FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The name reflects who we are and how we build.

American means American workers and U.S.-sourced steel whenever possible. We believe in building products here, by people who take pride in the work.

Muscle means strength. We design and build dock systems and components to be overbuilt, not minimum spec. Our docks are engineered for durability, load capacity, and real-world marine conditions.

Fabrication means we are the fabricator. We are not a reseller or an assembler. We design, cut, weld, and build the majority of our products in-house. At our core, we are a fabrication facility that specializes in marine fabrications, docks, lifts, and heavy-duty waterfront structures.

Our location in West Virginia is a major advantage for our customers.

West Virginia allows some of the lowest production costs in the United States for hard goods manufacturing. That means we can invest in better materials, heavier steel, stronger components, and more robust fabrication methods while still keeping pricing competitive.

Because our costs are lower at the manufacturing level, we do not have to cut corners to hit a price point. We can build stronger systems that are designed for real world marine use, not minimum spec designs.

Even when shipping costs are added, most customers still receive a very fair end price with a noticeably higher quality product compared to many competitors. Simply put, our location allows us to deliver better value, stronger construction, and longer lasting dock systems.

As a customer, you have many choices when it comes to boat dock systems, and we encourage you to compare our products, designs, and pricing. Doing so usually makes the value we provide very clear.

We may not be the best fit for every single project, and when that happens, we will respectfully bow out and point you toward a better source. We believe honesty matters more than forcing a sale.

For most customers, you are buying a dock system built to last. That does not always mean the cheapest price upfront. It means long term value, durability, and fewer problems over time. If you are looking for strength, longevity, and a company with a long standing reputation in marine fabrication, we are a strong fit.

We currently hold seven (7) total utility and design patents covering multiple proprietary boat dock products and systems. These patents protect designs and functionality developed in house and refined through real world use.

Our patented products include:

- Dock Flash

- 5-Series Muscle Ramp

- Simple Dock Series

- RFP Structural Dock

These patents reflect our commitment to engineering original solutions, not copying existing designs. When you purchase one of our patented products, you are getting a system built around protected designs that are proven, purpose built, and not available anywhere else.

American Muscle Docks & Fabrication has deep roots tied directly to Follansbee Dock Systems.

Under our previous company name, Valley Manufacturing Inc., we served as the primary metal fabricator for Follansbee Dock Systems beginning in 1994. For nearly two decades, we fabricated the metal components used across Follansbee’s boat dock product lines, building firsthand knowledge of dock design, fabrication, and long term performance.

In 2012, Valley Manufacturing Inc. purchased Follansbee Dock Systems. Following the acquisition, the company was rebranded as American Muscle Docks & Fabrication to reflect our identity as a vertically integrated marine fabrication company.

This history means we are not new to the boat dock industry. Our experience spans decades of fabrication, design, and real world dock manufacturing, carried forward into the American Muscle Docks brand.

Captain Docky is our mascot and the friendly face of American Muscle Docks & Fabrication. He is a happy wooden pile pole character that represents our marine roots and hands-on culture.

We chose a Captain because captains steer the boat, and we steer customers to the right dock solutions. Captain Docky reflects how we approach our work, knowledgeable, approachable, and focused on guiding people to the right answer.

Yes. We are always open to working with qualified dock installers, resellers, marinas, and other waterfront companies who want to team up with us.

We specialize in designing and manufacturing boat dock hardware, components, and complete dock systems, and we recognize that strong local partners are often the best way to serve customers efficiently. By working together, installers and resellers can leverage our engineered products, fabrication capabilities, and patented systems while focusing on local sales, installation, and service.

If you are a dock installer, contractor, marina, or waterfront business looking for a reliable manufacturing partner, we are interested in exploring opportunities that help both sides grow and ultimately deliver better results for the customer.

American Muscle Docks offers floating boat dock systems in wood, structural composite, steel channel, steel truss, and aluminum. Price depends on the type of material used to build the dock, with wood being the least expensive and aluminum being the most expensive. We also manufacture metal dock hardware in which you can buy parts and pieces and build your own dock.

Yes, the objective of a floating dock is to keep the dock's frame and decking above the water. Though water may splash onto the metal, the galvanized metal coating will hold up for many years. Wood, aluminum or stainless steel is preferred in extreme salt water conditions.

We manufacture two grades of wood dock hardware.

1. 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 this hardware. Inside corners use a mitered gusset for strength. Male corners use one 3/4” connecting tab, and female corners use two 1/2” tabs.

2. Heavy Duty Hardware is made with 1/4” x 5” steel. Wood as thick as 3” can be used. Wood docks that are in rough areas and have larger size boats should use this hardware. Inside corners use a mitered gusset for strength. Male corners use two 3/4” connecting tabs, and female corners use three 1/2” tabs.

Both Standard and Heavy-Duty Hardware use 1/2" carriage bolts. We make hardware in galvanized steel, stainless steel and aluminum. We also specialize in making custom hardware to your specifications.

Steel Truss Hardware is the same quality as our standard Wood Dock Hardware with the exception of a 12” plate. Hardware is made of 1/4” steel with 3/4” male tabs and 1/2” female tabs. We also specialize in making custom parts and pieces.

American Muscle Docks hardware can accommodate a minimum of 2” x 6” to 3” x 12” nominal lumber. We can make special hardware for lumber exceeding the above sizes. Typically, 2” x 8” is the most commonly used lumber for most dock applications. Water conditions may demand larger lumber or even doubling the lumber to gain strength.

A Docktor™ is a dock specialist dedicated to the health and long-term performance of docks and marinas.

Ensuring ADA compliance for your marine facility involves adhering to specific federal standards designed to provide equitable access to public accommodations, such as marinas and boat launches. Essential requirements include establishing at least one accessible route with a minimum clear width of 36 inches, using firm and slip-resistant decking materials, and installing engineered transition plates to manage elevation changes. Gangways are subject to unique exceptions regarding the standard 1:12 slope requirement; for instance, the maximum slope rule may be waived if the gangway exceeds 80 feet in length (or 30 feet for facilities with fewer than 25 slips). To fully understand these legal obligations, including the "20% rule" for renovations and required slip counts, please review our detailed guides on ADA Compliance for Floating Boat Docks and ADA Accessibility Standards for Gangways and Marinas.

American Muscle Docks & Fabrication designs and fabricates aluminum gangways for pedestrian shore to dock access. Gangways are professionally engineered, fabricated by AWS certified welders, and produced under a documented Quality Assurance program. While we are not an ANSI certified manufacturer, our gangways are designed to meet applicable engineering, OSHA General Industry, and ADA accessibility requirements when specified, including considerations for slope, width, handrails, edge protection, and slip resistance. Multiple gangway configurations are available, and certain models may not meet all regulatory or accessibility requirements unless explicitly designed for those criteria. Customers are encouraged to identify applicable codes, standards, or project specifications at the time of quotation to ensure the correct gangway configuration is supplied. Final compliance with site specific codes, regulations, or accessibility requirements is dependent on installation conditions, system layout, and communicated project requirements.

American Muscle Docks manufactures dock systems, gangways, and fabricated steel and aluminum components in the United States with American-made materials. That is the core of our business.

Some hardware components and accessories are sourced both domestically and internationally. These items are selected to meet our performance standards, maintain availability, and keep overall system costs fair to the consumer. These items are identified where applicable. All products sold by American Muscle Docks are specified, supported, and backed by our team.

Ordering the correct pile guide size is critical for proper dock movement and long-term performance. Here is how to do it correctly.

Step 1: Measure Your Pile Diameter

Measure the outside diameter of the piling, not the circumference. Use calipers or a tape measure straight across the center of the pile. If using a tape, measure the circumference and divide by 3.14 to get the diameter. Do not assume size. Always measure.

Common pile sizes range from 8-inch to 14-inch options.

Step 2: Account for Swelling and Irregularities

Wood piles are rarely perfectly round. Treated lumber can swell over time. Always measure at multiple heights. Use the largest measurement.

If your pile measures:

• 9.5 inches, it is likely a nominal 10 inch pile.
• 11.75 inches, it is likely a nominal 12 inch pile.
  
  Step 3: Choose the Correct Inside Dimension
  
  Your pile guide inside opening must be larger than the actual pile pole diameter.
  
  Recommended clearance:
• at least 1 inch total clearance for most residential docks.
• at least 2 inches of clearance in rough water or tidal areas.

Example: If your pile measures 10 inches in diameter, you should order a pile guide with at least an 11-inch inside opening. When ordering from us you want to order the next size up piling guide hoop compared to your pile diameter.  Ex. You have a 10 inch pile pole, you would order a 12 pile guide option, 14 inch pile pole you would order the 16 pile guide option, and so on. Too tight and the dock binds. Too loose and the dock rocks excessively.

Step 4: Consider Wave and Water Level Conditions

If you are in high current areas, heavy boat traffic zones, tidal water, or areas with fluctuating lake levels, add additional clearance so the dock can move freely without hanging up.

Binding causes structural stress. That is how frames crack and welds fail.

The Mr. Lifter Jet Ski Lift is a proven, heavy duty personal watercraft lift that has been in service since 1979. It is built for long term reliability and ease of use. The jet ski lift rotates a full 360 degrees, making it easy to position and load from different angles. It has a 1,600 pound lift capacity and is available with either a manual hoist or an electric hoist option. This is a true heavy duty model designed for durability, stability, and smooth operation.

The Kayak Launch Dock is designed specifically for residential applications. It makes getting in and out of your kayak easier, safer, and more comfortable compared to stepping in from shore or a full height dock. It also provides a convenient place to stage and store your kayak when not in use. This is a simple, user friendly solution for homeowners who want easy water access without a full boat dock.

We handle everything from small, simple residential docks to very large commercial and marina projects. Our work ranges from single dock sections and short shoreline installs all the way up to projects involving several thousand linear feet of dock installed at one time. Whether you need a basic personal dock or a large scale, multi section system, we have the equipment, fabrication capacity, and experience to deliver it.

It depends on your climate and ice conditions. In areas with freeze-up or moving ice, we strongly recommend removing the dock before the water freezes to prevent damage. In mild climates, many customers leave docks in the water year-round. If you are unsure, tell us your lake and region, and we will recommend the safest plan.

Our docks are built for long term use. Lifespan depends on materials, water conditions, and how the dock is used. With proper installation and basic maintenance, many dock systems last for decades.

Permit requirements vary by state, county, municipality, HOA, and lake authority. Some locations require a permit for any shoreline structure, while others have size and placement limits. We recommend checking with your local permitting office or lake authority before ordering. If you need drawings or specs for your permit application, we can provide them.

Wood decking has a classic look and is often the most budget friendly, but it may require staining or sealing over time.

Composite decking is low maintenance, resists rot, and stays consistent season to season.

Aluminum frames are lightweight and corrosion resistant.If you tell us your shoreline, wave action, and how you plan to use the dock, we will recommend the best material combination.

Steel frames are extremely strong and are a great fit for heavy loads, longer spans, and rougher water.

Lead times vary by season, project size, and customization level. In addition, the design and layout stage can take time, especially for custom or larger projects. We recommend starting the design process well ahead of when you actually need to purchase so there is plenty of time to review layouts, make adjustments, and plan installation. We will give you an estimated build and ship timeline when you request a quote. Peak season often has longer lead times, so ordering many months early helps.

Maintenance is simple and mostly visual.

- Rinse and remove debris as needed.
- Inspect hardware periodically and tighten if needed.
- Check floats for damage.
- For wood decking, re-seal or stain as recommended.

Most installs require basic hand tools such as a tape measure, drill, socket set, wrenches, and levels. Larger systems may require equipment for moving sections into the water.

Yes. We can build custom layouts to match your shoreline and how you use the dock, including straight runs, L and T shapes, swim platforms, and multiple slips. If you have a sketch or measurements, we can help you design the right configuration.

Yes. We can share photos, videos, and examples of past builds. In some cases, you may be able to visit our facility by appointment to see materials, frames, and components in person.

Dock sizing depends on boat length, water depth, wave action, and how you plan to use the dock. If you share your boat specs, shoreline measurements, and typical water level changes, we can recommend a layout and flotation plan.

Anchoring depends on water depth, bottom type, and seasonal changes. Options may include pipe legs, winch systems, deadweights, augers, or shoreline anchoring. We will recommend an anchoring plan that matches your site conditions.

Floating docks are designed to rise and fall with water levels. Performance in rough water depends on frame strength, flotation, anchoring, and layout. If your lake has heavy boat traffic or wave action, we can design for increased rigidity and stability.

We support both. We specialize in selling dock hardware kits that allow customers to source their lumber locally and build their dock themselves. Many customers choose this option to save on shipping costs and customize materials while still using our engineered hardware. We also support full dock systems and professional installation options. If you prefer professional installation, we can discuss options based on your location and the project scope.

Yes. In addition to docks and dock hardware, we offer a range of related products to help serve as a one-stop shop for our customers. This includes items such as apparel, wagons, dock accessories, and other waterfront-related products.

Beyond what is listed on our website, we can also source many additional products and options through our supplier network. If you are looking for something specific and do not see it online, ask us. In many cases, we can source it, bundle it with your order, and simplify the buying process.

Yes. Modular dock systems are designed for expansion. If you think you may add sections later, tell us up front so we can design the starting layout to make future expansion easier.

To give you an accurate quote, it helps to know:

1. Your location and water type, lake, river, pond
2. Approximate water depth at the dock site
3.Water level changes during the season
4. Desired dock length and layout
5. Any budget restraints or target budget range
6. Boat type and length if adding slips
7. Shoreline type and access for delivery. If you do not have everything, that is fine. We can walk you through it.

This depends on the material used to construct the dock, intended use of the dock, and desired height off of the water. Our team can help to sort out the solutions to the issues impacting your dock project. Give us a call for assistance, but if you want to work through a general dock scenario – we offer the following:

For a general dock with the use of a few people, we aim for about 30 lbs. per square foot to calculate flotation for a dock using a wood frame and wood decking. A marina expecting more than a few people needs about 40 lbs. per square foot. Rarely will you get the exact poundage, but you should strive to obtain as close to these benchmarks as possible.

Once you have the flotation needed for the design phase, you then choose the floats you want to use. We offer many options, but, generally speaking, the 12” and 16” deep floats tend to make a more stable dock. For our example, we will be building an 8’ x 20’ dock section. The amount of square feet of dock is first determined by multiplying 8’ x 20’ = 160 square feet. We then calculate 30 pounds of flotation per square feet and multiply 30 x 160 = 4800 pounds of flotation needed to satisfy the design criteria.

The next step is to determine the size float you would like to use. For this example, we will use a 4’ x 8’ x 12” float. This float has a supporting weight of 1680 lbs. per float. Three of these floats will provide 5040 lbs. of flotation. If we divide the total flotation by the square footage of the dock (5040 divided by 160) we find that our choice of float delivers 31.5 lbs. of flotation per square foot. When using these large floats, that 1.5 lbs. per square foot difference is almost as close as you can obtain and would be acceptable.

All our floats use a 100% Virgin prime grade polyethylene shell and are filled with a molded-in-place 100% Virgin 1pcf expanded polystyrene. They meet and exceed all applicable US Coast Guard regulations and will provide the end user with long lasting, trouble free service.

We use Eagle Floats that include an industry leading 15-year pro-rated warranty. Unlike other float manufacturers that pro-rate the floats from the date of purchase, our floats are 100% for the first ten years.

First Ten years: 100%
11th & 12th year: 60%
13th & 14th year: 30%
15th year: 15%

Other manufacturer warranties are extended when purchased through AM Docks.

We sell to every type of customer. Re-sellers, contractors, marinas, and state entities must provide proof of current business license and necessary documentation to obtain special pricing.

Yes, Monday through Friday (except holidays). Picking up larger orders saves greatly on shipping costs, and our office showroom allows you to view our many dock options and accessories first hand. We encourage customers picking up larger orders to call ahead of time to ensure the product is in stock and to expedite your service.

AMD ships parts and pieces, as well as complete dock systems, worldwide. We don't like paying shipping costs either, so we make a continued effort to give our customers the lowest shipping rate possible. Customers ordering complete dock systems need to understand the weight and size associated with most built docks, as well as being able to have a way of unloading the docks other than by hand. Most orders ship FOB 141 Sunset Ave., Wellsburg, WV 26070. Certain sourced products and high volume orders may ship directly from our vendors.

We try out best to program the shipping calculator as precisely as possible, but different combinations of large heavy items can be complicated. If you would like to check on a more accurate shipping rate, we recommend calling our offices or requesting a quote using our Contact page.

We accept payment by Credit Card, ACH, Wire, and Check.  All payments must be in U.S. Dollars.

Any payment made by personal or bank check must be sent and deposited in our bank account before the order ships or is picked up.  Sometimes this bank process can take up to (4) business days.  Any insufficient / bounced checks will be responsible to pay the $35.00 bank fee accessed per occurrence.

Any payment made by ACH or Wire must hit our bank with the total invoice sum of the order. Any processing or transfer fee by the customer's bank must be paid by the customer in addition to the invoice total when ordering the transfer to AMD.

Any credit card payment processed that the customer inaccurately disputes (for no error on AMD's part) will be re-invoiced by AMD with the addition of the $35.00 processing fee. This is a fee (above the invoice amount originally charged) that the credit card processing company charges per each occurrence and is never returned to AMD even if the customer reverses the dispute. If customer reverses the dispute, they will be invoiced separately for the $35.00 processing fee. It should not be AMD’s responsibility to pay this fee when someone makes the mistake of disputing a charge that was accurately processed.

All payments must be in U.S. dollars.  Any accidental foreign currency charge will be additionally charged for the conversion difference to the sum of the invoice total in U.S. dollars.

Any down-payment that was sent to and deposited by AMD will be non-refundable.

Standard parts may be eligible for return under certain conditions. Custom dock systems are typically non-returnable because they are built to your specifications. If you have an issue, contact us, and we will work with you to resolve it.

Yes, we ship worldwide.  Delivery method depends on your order size and location, and may involve freight. We will confirm shipping details, unloading requirements, and any access considerations before dispatch.

LIMITED WARRANTY
This warranty applies solely to most steel and aluminum components manufactured by American Muscle Docks & Fabrication.

Our standard offering of steel and aluminum products is warranted for 3 years from the date of purchase. During this period, American Muscle Docks & Fabrication will, at its discretion, repair or replace any steel or aluminum component found to be defective due to material or workmanship. This warranty applies only to material or workmanship defects and only when products are used in applications for which they were designed and intended. Products used outside of their intended purpose, subjected to misuse, abuse, improper installation, not maintained, acts of God, or modified after manufacture, are not covered under this warranty.

All steel products are hot-dip galvanized, which is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to reduce corrosion and extend service life. The galvanizing process itself is not warranted for lifespan or performance, as durability is influenced by environmental exposure, water conditions, usage, and maintenance. Surface oxidation, cosmetic changes, and eventual wear of the zinc coating are considered normal and do not constitute a defect.

Products that involve custom fabrication, special-order components, or customer-requested design modifications to standard stock products are produced to individual specifications and are not covered under this warranty. These items are built to meet specific project requirements and applications, and therefore fall outside of standard warranty coverage.

Other products or components supplied by third-party manufacturers may carry their own individual warranties, which will apply in place of this warranty where applicable.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, American Muscle Docks & Fabrication’s liability under this warranty is limited exclusively to the repair or replacement of the defective component, at our discretion. This warranty does not cover, and American Muscle Docks & Fabrication shall not be liable for, any labor costs, removal costs, reinstallation costs, transportation costs, loss of use, loss of time, loss of profit, or any incidental, consequential, or indirect damages arising from the use or inability to use the product.

Installation responsibility rests with the purchaser or installer. American Muscle Docks & Fabrication is not responsible for damage, failure, or performance issues resulting from improper installation, inadequate site conditions, failure to follow provided guidelines, or installation methods not approved by the manufacturer.

Ongoing inspection and maintenance are the responsibility of the owner. American Muscle Docks & Fabrication is not responsible for damage or failure resulting from lack of routine inspection, normal wear and tear, corrosion related to environmental conditions, deferred maintenance, acts of God, or continued use of a product after damage or deterioration has been observed.

Under no circumstances shall American Muscle Docks & Fabrication’s total liability exceed the original purchase price of the specific product or component giving rise to the claim.

This warranty is provided in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, except where such exclusions are prohibited by law.