Options for Building Your Boat Dock

Unsure what dock option is best for you? Take a look at our quick list:

Shoreline: There are many ways to start your boat dock from shore.  Aluminum end caps, sea wall brackets, ramp brackets, and extra leg sets are all different ways to begin your dock.  One of these options can meet almost any shoreline need.

Water Levels and Currents:  Water levels will determine the height of upright poles you need.  If the water level fluctuates, having a little extra
pole for adjustment is a good idea.  Strong currents or wave action may mean you need to secure your dock with a few augers.  

Lake Bottom Conditions: There are many different options to deal with the variety of lake bottom conditions.  Docks on lakes with solid sandy bottoms often are able to use all bottom plates.  In contrast, mucky situations can use a variety of options such as large bottom plates, boards, or even a combination of plates and augers.

Laws and Ordinances: The length of your dock may be limited by laws or ordinances on your particular lake or for the state.  In addition, the amount of lake frontage you span with party platforms, etc. can be limited based on property lines.  Staying within the legal parameters when creating your boat dock design can eliminate a lot of future problems.

Time for Maintenance: There are many different decking material options.  If you have time to keep up on maintenance, there are a couple of wood options, treated pine and pre-stained cedar.  If you want to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your boat dock, maintenance free options such as extruded vinyl or anodized aluminum are great choices. 

How to Build a Boat Dock in Michigan

Alumi-Span Docks offers both videos and installation guides to help you learn how to build a boat dock in Michigan. You can also buy all the dock parts you need straight from our website. Have questions? Call us at (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Things to Consider Before Building a Boat Dock

Have you been waiting for the right time to build your boat dock? There are a few things to take into consideration before you start!

Shorelines. What does the shoreline look like where you live? Grassy? A steep descent? Rocky? This will also influence the type of dock you construct.

Water Levels and Currents. Is there a lot of boat traffic and strong currents where you live? Do water levels fluctuate often? Consider the water level of your lake before you build.

Lake Bottom Sedimentation. Before you choose a dock style, consider the bottom of the water! Is it flat and sandy? Mucky? Research which dock types will suit the lake bottom best.

Laws & Ordinances. Some lakes have regulations on maximum dock length or rules about taking the docks out in winter.  Make sure to do your research and find out what is required by the lake, county, and state where you live.

Time for Maintenance. How much time do you have to perform yearly maintenance on your dock?  Are you able to spend time staining, etc. or do you need a dock that is maintenance free?

Wondering How to Build a Michigan Boat Dock?

Alumi-Span Docks offers both videos and installation guides to help you learn how to build a boat dock in Michigan. You can also buy all the dock parts you need straight from our website. Have questions? Call us at (855) 523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Update and Check Your Dock Equipment

Are you concerned about the safety of your boat dock?

Having the right equipment and checking it goes a long way. Here are a few tips for building and maintaining a safe dock:

Use quality materials. Testing costs a manufacturer money, so if you buy cheap materials, they’re much less likely to have been safety tested. Quality materials are more durable and will last much longer, so even if they’re more expensive up front, they’re cheaper and safer in the long run.

Install lights. You’d be surprised to learn how many accidents can happen from simply not being able to see! Keeping your boat dock well-lit during low-light hours can prevent boat crashes, slips and falls on the dock, and other risks from reduced vision.

Frequently clean and inspect dock. It’s important to routinely check on your dock to make sure there’s no major damage. Catching issues before they become a serious threat not only protects the people using your dock, and prevents costly repairs.

Learn more safety tips for your boat dock here!

Shop Alumi-Span for Boat Dock Bumpers

Ready to get your dock safety-ready for the rest of summer?

Alumi-Span Docks uses only the most durable materials and always test for safety. Call us today at 855-523-2444 or contact us to purchase boat dock bumpers and other secure equipment for your dock.

Quick Tips for a Safe Dock

Have you ever had a dock mishap?

If you own a boat, you know better than anyone how unpredictable the water and weather can be. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure the safety and security of your boat dock. 

Go slow when docking. It’s easier to control your boat when going slow. Sharp turns are easier with less water flowing past the rudders. Cruising up to your dock gives you less control, making you more likely to hit it. Hitting your dock with your boat can cause damage to both, and the damage gets worse the faster you go.

Use boat dock bumpers. Boat dock bumpers protect the posts and edges of your dock, so if you do happen to hit it, there will be less damage. Bumpers absorb shock, which protects your dock and boat. Shock absorption also helps protect your passengers.

Learn more safety tips for your boat dock here!

Upgrade Your Boat Dock Bumpers

Ready to get your dock safety-ready for the rest of summer?

Alumi-Span Docks uses only the most durable materials and always test for safety. Call us today at 855-523-2444 or contact us to purchase boat dock bumpers and other secure equipment for your dock.

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.