Anodized Aluminum Dock Rebuild Kit

Do you wish there was an all-in-one kit for rebuilding your boat dock? There actually is!

For a straightforward and efficient rebuild, consider the Anodized Aluminum Dock Rebuild Kit. This kit includes anodized interlocking deck boards, stainless steel fasteners, and detailed instructions. To complete the project, you'll need a 3/8” socket drive and a drill. Ensure your stringer opening measures just under 1-1/8”, a common size for 5/4” wooden deck boards. Stringers should be exactly 8 or 10 feet long. If your dock has different dimensions or if you have questions, our team can help! 

Why Choose Alumi-Span?

• Dock Rebuilders Few and Far Between: it’s very rare for a manufacturer to offer rebuilds. We take pride in offering this for our customers!
• Proven Durability: Many Alumi-Span docks have been in use for over 50 years.
• High-Quality Materials: Alumi-Span uses strong alloys and an acid-etched anodizing process that prevents the aluminum from turning black over time. The interlocking design, combined with stainless steel fasteners and tough adhesive, ensures a sturdy and squeak-free dock. 
• Made in America: Committed to quality craftsmanship, Alumi-Span products are proudly made in the USA. 

Read more in our latest article.

Check Out Our Guides for How to Build (or Rebuild) a Boat Dock!

If you’re not ready for an entirely new set up, rebuilding your dock revitalizes its appearance and enhances its durability, ensuring many more years of enjoyment on the water. To learn how to build a boat dock or to explore the full range of products, visit Alumi-Span's website or contact our team! Call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Rebuild Options

Is your boat dock worn down, but not ready to be fully replaced?

If your dock has seen better days, Alumi-Span Docks can help restore its functionality and appearance. Our shop can:

• Replace worn out decking on current stringers Replace dock sections
• Assemble dock in-shop
• Send you the rebuilt pieces for self-assembly

For replacement decking, you have two options:

• Anodized Aluminum Decking: Upgrade your existing dock by replacing worn-out wooden sections with anodized aluminum decking. Alumi-Span's unique interlocking aluminum board design ensures a lightweight, splinter-free surface that's easy to clean and built to last. 
• Wooden Deck Panels: If you prefer the traditional look of wood, Alumi-Span offers treated pine and stained cedar panels to replace old sections, combining classic aesthetics with modern durability. 

Read more in our latest article.

Check Out Our Guides for How to Build (or Rebuild) a Boat Dock!

If you’re not ready for an entirely new set up, rebuilding your dock revitalizes its appearance and enhances its durability, ensuring many more years of enjoyment on the water. To learn how to build a boat dock or to explore the full range of products, visit Alumi-Span's website or contact our team! Call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Building Strong Wooden Docks

Looking for a wooden dock that won’t rot or fall apart easily?

Alumi-Span’s wood dock sections come with anodized aluminum side rails, making the sections much lighter than an all-wood dock. The anodizing also ensures the metal will not get hot in the summer sun. Alumi-Span’s side rails are made of heavier walled aluminum extrusion than most, making them much stronger to support a wood section.  

The sections themselves are built with a high attention to detail. Each board is secured four times from the back to prevent twisting. Stainless steel fasteners attach the boards to the side stringers.  On the 4’ wide sections, there is an “I” beam attached to the center of the back of the section that is supported by a rest on the crossarm. This prevents sagging over time.

Read more about wooden docks in our latest article.

Build a Life-Long Wooden Dock

Whether you’re upgrading your dock or starting from scratch, Alumi-Span has the materials you need! If you have questions, or if you’re ready to place an order, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form.

Pine and Cedar Dock Sections

In the market for a fresh wooden dock?

There are two different types of wood decking that Alumi-Span offers: treated pine and cedar. For both types, they get only premium lumber and hand sort the boards as they build to ensure they are free of major blemishes. The pine comes kiln dried and is virtually knot-free. Knot-free lumber will help increase the lifespan of your dock. The cedar deck boards come pre-stained with a quality oil-based stain, giving it a rich color. In addition, only tight knot cedar lumber is used on their dock sections, increasing the longevity of the wood.

Read more about wooden docks in our latest article.

Build a Life-Long Wooden Dock

Whether you’re upgrading your dock or starting from scratch, Alumi-Span has the materials you need! If you have questions, or if you’re ready to place an order, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form.

How Does Winter Affect Your Boat Dock?

Michigan winters are notoriously unpredictable. We might have a good freeze and inches of snow and then a warm front could move in, melting the snow and thawing the ground. That cycle might repeat a few times throughout the winter. 

When a wooden dock is left in the water all winter, that freeze/thaw cycle takes a toll on the integrity of its boards. Wood is like a sponge, absorbing water from its surface and even from the air. That means a wooden dock always has some water in it, even in clear weather.

How does that affect your wooden dock? Read more about ice and your wooden dock on our website!

If you have a wooden dock that’s been damaged by winter weather, or you’re looking to replace an older dock with a durable aluminum boat dock, call our experts at 855-523-2444 or use the contact form on the website.

Are You Thinking About Leaving Your Dock in the Water this Winter?

Removing your dock in the fall can be a long, cold, labor-intensive process. It’s no fun when all you really want to do is relax on your boat under a warm, sunny sky. 

There’s probably a moment every fall where you wonder “what’s the worst that could happen if I leave my dock in the water just this once?”
 

The worst that could happen is coming back in the spring and finding it severely damaged! Even if it’s not visibly damaged, ice, snow, and fluctuating temperatures have almost certainly weakened the wood.

Read more about how ice affects your wooden dock on our website!

An aluminum boat dock is sturdy and durable in any Michigan weather, but we still recommend taking your dock out for the winter. Leaving an aluminum or vinyl dock in the water all winter won’t cause it the kind of freeze/thaw damage that a wooden dock sustains, but it does leave it in the path of ice flows in the spring.

If you have a dock that’s been damaged by winter weather, or you’re looking to replace an older dock with a durable aluminum boat dock, call our experts at 855-523-2444 or use the contact form.

Can't Decide on the Right Material for Your Wooden Dock?

Trying to pick the right material for your wooden dock?

Overwhelmed by all the options on the market?

 Choose the right type of wood for a natural looking dock that will be around at your family property for generations:

• Pressure treated pine: This is the most common and affordable type of wood used for boat docks. The initial cost is the cheapest compared to other options and should last 20 years or more with annual maintenance. 
• Cedar wood: Cedar is a softer wood option and is considered an upgrade to treated pine. While cedar has some natural rot resistance, it still requires a water sealer applied every year. Cedar planks should last 25 years or more and can be stained to truly fit your style.
• Composite deck materials: This type of decking is low maintenance, often made from recycled materials, and very rot resistant. 
• Exotic hardwood materials: Exotic hardwood requires an expensive initial investment, but this type of decking is proven to last 75 years or more! Made from sustainable wood, this rot resistant, low maintenance decking option is available in short boards, which will reduce the price.

If you want to learn more about your options for wooden dock sections, talk to our experts! We’ve been in the business for over 60 years and have the knowledge and expertise to help you build your dream dock. Contact us today to get started!

Read the full article about wooden docks on our website!

“I would highly recommend Alumi-Span Docks. I found the company on the internet and have never regretted one minute of our transaction. From the first call, anyone with whom I spoke was professional and friendly. Sketches were sent to me, and I placed my order in November 2017. Per my request, the dock was delivered at the end of March 2018. I was not required to have anyone on site to help unload it and, also per my request, they carried it to the lake side of my home. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with this company.” - Cynthia K.

How to Build a Wooden Dock

Are you learning how to build a wooden dock from scratch?

Are you rebuilding an existing dock that has since rotted or needs planks replaced?

If you need to build or rebuild a wooden dock, you want the most durable wood available that will be low maintenance and last a lifetime.

Read the full article about choosing the right material for your wooden dock on our website!

If you want to learn more about your options for wooden dock sections, talk to our experts! We’ve been in the business for over 60 years and have the knowledge and expertise to help you build your dream dock. 

Contact us today to get started!

“I would highly recommend Alumi-Span Docks. I found the company on the internet and have never regretted one minute of our transaction. From the first call, anyone with whom I spoke was professional and friendly. Sketches were sent to me, and I placed my order in November 2017. Per my request, the dock was delivered at the end of March 2018. I was not required to have anyone on site to help unload it and, also per my request, they carried it to the lake side of my home. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with this company.” - Cynthia K.

Do you know what type of boat dock is right for your lake?

Have you recently purchased a lakefront property?

Do you have a cabin or lake house that needs a few upgrades?

A boat dock can make life at the lake so much more fun – from using it for swimming and sunbathing, to jet skiing and boating, this simple addition can add hours of fun for your friends and family.

Do you know what type of boat dock is right for your lake? Have you considered going DIY, or hiring a professional to help with the install and build?

Check out our tips for building a boat dock on your lake here.

Having a Hard Time Deciding on Materials for Your Wooden Dock?

If you need to build or rebuild a wooden dock, you want the most durable wood available that will be low maintenance and last a lifetime. Your boat dock sees a lot of abuse from waves, being saturated with water, and storm conditions. Constant moisture is an enemy for all boat dock materials whether they’re wood or composite, and can lead to faster rot and decay.

Choose the right type of wood for a natural looking dock that will be around at your family property for generations:

Pressure treated pine: This is the most common and affordable type of wood used for boat docks. The initial cost is the cheapest compared to other options, and should last you 20 years or more with annual maintenance. This type of wood has been known to splinter over time, so beware when you’re walking barefoot!

Read more on our website!

If you want to learn more about your options for wooden dock sections, talk to our experts! We’ve been in the business for over 60 years and have the knowledge and expertise to help you build your dream dock. Contact us today to get started!

“I would highly recommend Alumi-Span Docks. I found the company on the internet and have never regretted one minute of our transaction. From the first call, anyone with whom I spoke was professional and friendly. Sketches were sent to me, and I placed my order in November 2017. Per my request, the dock was delivered at the end of March 2018. I was not required to have anyone on site to help unload it and, also per my request, they carried it to the lake side of my home. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with this company.”

Building a Wood Boat Dock? Choose the Right Dock Sections...

Are you learning how to build a wooden boat dock from scratch?

Are you rebuilding an existing dock that has since rotted or needs planks replaced? If you need to build or rebuild a wooden dock, you want the most durable wood available that will be low maintenance and last a lifetime.

Your boat dock sees a lot of abuse from waves, being saturated with water, and storm conditions. Constant moisture is an enemy for all boat dock materials whether they’re wood or composite, and can lead to faster rot and decay.

 Choose the right type of wood for a natural looking dock that will be around at your family property for generations. See more on our website!

Only the Best U.S. Made Materials for Your Wooden Dock!

Alumi-Span means “Made in America.”

Because value is our priority, we only use quality methods and materials that are made in the United States. You don’t have to worry about cheap parts or cut-rate boat docks that are typically found on the internet.

You can depend on us to deliver the best materials that fit your family needs! We make it easy for you to use our accessories!

Our system uses 4” high “F” style strings on the deck frame and 2” O.D. tubing; these dimensions are commonly used on other wooden docks, so our accessories will fit other brands too!

 Ready to upgrade your wooden dock with only the highest quality materials and the most convenient system? Well, we’re ready to help!

Contact us today!

Make Your Wooden Dock Fun and Functional!

‘Tis the season for long days on the lake, lounging on your wooden dock.

Thinking about upgrading your dock to make it perfect for your family?

We’re one step ahead!

Here are a few ways to fit all your family needs:

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

There’s more where that came from! 

Check out our full list of accessories to help make your summers even better. Better yet, give us a call at 855-523-244 so we can chat about how to make the most of your wooden dock!

What Makes a Wooden Dock Stand Out?

What makes a treated pine wooden dock stand out among other options?

• Quality treated pine dock sections use premium lumber that is kiln dried after treatment, making it ideal to apply stains to as soon as you receive the sections 
• Treated pine wooden dock sections use stainless steel fasteners, wood screws instead of nails, and anodized aluminum side rails 

 To see the full list of benefits, visit our website!

If you want to learn more about your options for wooden dock sections, talk to our experts!

We’ve been in the business for over 60 years and have the knowledge and expertise to help you build your dream dock. Contact us today to get started!

Save Money with a Treated Pine Wooden Dock

Are you considering building a boat dock for your lakefront or riverfront property?

Do you feel overwhelmed by all the dock section options available? Consider a wooden dock made from treated pine!

 This type of dock is an economical alternative to some of the more maintenance-free decking options. What makes a treated pine wooden dock stand out among other options?

Click here to learn more.

How To Deal with Wood Rot and Your Boat Dock

Have you noticed signs of rot on your wood boat dock?

Not sure how to deal with the boards on your dock that feel a little soft underfoot? Looking for advice on repairing a boat dock afflicted with rot?

If you have a wood boat dock, you’ll experience rot eventually, no matter how well-maintained it is. And although it sounds ominous, you can actually stay on top of wood rot afflicting your dock and extend its life considerably.

Take a little advice from professionals in dock design and learn how to deal with rot and your boat dock!

•  Take on maintenance: the first step to dealing with rot is preventing it. Your wood boat dock needs to be cleaned and refinished regularly to stay in good shape. 
• Be vigilant: take a good hard look at your dock several times throughout the season so you can spot rot early on. 
• Don’t stress: rot is going to happen and a few green spots don’t mean you have to roll up your sleeves and pull out your tools immediately. When you spot early on, just keep an eye on it at first. 
• Repair: when the rot gets serious enough, you want to replace the afflicted boards and beams. Be very thorough when you replace because neighboring wood pieces can harbor rot and allow it to spread to replaced wood faster. 
• Replace: if you are having a serious rot issue, it’s time to consider replacement. To avoid run-ins with rot altogether, replace your wood dock with aluminum. An aluminum dock is much easier to maintain and lasts longer. 

 At Alumi-Span, we’re ready to talk about your options for you dock whether you need help with dock repair or want to know more about dock designs and replacement. With more than 60 years of experience, we are professionals you can depend on to bring your boat dock back to life. Give us a call today.

What To Do If Your Wood Boat Dock Has Cracks

Worried about the cracks in your wood boat dock?

Not sure what the cracks in your boat dock mean or how to fix them?

Need help from professionals with experience in dock designs? A major crack in your wood boat dock can be a scary thing. Will it mean an expensive repair or replacement of the whole dock? Is the dock unusable until it’s fixed? Is there a danger the dock could fail and damage your boat or other equipment?

 Luckily, with a little knowledge about cracks in your boat dock, you’ll know what to do and you won’t have to worry. If you notice a crack in your boat dock…

1. Assess the damage. Are you looking at a major crack in a support beam or a minor crack in a surface plank? If you’ve spotted one crack in the wood, carefully survey the entire dock to make sure there’s nothing else to be concerned with. 
2. Determine the cause. Some cracks are just a result of normal wear and tear, but others may be the product of poor design or a collision. Pinpoint the cause to make adjustments and avoid the same problem in the future. 
3. Repair cracked pieces. If the damage is minor, simple repairs will probably extend the life of your dock. With any major crack in a support piece, you may want to consult a professional for the repair. 
4. Consider total dock replacement. If the damage is not confined to one or two pieces of wood, and especially if the damage is to support pieces, it may be time to consider dock replacement. 
5. Ask the pros at Alumi-Span about aluminum dock designs. Wood is a classic and attractive material to furnish your dock with. But aluminum beats wood in durability, longevity, and maintenance requirements. 

If you need to replace your current dock, aluminum is a smart choice for an upgrade. Whether you need help with dock repair or want to talk about your options for dock designs and replacement, give us a call today at Alumi-Span. With more than 60 years of experience, we are professionals you can depend on to bring your boat dock back to life.

Summer Boating Party Ideas

Spring is finally here in the Midwest, and while Mother Nature might still have a few surprises in store, it’s never too early to start thinking about summer parties on the lake!

Imagine a perfect summer day: blue skies, warm sunshine, and all your friends and family having fun. If that sounds like the day you’ve been waiting for all winter, we have some great ideas to make sure everyone at your party talks about it for days afterwards!

Many of these ideas don’t require actually being out on the lake, but rather using your boat as an extension of your outdoor living space. Boaters frequently miss opportunities to use their boats and pontoons for more than being out on the water!

1. Host a movie night. This idea is great especially for groups with kids. You can customize your viewing experience for however many people are involved – watch on a laptop with a large screen for smaller crowds, or try a projector that attaches to your phone or laptop for a larger group. A simple option for a screen is using a white bed sheet. Load up your boat with snacks, and you’re all set for a movie night!
2. Weekend cruise. Take your family and friends out for a spin and entice them to come along with the promise of a meal on board. You could do brunch, lunch, or dinner. Keep it simple: no messy meals. Finger foods are best.
3. 4th of July fireworks show. Do you live on a lake or in a community that hosts a waterfront fireworks display? Do you want to light off some of your own? These are all great options for a holiday party. Remember, safety first! If you’re lighting your own fireworks, don’t hold them in your hand. Launch fireworks away from the boat and towards open water. Be courteous of other boaters! If you’re attending a fireworks display on the water, follow nighttime navigation rules and make sure you have proper safety lights and equipment.

Looking for dock accessories to make your night on the water or on the dock more enjoyable?

Alumi-Span is your one-stop shop for everything you need from your dock including furniture, solar lights, and ladders. We also have everything you need to keep your dock safe for all your guests, like bumpers and corner pieces so there are no sharp edges to your dock.

For more information or to talk to one of our boating experts, give us a call or visit our website today! We’d love to help you bring one of these party ideas to life!

Boating on the Great Lakes

Looking forward to getting out on the water this summer? The time is almost here! As you prepare for warm weather, clear skies, and perfect boating days, it’s time to take advantage of living in the Midwest, and get out on the Great Lakes!

If you’re from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or some eastern states like Pennsylvania and New York, you’ve got one of the Great Lakes within driving distance! Boaters from Canada can also access some of the Great Lakes easily.

The Great Lakes is one of the largest inland freshwater lake systems in the world. There are so many options for urban access, historical sites, water sports, fishing, and more fun summer activities.

There’s something for the whole family!

Looking for something to do on one of the Great Lakes? Check out our guide below:

• Lake Erie – This is the shallowest of the five lakes, and the warmest. This lake runs along the northern coast of the state of Ohio, and also shares borders with Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. Look for tourist destinations like Niagara Falls and Put-in-Bay.
• Lake Huron – This Lake is easily accessible from several Metro Detroit cities and Canadian cities, as it sits along the St. Clair River. This lake is great for boating, swimming, and camping.
• Lake Ontario – This is the easternmost Great Lake and is north of New York State. There are no large cities on the coast, which makes it perfect for smaller boats. There are almost 100 marinas along its shores, and it’s known as a good lake for fishing.
• Lake Michigan – Lake Michigan has one of the largest Midwest cities along its shores – Chicago. Northern Michigan has many small towns that are perfect for docking and exploring.
• Lake Superior – This is the largest and northernmost of all the lakes. This lake is always cold for a swim, but the scenery is beautiful, and many national parks and shorelines are great for family adventures, like Painted Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.

If you’re planning a boating excursion on the Great Lakes this summer, make sure you have all the boating and dock accessories that you need for your trip! At Alumi-Span, we can help you get prepared for a boating trip of any length. Talk to one of our experts about boating, boat docks, and dock accessories.

5 Boat Dock Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

Hoping to make your dock more accessible in the dark? Interested in making your dock friendly to night-fishing or other evening activities? Want to know about some of the common, avoidable mistakes in dock lighting?

Whether you have the brand new dock of your dreams and want to make sure you show it off, would like to get more use out of your waterfront space during night and evening hours, or want to make your dock safer, lighting is an important addition to your dock.

But if you’re going to make changes to your much loved and much used dock, you want to avoid these lighting mistakes.

1. No Light: The biggest mistake you can make with dock lighting is not having any or not having sufficient light. Unless you never plan to take your boat out past 4 in the afternoon, inadequate light at your dock is a safety issue. Even if you’re not much of a night owl, dock lighting will keep your property and possessions more secure.  
2. High Fixtures: In your home, a mounted light fixture is typically placed fairly high on the wall, and you might be tempted to replicate that placement on your dock, but that would be a mistake. The best height for lighting on your dock is only 24-35 inches above the ground, lower than you might think, but remember: you need good lighting when you’re pulling up in your boat, standing lower than you do on the dock. 
3. Switches and Timers: Lights powered by a switch or timer can be more of hassle and less effective than the more ideal solar option for dock lighting. Solar dock lights will turn on and off automatically as conditions demand, not relying on a timer. If your dock sits in the shade, you can still connect your lights to a larger solar panel that can be set up with exposure to sunlight. 
4. Matching the Neighbors: If you admire the way some of your neighbors have set up their lighting, use it as inspiration, but make sure to incorporate something that sets your property apart so you can easily identify it when pulling in at night. You can use a distinctive color or pattern of lights to help you find your dock in the dark. 
5. Wrong Casing: You’ll be tempted to choose lighting that’s the most appealing to your aesthetic, but your top priority should be to choose a light that will last. A metal casing that rusts and corrodes with water exposure won’t look good for long, so you’ll want to go with a water-resistant option. 

Avoid these mistakes when making choices for lighting your dock, and you’ll be in good shape for a safer, more effective dock.

If you want the assistance of experienced professionals for your dock project, give us a call today. With more than 50 years in the business, we have a solution for you, from new customized aluminum docks to small repairs and accessories.