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.

Do You Need to Remove Your Dock for the Winter?

Ice flows can not only destroy a dock, but they can also move boulders, boat lifts, and basically anything else in their path.

It is very common in northern Michigan or similar climates to have ice pile up several feet high on the shore, and that is what generally causes damage to anything too close to the edge of the lake. In a northern climate, there are only a few situations where you can leave your aluminum boat dock in the water, including:

• Ponds and backwaters where ice flows are not an issue 
•  If you have used galvanized steel tubing, where it is much less prone to rupturing if the ice freezes around the pole 

 If you have doubts as to whether you can leave a dock in or not, ask our team of experts! We’ve been building and installing aluminum boat docks for over 60 years and have the expertise and knowledge to help you. If you do have a dock that was damaged in the winter months, we can help with that too!

Contact us today to learn more.

Should You Leave Your Aluminum Boat Dock in the Water for Winter?

Do you live in the northern part of the US, or the Midwest?

Do you have a residential boat dock at your home or vacation property?

 For most inland lake docks in states like Michigan, Indiana, or Wisconsin or any other northern state you will need to remove the dock in the winter. Piling driven commercial docks are built to withstand ice flows so they are the exception to the rule, however, most residential docks need to be removed.

There are many things that can happen if a dock is left in the water for the winter, but the bottom line in most cases is that parts will be destroyed!



If you’re not sure about leaving your aluminum boat dock in the water during the winter months, ask our team of experts! We’ve been building and installing aluminum boat docks for over 60 years and have the expertise and knowledge to help you. If you do have a dock that was damaged in the winter months, we can help with that too!

Contact us today 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.

Dock Accessories Can Extend the Life of Your Boat Dock

At Alumi-Span, we know how important it is for you to get the most out of your boat dock.

Dock accessories not only prolong the life of your dock, but help you enjoy it more!

Be the envy of the neighborhood with your aluminum boat dock complete with all the accessories to make your boating experience convenient and practical!

We’ve compiled this list of the best essential dock accessories that you need to add to your wish list:

1. Dock boxes: If you use your boat dock for fishing, loading your boat, or even just hanging out, a dock box may be right for you. You need a place to store all the things you need for a day out on the water – fishing poles, life jackets, etc. Don’t take up all that space in your home or garage to store these items in the summer. Keep them right on the dock in a convenient and durable box! 
2. Piling caps: A pile cap is an excellent and inexpensive way to protect costly pilings from internal rot. It also adds to the visual appeal of your dock and come in a variety of colors and styles. 

To read the rest of the list in its entirety, visit our website!

Don’t wait to upgrade your boating experience with great dock accessories! We’re happy to talk you through the various options and pick out the best accessories for your needs. Call one of our experts today at 855-523-2444.