Choosing the suitable material is essential to add a new dock to your property or replacing an existing one. Consider different dock materials, such as wood or steel, depending on your needs.

Wooden docks are famous for many homeowners because they offer a natural-looking aesthetic. However, wood requires regular maintenance and can rot over time.

Wood

There are many options regarding the materials used to construct durable docks. The material you choose depends on the conditions where the dock will be built and your budget.

Wood is a natural material available in many colors and grain patterns. It is an excellent dock choice because it can withstand various weather conditions, including rain and saltwater.

It is also a durable material that does not rot or decay and requires minimal upkeep. However, it must be refinished or stained at least once a year to maintain its appearance.

Another option is fiberglass, a modern innovation requiring less maintenance than natural wood. Fiberglass piles are engineered never to rot or become affected by pests. They are often suited for commercial marinas and Palm Beach County docks that require easy upkeep and durability.

Steel

Whether you’re planning on building a new dock or need to repair the one you have, choosing a material that can withstand harsh elements is essential. The suitable material can help protect your investment and keep your dock looking beautiful for years.

Steel is an incredibly versatile metal that can be crafted in various ways. According to the World Steel Association, more than 3,500 grades are available, each with its characteristics and uses.

Stainless steel is a common choice for commercial and marine docks. It’s incredibly strong and can easily handle stormy weather, watercraft traffic, and foot traffic. It’s also resistant to rust and corrosion so it will last decades with little maintenance.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a common material used in docks. It has excellent corrosion resistance and a low maintenance cost. It is also very durable and adds value to a property when it is sold.

It is a silvery metal formed by combining the mineral bauxite with oxygen and soda ash. The resulting material is called alumina and is the primary aluminum source.

Aluminum is a soft and ductile metal that can be alloyed with iron, silicon, copper, magnesium, or manganese to increase strength. In addition, it can be heat treated to make it more resistant to oxidation and higher temperatures.

It is often used for beams essential to a dock’s structural integrity and stability. Other options include steel or fiberglass floats. However, these are not as durable or water-resistant as some materials we have covered here. Wood is another excellent option for dock beams, mainly Douglas fir.

Concrete

Many materials can be used to construct durable docks. Some are more expensive than others, but they all offer some unique benefits.

Concrete, for example, is a building material made of tiny particles of aggregate mixed with cement and water. It is solid and can be molded into virtually any shape.

Some concrete can be reinforced with metal (steel) for extra strength. Reinforced concrete, often called ferroconcrete, is more robust than plain concrete and can withstand heavy loads and long spans.

Even though concrete is a strong, durable, and versatile material, it has some issues that can make it less than ideal for certain types of docks. One of the most common problems is an alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Aggregates that contain soluble silica can react with soluble alkali to form an alkali-silica gel, which expands when it absorbs moisture and damages concrete.