Guides January 24, 2025

Dock Hardware Guide

Understand the difference between our Standard and Heavy-Duty wood dock hardware. Our components withstand the harshest marine environments, ensuring your dock remains stable and secure for years to come. All metal is galvanized, which is the process of applying a zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting.

STANDARD HARDWARE - 1/4" Thick Steel

Standard hardware is made with 1/4" x 5" steel. Wood as thick as 3" can be used. Wood docks that are in moderately rough areas and have medium size boats should use Standard hardware. This hardware uses 1/2" carriage bolts. Inside corners use a mitered gusset for strength, male corners use a 3/4" connecting tab, and female corners use two 1/2" tabs. Our Standard hardware uses more steel than our competitors. Best price for high-quality. This is the most commonly chosen grade of hardware for building docks.


Boat Dock Hardware Guide Boat Dock Hardware Guide Boat Dock Hardware Guide

HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE - 1/4" Thick Steel + More Tabs

More Tabs = More Strength. Our heavy-duty hardware is made with 1/4" x 5" steel, and wood as thick as 3" can be used. Wood docks that are for commercial use, in rougher areas, or have larger size boats should use this hardware. This hardware uses 1/2" carriage bolts. Inside corners use a mitered gusset for strength, male corners use two 3/4" connecting tabs, and female corners use three 1/2" tabs. Use this hardware if you have any worry that other hardware could be insufficient.


Boat Dock Hardware Guide Boat Dock Hardware Guide Boat Dock Hardware Guide

Howard - Key West

“Interesting that we were hit by a category 4 hurricane and not one American Muscle Docks built dock system experienced any damage! Needless to say, we had a number of other docks heavily damaged and in fact, some have totally disappeared.”

David - Atlanta Water Ski Club

“By using the heavy-duty hardware, I was able to virtually eliminate the twisting of the fingers and to stiffen them against the impacts from the not-so-good boat drivers mooring at the dock. The consistency of the hole spacing and fabrications allowed me to accurately predrill and preassemble the frames. I could not have asked for a better product. We very much appreciate the efforts of the good folks at American Muscle Docks!”

Boat Dock Hardware Guide
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