us today to see the Alumi-Span difference!

Anodized Aluminum: The Most Durable Dock Section

Have you been researching the right material for your boat dock?

Have you been considering aluminum boat dock sections but are still confused about your options?

As you might guess by looking at our company name, we love anodized aluminum! We choose this material for our dock sections because of its permanent layer of protective material that rivals any paint or powder-coated material.

Since the anodizing process produces a hard, protective layer on aluminum, you don’t need to worry about scratches, chips, or fading. Many paints or powder coatings would need upkeep to keep them looking new, but anodized aluminum is made to last a lifetime. Anodized aluminum dock sections are also the easiest to clean!

Read more benefits of aluminum dock sections on our website!

Anodized Aluminum Dock Sections: Nothing’s Lighter, Nothing’s Cooler, Nothing’s Stronger

Alumi-Span originated the all-aluminum boat dock in 1956. Don't be fooled by cheaper "non-anodized" units! Unlike some competitive units, our docks are made with a strong alloy and our acid-etched anodizing process will not turn black over time. Our dock boards interlock together and then are fastened with stainless fasteners. Tough adhesive is added to eliminate squeaks and rattles.

We manufacture our products using quality methods and materials, and that’s why many Alumi-Span aluminum boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years!

Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we have what you need to get back out on the water with peace of mind. Call us today at 855-523-2444 or contact us to purchase your new aluminum boat dock.

Dock Renovation Items for Your Earth Day To-Do List

Michigan ranks No. 3 in the country for registered boats, according to the Oakland Press. Make sure you’re ready for spring and summer boating by spending Earth Day outside getting your boat and boat dock ready:

• Dock accessories: Do you have young children or elderly parents using your dock? If so, we recommend installing steps and ladders as safety precautions. Optional hand railings and bumpers add stability and security to your wooden docks.
• Dock lighting: Ready for summer nights? Dock lights help identify your dock and help navigate through dark waters. It will also make it easier for passengers to load and unload your boat.
• Dock seating: Tired of sitting on your hard, wooden docks? Spice up your space with a bench or two!
• Swimming rafts: Have you ever felt the excitement of jumping off a raft? If not, you’re really missing out! Adding a raft to your dock or anchoring one out on your lake is a great addition to every lake home.

Read the full article about spending Earth Day on your boat on our website!

Why Choose Alumi-Span for Aluminum Docks?

The answer is in the name! Since 1956, Alumi-Span is a name that people trust. Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we manufacture our products using quality methods and materials. With the high quality and dependability of Alumi-Span, it's no wonder so many property owners in Michigan have selected our aluminum docks over the years. In Detroit and the surrounding areas, we’ve built a reputation you can depend on.

Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that will last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more.

Earth Day: Boating Edition

While celebrating Earth Day, make sure you’re protecting the planet! Go green with earth-friendly cleaning methods for your boat:

“Green cleaners,” as they’re often called in marine-supply stores, are cleaning products for boats that are formulated to minimize environmental impact. With a quick Google search for "eco-friendly boat cleaner," you'll find a wide variety range of options to choose from.

For example, West Marine's Pure Oceans Crystal Boat Soap is made with a concentrated, eco-friendly formula that works without harsh inorganic compounds or other harmful components—and it works with both fresh or saltwater.

Read the full article about spending Earth Day on your boat on our website!

Why Choose Alumi-Span for Aluminum Docks?

The answer is in the name! Since 1956, Alumi-Span is a name that people trust. Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we manufacture our products using quality methods and materials. With the high quality and dependability of Alumi-Span, it's no wonder so many property owners in Michigan have selected our aluminum docks over the years. In Detroit and the surrounding areas, we’ve built a reputation you can depend on.

Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that will last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more.

Tips for Quick and Easy Dock Installation

Do you dread dock installation and removal every year?

Is dock installation a chore that you’d rather pay someone else to do for you?

Before you start putting your dock sections in the water, there are a few things you need to do first:

1. Have a visual: Plan out the configuration of your dock ahead of time, especially if this is your first dock installation! You can use our dock design tool to plan ahead.
   
   
2. Get anchored: Whether your dock is floating or standing, you must anchor your dock. Anchoring systems for boat dock vary depending on the water depth and the distance your dock must be from the store. Read our install guide for more information.

Read more about dock installation on our website!

Why Choose Alumi-Span for Aluminum Docks?

The answer is in the name! Since 1956, Alumi-Span has been a name that people trust. Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we manufacture our products using quality methods and materials. Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that will last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more.

Repairing, Rebuilding, and Replacing Boat Parts

Missing your boat during this long Midwestern winter? We can relate!

To cure your winter blues, take this time to repair, replace, or rebuild boat parts that may have been neglected over the summer or are due for upgrades:

1. Replace old hoses and clamps.
2. Double check hatch gaskets that are normally tucked away in small areas of your boat.
3. Avoid any accidents or citations during the boating season by replacing or repairing any broken navigation lights.
4. Look at your boat dock while it’s in storage. Do any sections need to be replaced? What about giving it a good scrub? When dock installation time comes in the spring, you’ll be glad you took care of any upkeep beforehand.

Read the full article about off-season boat maintenance tasks to tackle before dock installation on our website!

Considering an Upgrade Before Dock Installation Time?

After you’ve made needed repairs and upgrades to your boat, it may also be time to upgrade your boat dock before dock installation time! Docks were made to create more time on the water, not less! If you want a durable dock you don’t have to worry about, an aluminum boat dock might be right for you.

At Alumi-Span Docks, we pride ourselves on being a name people trust. Since 1956, we’ve manufactured our products using quality methods and materials, that’s why many Alumi-Span aluminum boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years!

Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we have what you need to get back out on the water with peace of mind. Call us today at 855-523-2444!

Helpful Aluminum Boat Dock Accessories and Ideas for Camp Directors

Are you a summer camp director or coordinator and want to make outdoor fun more accessible for campers?

Have you considered adding a large aluminum boat dock or patio?

Large docks offer more than just swimming – fishing, sunbathing, and picnics are great options for kids to spend some time outside soaking up the sun.

To make sure everyone’s able to enjoy the dock, consider these accessories and upgrades:

1. Install ladders to make swimming easy
2. Use guardrails to make sure everyone stays safe
3. Consider ADA-compliant ramps to help those in wheelchairs or with walkers to access the dock safely
4. Use slip-resistant decking
   

Other equipment to have on hand are life jackets, fishing equipment, dock furniture like chairs and tables, and for nighttime excursions, consider dock lighting.

Learn more on our website about aluminum boat docks!

Did you know many Alumi-Span boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years?

With the high quality and dependability of Alumi-Span, it's no wonder so many property owners in Michigan have selected our aluminum boat docks over the years. In Detroit and the surrounding areas, we have built a reputation you can depend on, too.

Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that will last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more.

Summer Camp Aluminum Boat Dock Ideas

Are you a camp or park director?

Do you have access to a river or lake?

Want to make it more accessible for campers of all ages?

Summer camps are great educational resources and camp directors and counselors provide great opportunities for kids to learn about nature, the outdoors, fishing, swimming, and more.

If you want to offer more opportunities for kids to enjoy the water, a large dock or dock patio with walkway systems may be the perfect solution.

Read the full article about aluminum boat docks for summer camps on our website!

Dock design is an important part of the dock building process. A large, rectangular shape is easy to build and functional, but does it really serve your needs, or could you have something more unique? Customize your dock for your space and your needs and try our dock designer!

Why ALUMI-SPAN® For Aluminum Docks?

Since 1956, Alumi-Span has been a name that people trust. Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we manufacture our products using quality methods and materials. Best of all, Alumi-Span means "Made in America." Forget cut rate boat docks or the cheap Chinese parts normally found on the internet. Many Alumi-Span boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years!

With the high quality and dependability of Alumi-Span, it's no wonder so many property owners in Michigan have selected our aluminum boat docks over the years. In Detroit and the surrounding areas, we have built a reputation you can depend on, too.

Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that will last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more