"I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay….” Those are song lyrics that everyone knows. The song paints an image that leaves you feeling good. Can you picture it? You’re enjoying a glass of wine, watching the sun go down with the love of your life. Ahh, pure summer bliss. Of course, you’ll need a dock by your home to achieve this level of peace. So read about the best boat dock designs for residential areas to get one step closer to your dream.
What Will You Use It For?
You must think about what you’ll use the dock for when nailing down the design. Will the kids be jumping off of it into the water? Do you want to swim up to the dock and easily pull yourself out of the water? Or will you actually use it to dock a boat? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, a stationary dock is the way to go. However, if you want to feel the waves and be able to move, a floating dock is for you.
The Materials Matter
When designing a dock, you must consider the materials you want to use. Wood is a popular choice because it’s the most inexpensive. Even though it’s affordable, wood is more susceptible to the elements than other materials; it can quickly deteriorate from the sun or rain. Aluminum docks are another option. The material is incredibly lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. However, aluminum is the most expensive choice. Finally, there’s the strongest material, steel. Although durable, steel is heavier and more challenging to install than aluminum. As you can see, choosing the right material for your boat dock depends on what you want.
Size and Pathways
The final aspect to consider when deciding the best boat dock design for residential areas is its size and pathway. Do you want a wide square deck where multiple people can fit? Or, will the dock be a simple pathway that leads up to the water? Be sure to think about these things before installation.
Selecting the right boat dock design is more challenging than you think. Once you determine which type you want, contact American Muscle Docks and Fabrication for the dock supplies you need. We have the materials necessary to build the dock of your dreams. Soon, you’ll be singing “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” from a dock you created yourself.
