Safety Features of EZ Dock: A Comparison With Wooden Docks

Safety is crucial for anyone who owns a dock or intends to own one, whether it’s a small residential dock or a large marina. While the risks of dock injuries depend on usage and the safety measures you have in place, the type of dock you have can contribute to those risks. That’s because some docks are inherently safer than others.

If you own a dock or are looking to buy or build one, consider boat dock safety when selecting the type of dock or dock material. The most popular choices on the market are plastic floating docks and wooden docks. Our guide compares the safety features of wooden docks and EZ Dock, one of the top floating dock brands in the world.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of EZ Dock and wooden dock safety features:

Surface Traction and Slip Resistance

Slips and falls are among the leading causes of dock injuries, which happen because the dock surface often gets wet and becomes slippery. Boat docks can’t avoid wet conditions as they are exposed to the weather and splashes. That leaves the dock’s slip-resistant quality the most reliable safety feature.

EZ Dock

The modular floating dock systems from EZ Dock are made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) designed for strength and traction. Unlike wood, LLDPE material doesn’t absorb water, eliminating the risk of slipping due to flourishing bio-growth. In addition, the dock’s surface has a unique texture to improve grip and promote slip resistance even when wet.

With EZ Dock, you can expect uniform traction across the surface. That’s due to the careful design and engineering that goes into creating just enough texture to improve grip, not so little that some areas are slippery or so rough that the surface is uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.

Wooden Docks

Wooden docks can be very slippery when wet for various reasons, such as the type of wood, treatment and the presence of bio-growth. Still, regardless of the type of wood, they all get slippery, even with prominent wood grain and treatments that improve traction, such as nonslip coatings.

While fresh treatments can offer reliable traction, wood is vulnerable to weather conditions and deteriorates. Over time, the surface texture becomes smooth. Wood planks are also vulnerable to mold and mildew growth because they are organic materials and absorb moisture. The presence of mold and mildew on the dock surface creates unsafe conditions because of how slick the surface gets when wet.

What are the ways to improve traction and slip resistance on wooden docks?

• Apply nonslip treatment: Applying antislip treatments to the surface of your existing wooden dock can improve slip resistance. Treatments include paints and stains with aggregate for grip.
• Choose textured planks: Opt for planks specially designed to increase traction. These may come textured or grooved.
• Ensure regular maintenance: Wood needs regular maintenance to prevent mildew and algae growth. Wash the dock with eco-safe soap and water, making sure to scrub mildew-prone areas.

Stability and Buoyancy for Enhanced Safety

Here’s how EZ Dock and wooden docks compare when it comes to stability and buoyancy:

EZ Dock

A proper dock design should make the platform stable on water and prevent shifting due to weight. EZ Dock systems come as modular sections of varying shapes and sizes that fit perfectly due to a revolutionary interlocking system. While all floating docks sit on the water surface and are affected by water movement, EZ Dock sections are designed to be flexible enough to adapt to water and weather conditions while remaining structurally firm. The coupler system creates a robust connection between each module, minimizing rocking and tilting.

Floating docks must have exceptional floating capabilities. EZ Dock presents an innovative hollow chamber design that strengthens buoyancy and stability, keeping the platform afloat even under heavy weight and rough water conditions. You won’t have to worry about the surface shifting under you or submerging.

Wooden Docks

Wooden docks are usually fixed docks, meaning that the decking sits on permanent pilings and frames. If the pilings are strong, the platform will be perfectly stable, as wooden docks are not generally affected by wave action because they sit above the water. However, water fluctuations due to heavy rains and tides can slightly or completely submerge the platform, making it unsafe for use.

Also, the stability of a wooden dock relies on the entire structure remaining structurally sound. The lack of modular design exerts stress on the pilings. Wave action, weight and rough weather can weaken the piling and dock structure, making it less safe over time.

Customizable Safety Features

Customizations are important when installing a dock. However, the difference between floating and fixed docks affects how you can customize each to promote safety.

EZ Dock

Modular docks by EZ Dock are designed to integrate with different safety features and accessories without the need to construct anything. You can add accessories, from boat dock railings to swim ladders and ramps, by simply bolting attachments to their correct place. This is possible because everything comes in sections and parts that only require connecting them together.

If a specific design doesn’t seem to match your desired safety features, you can get a customized dock configuration that matches your shoreline, design preference and safety add-ons.

Wooden Docks

Like modular docks, you can customize a wooden dock for safety. You can build sturdy guardrails on the structure, add bumpers, build ladders, install lighting and construct ramps. While these additions are common, you must consider structural limitations and ensure the pilings are strong enough to support the weight of the accessories.

Otherwise, you’ll need to construct reinforcements. There’s also much construction work involved when adding these features, which can affect the dock’s stability.

Durability and Maintenance

Durability and maintenance qualities are critical to the long-term safety of a dock. Wooden docks are long-lasting when frequently maintained using treatments like sealing and plank replacement. Regular maintenance is needed to prevent safety hazards associated with wood, such as splintering, cracking and exposed nails.

EZ Dock systems are made from high-strength LLDPE material with many qualities that make them long-lasting and low maintenance. Here are the features that make EZ Dock platforms exceptionally durable:

• Damage resistance: They are made with heavy and extra-thick walls that enhance strength and resist warping, rotting, splintering, and insect damage.
• Weather resistance: They can handle harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, ultraviolet rays (UV) and prolonged exposure to waves.
• Moisture resistance: Unlike wood, EZ Dock is nonporous. Since they don’t absorb moisture, they resist algae and mildew buildup.
• Low maintenance: They are virtually maintenance-free and only need occasional cleaning to remove dirt and stains. You can clean your dock using a brush, eco-friendly cleaner and water.

Child and Pet Safety Features

Children and pets are more vulnerable than adults and need different safety features. EZ Dock and traditional wooden docks differ in how they impact child safety. Here are EZ Dock features that make it a more suitable solution for kids and animals:

• Slip resistance: EZ Dock platforms feature reliable textured surfaces that enhance slip resistance. They can prevent kids and pets from slipping and falling even in wet conditions. With treatment, wooden docks can be more slip-resistant, but they are still more likely to be slippery when wet.
• Nail- and splinter-free surface: Unlike wooden boards, the strong polyethylene surface doesn’t splinter. There are also no protruding nails or screws that make the surface a safety risk.
• Stability: EZ Dock’s floating modular system evenly distributes weight and resists shifting. The stable design makes it more reliable in the long term, unlike wooden docks, which can become unstable due to shifting or rotting support posts.
• Heat resistance: On hot days, wooden surfaces can become too hot, increasing the risk of burns for kids and pets. EZ Dock systems are designed to deflect excess heat, remaining cooler under the sun.
• Accessibility: Modular floating docks have a low profile, making it easier for kids and pets to get in and out of the water or boat. They also accommodate child-friendly and pet-friendly accessories that improve safety and accessibility, such as ramps and gangways, handrails and rounded edges.

Safety Equipment Storage

Dock storage allows you to keep critical safety equipment and other items close at all times. To ensure proper life jacket storage, for example, you want to install a storage box on your dock. That way, you can retrieve the jacket as soon as the need arises. EZ Dock systems offer built-in storage solutions for different areas of the dock.

You may want to install the EZ Dock corner box, a compact storage box that you can secure to any 90-degree turn in your dock’s layout using four coupler pockets. An alternative is the EZ Dock storage box, which you can install using galvanized bracket hardware.

Unlike EZ Dock, wooden docks lack integrated storage solutions, necessitating the construction of one suitable for the structure.

Environmental Factors and Indirect Safety Impact

Docks can become indirect safety hazards when they release contaminants into the water, causing harm to both people and aquatic life. Treated wood, for example, is good for durability. However, it’s associated with releasing harmful chemicals, which can contaminate soil and water, leading to health problems.

While you must be careful with other dock materials, EZ Dock systems give you the peace of mind of knowing you’re not indirectly risking the health of people and aquatic ecosystems. Our products do not contaminate water systems. They also follow strict environmental standards to reduce waste and energy consumption during manufacturing.

In addition, EZ Dock products are made from recyclable materials like polyethylene and rubber. These materials are long-lasting but can be fully repurposed at the end of their service life to ensure sustainable use.

Addressing Common Questions

Here are common questions regarding the safety of EZ Dock and wooden docks:

Are Wooden Docks Safe?

When properly designed, built and maintained, wooden docks are safe for people and pets. However, the safety of traditional wooden docks relies on professional construction and regular maintenance to prevent known safety hazards such as slippery surfaces, cracking and splinters, warping, and exposed nails. You’ll also need to perform periodic inspections to verify the strength and stability of supporting structures, like the frame and pilings.

Why Choose EZ Dock?

EZ Dock offers several advantages over wooden docks, making it a safer alternative. The superior material eliminates rot and splinter hazards, while the textured design provides better footing. Due to the modular and advanced floating design, EZ Dock products are stable on water and remain buoyant even under significant weight.

EZ Dock Safety Tips

While investing in a floating dock from EZ Dock is a crucial step in ensuring safety on your waterfront property, a reliable dock alone doesn’t guarantee safety for users. It’s important that you also apply the best practices for dock safety. Here are some of the EZ Dock safety tips to prioritize:

• Use safety equipment: Dock accidents happen. The surrounding water also poses risks that make it necessary to keep safety equipment on hand at all times. Always have dock safety equipment like handholds, handrails, dock lights and ladders. You also need general water safety equipment such as life jackets, first aid kits, ropes and tow lines, flares, and communication devices.
• Learn proper docking: Knowing how to dock safely is key to lowering the risk of accidents. Follow proper docking practices such as checking your surroundings, keeping the current against you, approaching slowly and securing the boat before getting off. If you’re unfamiliar with docking a vessel on a low-profile floating platform, it’s best to let a professional help you learn the ropes.
• Check the weather: It’s important to consider weather conditions when venturing out on water and docking. Watch for wind, wave action and currents when docking, as they affect your ability to dock safely.
• Avoid running: Running on any dock significantly increases the risk of slips and falls, which can be fatal because of the severity of dock-related impacts and the risk of drowning. To maintain safety on the dock, ensure that everyone, especially children, follows a strict no-running rule.
• Be cautious with electricity: A wet environment is a risky place to install electric devices. While you may need equipment that relies on electricity, it’s important to ensure proper installation and use to prevent the possibility of electrocution. Hire a professional electrician to inspect, install and maintain dock lights.

Explore EZ Dock Options to Enhance Dock Safety

With different types of docks to choose from, making the best choice can be daunting. Traditional wooden docks have their upsides but lack the advanced safety features of EZ Dock floating systems. Our modular systems are designed to complement diverse shorelines, boost your waterfront experience and enhance dock safety.

EZ Dock employs advanced engineering and construction methods to ensure a reliable product with unmatched safety features compared to other systems. Browse our modular floating docks and other waterfront platforms like boat ports, lifts and launches, and floating walkways. Contact EZ Dock for a customized safety solution!