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!

Aluminum Boat Dock Q&A

Have you considered upgrading to an aluminum boat dock?

Before you purchase a boat dock, you probably have a few questions. Here are the most common questions we get from customers:

Q: Do Aluminum docks get hot?

A: We anodize the dock sections and stringers. Anodized Aluminum is the coolest dock we sell. Mill finished aluminum docks offered by other dock companies will turn dark and get very hot. Alumi-Span does not offer mill finished aluminum on our dock sections.

Q: Can I rebuild my old aluminum framed dock sections?

A: You can rebuild your old aluminum dock sections. We sell treated pine and stained cedar panels to replace worn out wood dock sections. Our unique interlocking aluminum board design also allows you to replace old wooden sections with cool anodized aluminum decking.

Q: Can I order your products online?

A: Everything we have on the website is available for purchase. All dock parts, poles, and accessories under 8 feet can be shipped UPS and can be purchased in our online store. Dock sections cannot be purchased online, so please call us directly for section prices. If you are trying to purchase a complete dock system, call us directly for a quote.

Upgrade to an Aluminum Boat Dock in Michigan!

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

Preparing Your Dock for Spring

Spring is on the way! Is your dock prepared for the season?

Here’s what we recommend:

• If you leave your dock in year-round, you should perform a maintenance check in the spring. Look for obvious signs of damage and corrosion before you attempt to use your dock recreationally.
• Lake levels 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 check your platform height from the water and modify the leg heights as needed.
• Ice can put a lot of twist pressure on structures, so be sure to inspect the brackets, clamps, and hardware. If you do find a cracked part, you can order a replacement for that piece. Check to see if your dock stayed level. You might choose to have it ramped up a bit from the shore or seawall, but it should be as level as possible. You can use a carpenter’s level or you can just measure from the deck to the water surface.
• Your aluminum dock will not rust, but it can get dirty. Aluminum docks also get their fair share of algae, dead worms, leaves, and general lake gunk. It’s a good idea to clean your dock at least once a year.

Get More Tips for Maintaining an Aluminum Boat Dock in Michigan

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

Planning Your Dock Design

When was the last time your dock got a makeover?

Before shopping for components, make sure you take the time to plan your design. Consider materials like wood, extruded vinyl , or aluminum dock sections.

Other factors to keep in mind are:

• The location of your dock (what are the bottom conditions?)
• The depth of water around the dock (this decides pole heights)
• Any local town or municipal coding requirements
• The average number of boats that will be anchored to the dock if any
• The size of your dock (be sure to stay within the space your property allows)

Getting the size of your dock can be frustrating if you 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!

Plan Your Dock Design with Alumi-Span

Ready to start the new year with a new dock?

Alumi-Span Docks is your go-to manufacturer for boat dock designs. Whether you’re ready to start building or you have more questions, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Researching Your Boat Dock Options

Have you been waiting for the right time to install a new boat dock?

Before beginning your design, you’re going to want to consider a few things about your future dock:

• Installation- DIY vs. Professional: Are you planning on installing the dock yourself or hiring a professional to install?  Adding multiple features to your dock can make DIY installation a little more difficult.   Be sure to take this into account when designing your boat dock.
• Demand: Make sure you know the demands of your space! Design your boat dock based on purpose, climate, and weather. It may be that a dock feature you love isn’t really suitable for your property or the main purpose of the dock.
• Features: Be well read when it comes to boat dock features so you can include everything you want! You’ll need to think about the type of dock (aluminum, wood, or vinyl), lighting, seating, slips, platforms, and more.  
• Future Use: Consider what’s in store for future use of your dock, not just what you’re using it for today. If you’re using quality boat dock parts in your design, the dock will be around for many years to come. Leave room for a growing family or expanding fleet in your plans.

Get More Dock Design Tips from Alumi-Span

Ready to start the new year with a new dock?

Alumi-Span Docks is your go-to manufacturer for boat dock designs. Whether you’re ready to start building or you have more questions, call (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here.