The Crocodile Cage

When you install your new deck or pier, you may have several questions in mind about the installation. It is very important to be sure of the installation procedures and any special steps or precautions that may be necessary with your specific dock or pier’s needs.

One consideration that frequently comes up is what to do about making sure the dock or pier is firmly planted if the lake or river bottom is especially muddy. The best solution is to have the installers put a large pad under the footplate to make sure that the dock or pier has stable foundation. A less expensive way to create a sure footing is to use sunken patio blocks or green-treated plywood.

If you have a lightweight dock or pier, you may be considering putting it away for the off-season. It is important to care for your dock or pier properly while it is in storage so that it will last for many seasons to come. If the dock or pier has a galvanized steel frame, the frame can be stored outside with no harm done. Also, if you choose vinyl decking, it can be left outside without causing any damage to the decking. On the other hand, if you have wood decking on your dock or pier it is important to cover it with a plastic tarp while in storage so that it will not be damaged by moisture.

Perhaps you have an older existing dock and you would like to attach an extension to it. This is not necessarily a problem since many companies offer connecting brackets that allow you to tie a dock or pier extension into an existing set of stairs, seawall or an existing pier. This is also an excellent option if you have a large pier and you want to replace it in segments because of cost concerns.

One of the many decking options for a dock or pier is cedar slats. While it is not absolutely necessary to treat this type of decking, if you do decide to treat it, doing so every other year is sufficient. Sealing the decking and weatherproofing it are excellent ways to extend the life of the decking.

Floating docks and piers are useful in water where the water level constantly fluctuates. The downside of these types of docks and piers is that they can be very difficult to walk on at times. A better option is to invest in a dock or pier system that allows for easy adjustment of the legs, providing a much more stable base for the pier or dock, while still being able to compensate for the changes in water level.

On the question of whether your dock or pier should be removed every year, it is a good idea to follow your neighbors. They will likely be very familiar with the weather conditions of the area and the effects these weather conditions have on docks or piers. If your dock or pier has a lightweight, galvanized steel frame, it will be easy to pull it out of the water for the off season.

Before you choose a pier or dock, you should thoroughly inform yourself on all the installation procedures and preparation necessary so that the installation process will go as smoothly as possible.