How to Extend the Life of Your Aluminum 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. 

Anodized aluminum sections are better than other materials because:

1. They’re natural – Aluminum oxide is a naturally-occurring protective layer on the outside of aluminum. The process of anodizing thickens the layers and is sealed for unmatched protection.
2. They keep cool – Anodized aluminum, contrary to popular belief, is one of the coolest dock materials to the touch. No more burning your feet on the dock on a sunny day!
3. They’re scratch-resistant – 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!
4. They’re eco-friendly – Because you’re avoiding using paint or power coatings, the finish is naturally occurring and is not harmful to people or the environment.

Read how to make your aluminum dock last 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.

How to Extend You Boat Dock's Longevity

Are you noticing signs of wear and tear on your existing boat dock?

Owning a lake-front property can be a lot of work, and you need to maintain your aluminum boat dock just like you take care of your home and car.

Here are the top three things you need to do as a boat dock owner:

1. Get a pressure washer and learn how to use it: Regular, thorough cleaning can extend the longevity of your boat dock. Before you use a pressure washer, make sure you know how to use it the right way. Never hold the washer any closer than one inch away from the dock deck!
2. If you choose a wooden dock, you can use stain: Your boat dock needs to withstand the elements, especially here in the Midwest. Strong storms mean that your dock takes a beating, and if you have a wooden dock, you need it to last. A good oil-based stain can increase the lifetime of a wood dock.  If you have doubts about the longevity of your material, consider aluminum dock sections.
3. Use rub rails, bumpers, and boat dock fenders: Few things can shorten the life of your dock faster than a boat at ramming speed! Always practice safe boating, and make sure your dock is prepared with dock bumpers or rubber rails.

Learn how to make your dock last the test of time 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.

Considerations for Your Boat Dock Design

Designing a boat dock but don’t know where to start?

Do you want something with more “wow” factor than a traditional boat dock?

Here are some options to consider when you begin designing your boat dock:

1. Maintenance and aesthetic appeal: If you want to spend more time enjoying your dock and less time working on it, the type of material you choose is crucial. Wood decking is aesthetically pleasing and traditional, but also required annual power washing or stain every 3-4 years. In contrast, aluminum decking can be set out and essentially forgotten about. You can also get aluminum docks that mimic the look of wood if you prefer the natural look.

2. Your dock’s location: It’s important to accommodate the unique characteristics of the body of water where it your dock will be installed. Factors like wind, waves, shore geology, the lake bottom, and water level are critical in the planning process. Depth, drop off, and seasonal water level changes should also be considered. 

Read the full list on our website!

Achieve the Perfect Dock Design with Alumi-Span Docks

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?

If you’re planning a dock, Alumi-Span can help you make the choices to fit your lifestyle and budget. We’ve been a name you can trust since 1956. With our dock design tool, you can customize your dock to fit your needs.

Contact us or call our experts at 855-523-2444 today.

Dock Design Ideas for Summer

Getting ready for another summer at the lake?

Does your dock need repairs, or do you need to replace it?

Rather than dreading this chore, take this as an opportunity to build a boat dock that meets all your family’s needs and as an investment in your property.

Building a new dock is exciting! You’re probably already looking forward to swimming, boating, or entertaining on your dream dock. If you’ve thought about it for a long time, you may already have design ideas, but there are some important factors to consider before you put your bank account behind your dream dock design.

1. Budget: Materials for aluminum boat docks make up a huge chunk of your overall budget. Luckily, while aluminum dock sections may cost more up front than their wooden counterparts, they don’t require as much maintenance and will last longer.
2. Dock plans: What are you going to use your dock for? Is it only a place where you’ll access your watercraft, or one where you’ll also be spending time relaxing or hosting get-togethers? If you want to use it for both, we recommend an aluminum dock because it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and doesn’t get as hot in the summer sun as other materials.

Read the full list 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 that will impress your friends and neighbors and combine your outdoor hobbies?

If you’re planning a dock, Alumi-Span can help you make the choices to fit your lifestyle and budget. We’ve been a name you can trust since 1956. With our dock design tool, you can customize your dock to fit your needs.

Aluminum Boat Dock Q&A

A few hours work in the spring will give you a whole long summer and fall of no-worry recreation on the water. With a little attention, your aluminum boat dock will outlast your boat.

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 to get pricing on sections. If you are trying to purchase a complete dock system, call us directly for a quote.

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.

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.

Get Your Dock Ready for Summer

With summer on the way, making sure your boat dock is in peak condition is important. Nobody wants to spend the summer fixing their dock when they could be enjoying it instead!

All docks should be inspected for wear and tear before the warm season. If you have a floating dock, be extra vigilant when checking on its condition—floating docks are constantly wrestling with the water, which makes wear and tear more likely.

Aluminum boat docks are less likely to sustain heavy damage from winter weather than wooden docks and are therefore less likely to need summer maintenance. To learn more about building an aluminum boat dock, click here. 

Learn more about preparing your dock for the summertime on our website.

Alumi-Span Docks Helps You Build and Rebuild

Alumi-Span Docks has been helping waterfront property owners build and design docks for over 60 years; many of the original docks made by Alumi-Span are still in use today! We make most of our dock parts in-house to ensure that you only get the most quality, durable materials. Submit a request here or call (855) 523-2444 to start getting your aluminum boat dock ready for summer!