Wy Experience Matters in Dock Design

When it comes to building a dock, experience makes all the difference. A seasoned designer understands local water conditions, weather patterns, and material performance—ensuring your dock stands strong for years to come. They’ll know how to prevent common issues and tailor each design to fit your shoreline’s unique needs.

So, when you’re hiring a dock designer, ask these questions about their experience: 

1. How long have they been designing docks? 
2. What types of projects have they completed, and can they share examples of their work? 

Whether you’re upgrading an existing dock or starting from scratch, choosing a professional with the right background gives you peace of mind. Learn more about working with a pro dock designer 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!

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!

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!

Party Platforms and Fishing Features

What’s your favorite thing to do on the lake?

Your dock doesn’t have to just be for boating. If you love to host company or enjoy the solitude of fishing, your dock can be a perfect place for those activities!

Party Platforms

If you love entertaining family and friends on the water, a party platform is a must-have addition to your dock. Whether it's hosting summer barbecues, sunset cocktails, or lakeside gatherings, a spacious and sturdy platform offers the ideal setting for socializing. Spice up the space by including accessories like seating, grilling stations, and games. 

Fishing Features

For anglers seeking solitude and serenity, you’ll want to design a dock you can easily fish from. Incorporating a turned section at the end of the dock or along the shoreline provides plenty of space for casting lines and reeling in the day's catch. You can also consider installing fishing rod holders, cleaning stations, and storage compartments for tackle and equipment. 

Looking for More Dock Design Ideas?

Whether you're a boating enthusiast, a social butterfly, or an avid angler, customizing your dock ensures it meets your needs and boosts your enjoyment of the lake. If you’re looking for more dock design ideas, or you’re ready to start building, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you build the perfect dock!

Assessing Your Dock Needs

Is your boat dock equipped for your favorite activities?

Before designing the perfect boat dock, you’ll want to clearly outline your needs. Consider the watercrafts you own, whether they’re boats, jet skis, or other recreational vehicles. Think about how you want to use the space—perhaps you want your dock to be a hub for social gatherings, or a peaceful fishing retreat. Understanding your needs will guide you during the design process.

For example, if you have more than one boat or watercraft, incorporating boat slips or docks along the side of your main structure can make your dock more functional and less crowded. Boat slips provide designated spaces for each vessel. By using the space efficiently, you can accommodate multiple boats and jet skis without overcrowding the dock. 

Looking for More Dock Design Ideas?

Whether you're a boating enthusiast, a social butterfly, or an avid angler, customizing your dock ensures it meets your needs and boosts your enjoyment of the lake. If you’re looking for more dock design ideas, or you’re ready to start building, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you build the perfect dock!

Safety Accessories for Your Boat Dock

Looking for ways to make your dock safer for kids and grandkids?

Dock accessories can help make final safety precautions before the kids hit the lake this summer. All of the following accessories are available in our shop!

Dock End Bumpers: Are the open ends of your dock exposed, leaving the corners of the metal stringers in the open?  Kids can easily get caught on these, turning a fun day at the lake into a traumatic experience.  Cap those open edges with a boat dock end bumper.  These not only child-proof the ends, but also come in different colors, making it a great way to personalize your dock! 

Stairs & Ladders: Do you want a way for the little ones to get in and out of the water safely? Alumi-Span offers several options for stairs or ladders that can work in almost any situation.  These quality products made in the USA won’t leave your loved ones hanging.  Their strength and durability make them a must-have for any dock with kids. 

Corner Sections: Having a platform or seating area at the end of your dock is a wonderful way to have space to sit and enjoy the long days of summer.  However, kids love taking the short cut and leaping over the open corner onto the platform.  Eliminate that safety hazard with a corner section!  The corner section makes a smooth transition from the outgoing dock to a platform without that tempting open space kids love to jump over.

Paddle Board Racks: Do your kids leave their paddle boards lying on the dock or scattered on the shore? Paddle boards left lying around are an unsightly tripping hazard.  Solve this problem with an all-aluminum paddle board rack.  These slide over your dock poles and accommodate two paddle boards. 

Shop Boat Dock Bumpers and More!

Ready to safety-proof your dock for family fun?

Try out our dock design tool, give us a call, or submit a contact form to start your dock project. We can’t wait to help your family enjoy the lake this summer!

Choose Strong & Stable Dock Parts

Is your dock safe for your young family members?

Summer loves the sound of bare feet running down a dock followed by a splash into the water.  While jumping into the lake from the dock is a summer staple, not all docks can hold up to the toll kids take on them.  Alumi-Span has several features that make it able to hold up to the wildest of youngsters.

Quality Cast Parts: We use all quality cast aluminum parts that are engineered in-house.  Quality cast parts are much stronger than thin metal stampings or composite plastic parts.  Quality cast parts aren’t going to bend, break, or slip over time, which is essential for a group of kids having summer fun!

Quality Decking: While some docks try to cut costs by using subpar decking, Alumi-Span chooses only strong decking material for our docks. Cheap plastics will crack and break as children run and leap into the water.  Our structural-grade aluminum, extruded vinyl, and premium lumber can all stand the weight of kids running and jumping from them without cracking, bending, or warping over time.

Quality Build: No manufacturer should cut corners when building their docks.  We use center beams are along the back of the sections that are supported by a rest on the crossarm.  Side stringers use a thicker walled aluminum, and sections have been weight tested to ensure quality and safety.  

Read the full article here!

Shop Quality Parts, Boat Dock Bumpers, and More!

Ready to safety-proof your dock for family fun?

Boat dock safety comes in the form of quality parts and accessories (such as these boat dock bumpers). Give us a call, or submit a contact form to start your dock project. We can’t wait to help your family enjoy the lake this summer!

Avoiding Dock-on-Dock Collision

Is your dock running into your neighbor’s dock?

It’s always best to get along with your neighbors, but many lake sites are not in line with the neighboring properties, which can cause issues with docks running into each other.  

To keep everyone on their property, Alumi-Span can put an angle across the first section of your dock. In many cases, this can bring everything back in line with the dock next to yours. This can help save you from neighborly disputes, and in the worst cases, legal action. 

Cutting an angle on an aluminum dock is a little more involved than just ripping through it with a saw. Alumi-Span takes care to make sure all decking material still has adequate support after making the cut. We also make sure to cap off any sharp edges made by cutting the angle on the dock section to avoid injury. We’ve seen plenty of bad angle cut jobs, and many lack support, which can be dangerous to walk on.  

Avoid Dock Installation Conflict in Michigan

Ready to make your dock work for you, rather than the other way around?

Angle cuts on a dock are a great way to place your dock exactly where you want it! Get in touch with a dock installation expert in Michigan by filling out a contact form or calling (855) 523-2444. Your dock neighbors will thank you!

Cutting Your Dock on an Angle

Is your lake front on an angle?

When cutting an angle, it’s important to measure carefully. A small angle cut at the beginning of a dock could moving the end of the dock over several feet. While this is a great way to avoid running into your neighbors, you don’t want to go too far and create a problem on the other side as well. Another thing to keep in mind is that large angle cuts (over 30-45 degrees) can take up a significant portion of the first dock piece. Careful measurement is needed here as well, especially if the length of the dock needs to be in a specific location. If you live locally, Alumi-Span can help you measure the angle cut. 

Learn More About Dock Installation in Michigan

Ready to make your dock work for you, rather than the other way around?

Angle cuts on a dock are a great way to place your dock exactly where you want it! Get in touch with a dock installation expert in Michigan by filling out a contact form or calling (855) 523-2444. Your dock neighbors will thank you!

Save Money with Quality Materials

Do you know what your boat dock parts are made of?

Hot Dipped Galvanized vs Zinc Plated Bolts

Dock parts made with quality, intently chosen materials can save you money in the long run. They’re often also warrantied by the manufacturer.

Money: if you save a boat load with low-quality boat dock accessories today, you’ll pay for it later. Not only are these cheaper accessories likely to need replacing sooner, but it’s possible they could damage your other equipment or fail unexpectedly. Paying more upfront for quality accessories will save you money and headaches long-term.

Guarantee: Quality materials are more likely to be guaranteed or warrantied by the manufacturer. Part of what you pay for when you get quality materials is the guarantee! Not only is your product protected, but you’ll have peace of mind when you’re out using your dock, boat, and accessories.

Get Guaranteed Parts for Michigan Dock Installation

Alumi-Span uses high quality castings and extrusions in the applications where they work the best, and our alloys are specifically chosen for their intended purpose. We also use proper corrosion resistant fasteners for all applications. This means you can trust the safety and longevity of Alumi-Span parts.

Before you start on your Michigan dock installation, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here if you need help picking the best parts for the job!

Quality Parts Mean Safety and Durability

Injection Molded Plastic vs Extruded Vinyl

How do quality materials make a difference?

Quality boat dock materials mean quality parts for you to buy! Two of the biggest benefits that quality materials provide are safety and durability. 

Safety: top-quality accessories aren’t just made from great materials, they’re also more likely to go through rigorous safety testing and engineering. Lower quality materials aren’t automatically less safe, but are much less likely to have been tested because that’s an added cost. If you buy cheaper accessories, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

Durability: low-quality, cheap materials aren’t going to last as long as the good stuff. That’s why durability ties in directly with money and cost. Investing in quality materials buys you something that lasts. You’re more than likely to get your money’s worth out of quality products that are durable and won’t need to be replaced for years.

Choose Safety when Installing Your Michigan Dock

Alumi-Span uses high quality castings and extrusions in the applications where they work the best, and our alloys are specifically chosen for their intended purpose. We also use proper corrosion resistant fasteners for all applications. This means you can trust the safety and longevity of Alumi-Span parts.

Before you start on your Michigan dock installation, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here if you need help picking the best parts for the job!

Enjoy the Water Without the Commute

Are you thinking about investing in a boat dock?

If your home is on a waterfront, installing a boat dock is one of the best ways to take advantage of the extra space! Whether you use a dock for boating, swimming, lounging, entertaining, or all of the above, a custom dock can bring the whole property together.

One of the biggest advantages of a waterfront property is that you can enjoy the water without commuting to another location. This is extra beneficial if you have a boat. Rather than towing your boat to a marina, backing it into the water, docking at whatever spot is available, and packing it all up again, you can enjoy your boat just by walking to your dock. Opting for a custom dock lets you build something that suites your boat’s needs as well.

Skip the Marina with Dock Installation in Michigan

Ready to take your waterfront property to the next level?

Alumi-Span Docks manufactures and sells all the materials you will need for custom dock installation in Michigan. Even if you don’t live in Michigan, Alumi-Span parts can be shipped to you anywhere in the United States. Call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form to get started!

How to Add a Party Dock to Your Summer Vacation Property

Do you want your lakefront property to be a home away from home this summer?

Are you looking forward to hosting cookouts, family reunions, and having all your friends over to enjoy lake life with you?

Building a party deck or dock platform on your dock can add value to your home. From a small sitting area to space for 20 people, this can be an easy and painless process. 

Many traditional dock platforms use long cross-arms and multiple posts that must be driven in underneath the dock.  These hold the dock up, but there are much easier and more efficient ways to accomplish the look you want.

Read the full article about dock design 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!

Boost Your Boat Dock with Boating Accessories

Need accessories to make your boat dock more accessible for your entire family?

Want to boost the safety of your dock with ladders, lights, and dock bumpers?

Adding accessories is a great way to make your dock more practical and easier to use. It also makes it safer for your family and friends this summer.

Satisfied with your own dock but looking for other places to take the boat this summer? We can help with that, too! Visit our website to read about our recommendations for Midwest boating destinations!

Hitting the road with the family this summer is a great way to get outdoors and spend some quality time together. If you’ve got a boat you can tow, you can visit many lakes and rivers that are sure to create special memories for you and your family.

Alumi-Span Builds Boat Docks and Creates Memories

From our general boating tips to our more specific dock-related information, we’re your one stop shop for everything boating in the Midwest. If you need accessories for your boat dock or need to have a new one built and installed so you can fully enjoy the summer, we can help!

We’ve been providing Midwest families with hours of fun for over 50 years, and we can help you design and build a dock that perfectly suits your needs. Contact us today to get started! You can use our dock designer app to get a better idea of the specs you need, and we deliver docks to homes all over Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

River Boating in the Midwest

Looking for something new to do this summer?

Tired of visiting the same lakes and destinations over and over? Consider some of the large rivers that the Midwest has to offer!

Prime destinations for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking, you can take a day road trip with your family, or several days camping and boating to get the full experience.

Learn more on our website!

Need boat dock parts or accessories to make the most of this summer? We can help! We’ve been providing Midwest families with hours of fun for over 50 years, and we can help you design and build a dock that perfectly suits your needs. 

Contact us today to get started! You can use our dock designer app to get a better idea of the specs you need, and we deliver docks to homes all over Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

Make Your Dock Design Unique with Additions

Designing a new boat dock?

Want to make it stand out and make it the big talking point among your friends and neighbors?

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 that will impress your friends and neighbors and combine your outdoor hobbies?

Visit our website to read more about unique dock design features!

For nearly 60 years, Alumi-Span has provided entire dock systems and component parts for docks to property owners who want their docks to last. Need assistance selecting the right Alumi-Span products for your dock? Get in touch with us at 855-523-2444.

Our knowledge about boat docks can help you construct the perfect dock that will serve you for years. If you’ve tried other boat dock parts and were disappointed in their performance, it’s time to go with Alumi-Span. Contact us today!

Get the Perfect Dock with Our Dock Design Tool

Planning your new boat dock design?

Before shopping, make sure you take the type to plan your dock design. Consider materials like wood, composite, or aluminum dock sections.

Other factors to keep in mind are:

• Location of your dock (will it be in the full sun, or shade?)
• Depth of water around the dock (do you need a railing?)
• Any local town or municipal coding requirements or permits needed
• Average number of boats that will be anchored to the dock
• What size is your dock?

Getting the size of your dock can be frustrating if you must measure several times, but you’re in luck! We’ve got our own dock design tool that you can use to get a quote!

Need more dock design tips? Read the full article on our website!

Our knowledge about boat docks can help you construct the perfect dock that will serve you for years. If you’ve tried other boat dock parts and were disappointed in their performance, it’s time to go with Alumi-Span. Contact us today!

How to Store a Boat for Winter

Are you getting ready to store your boat for the winter?

Do you have storage options available to you? Before you send your boat to the storage facility or dry rack it at your home, make sure you’ve taken these steps:

1. Run your boat one more time: Pay attention to any issues that need repair or replacement. Look for cracks in the hull, which can worsen over time.
   
   
2. Drain your boat: Remove your boat from the water and drain the water tanks, head, and pipes.
   
   
3. Give your boat a thorough cleaning: Scrub the entirety of your boat with soap and water, including the interior. Open any interior lockers, drawers, refrigerators, and freezers and clean those as well – you don’t want any surprises come springtime!

Read more tips for storage prepping on our website!

Protect Your Boat and Aluminum Boat Dock with Alumi-Span!

Every experienced boater needs a great boat dock, and Alumi-Span has the knowledge and expertise to make that happen for your family. Our docks are made of the highest quality materials and we’ve got the accessories you need for a boat house, too. Contact us today to find out more!

Don’t Skip a Step when Planning Your Dock Design!

Building a new boat dock?

There’s a lot of planning involved in designing a dock. Luckily, we’ve got the information you need to consider before you buy materials. We’ve also got a custom dock design tool on our website to make the planning easier!

Before shopping, make sure you take the type to plan your design. Consider materials like wood, composite, or aluminum dock sections.

Other factors to keep in mind are:

• Location of your dock (will it be in the full sun, or shade?)
• Depth of water around the dock (do you need a railing?)
• Any local town or municipal coding requirements or permits needed
• Average number of boats that will be anchored to the dock
• What size is your dock?

Getting the size of your dock can be frustrating if you get it incorrect and have to measure several times, but you’re in luck! We’ve got our own dock design tool that you can use to get a quote!

Read the full article on our website!