Customization Options: Flexibility of EZ Dock Over Wooden Docks

As a waterfront property owner, you want your home to be picture-perfect. But as time passes, certain waterfront structures may become outdated, sticking out like a sore thumb. One such structure is wooden docks. Traditional wooden docks are prone to splinters and rot, require constant maintenance and have a fixed design.  

A modern dock system can help you save precious time while maintaining your waterfront property’s classic look and feel. EZ Dock provides the ideal solution. Our modular polyethylene floating dock sections are durable, low-maintenance and customizable to your changing needs. 

How do floating docks stack up against their traditional wooden counterparts? We compiled a complete guide to show you the benefits of floating docks. See how floating docks and wooden docks compare in various areas. 

Durability

Docks are a big investment, so you’ll want one that’s built to last. Here’s how floating and wooden docks compare in terms of durability and lifespan.

Fixed Wooden Docks

Although wood is beautiful and adds to the aesthetic, it can also be vulnerable. Nature can throw many challenges at wood, which impact its durability and longevity. These include:

• Moisture damage.
• UV ray exposure.
• Pest issues.

One major factor is the very water it stands in. Even if a wooden dock is treated, it may still absorb moisture. With repeated wet-dry cycles, the wood may start to swell, warp, shrink and crack. There is also wood rot to consider. If your wood is not well-treated, rot can appear, further damaging the dock. 

Water is not the only thing to worry about — the sun’s ultraviolet rays may degrade the wood over time. The result is a faded and brittle dock surface. Staining the wood can help prevent this, but it’s a process that must be repeated. 

Different types of insects may also harm the dock’s wood. Freshwater and above-water pests, such as carpenter ants and wharf borers, or saltwater pests, such as gribbles and pholads, can eat or bore into untreated wood. 

EZ Dock Floating Docks

Our modular floating docks have a longer lifespan than wooden docks. The main reason for their superiority is their material composition. EZ Dock systems are made from high-quality linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a durable plastic material against the forces of nature. 

Some natural conditions that our floating docks can handle include: 

• Moisture: Unlike wood, LLDPE is nonporous and absorbs very little water. As a result, it has inherent corrosion-, decay- and mold-resistant properties. 
• UV rays: Our floating docks are engineered to resist UV ray damage using UV-16-stabilized raw materials. This UV-16 rating means that your dock is protected even in eight years of brutal Florida sunlight. 
• Weather: From high temperatures to storms and ice flow, EZ Dock systems remain reliable. The material expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures. 
• Waves: With EZ Dock systems’ ultra-heavy, thick walls, they can withstand blasting waves and changing water levels. 

Maintenance

Maintenance plays an important role in dock durability. Taking care of your dock helps prolong its lifespan. But depending on the material and its mobility, some may require more attention than others. The upkeep of stationary wooden docks is more labor-intensive than floating LLDPE docks. 

Fixed Wooden Docks

If you have a wooden dock, you must perform regular inspections as wood requires consistent upkeep. The material needs frequent cleaning, sanding, staining, sealing, treating and finishing. Without a proper and regular care routine, a wooden dock may be susceptible to: 

• Fading
• Warping 
• Swelling
• Splitting
• Cracking
• Rot and decay
• Mold and mildew
• Pest infestations

Additionally, improper care may result in frequent repairs and replacements, inherently increasing cost and labor. Plus, traditional wooden docks are stationary, which may limit your access to maintain or fix certain areas. You may need to shore up structural supports to access them, which can be expensive. In some cases, the damage may be so severe that you require professional help, which also adds to your annual cost. 

EZ Dock Floating Docks

Low maintenance is one of the more convenient floating dock advantages. EZ Dock systems’ material makes cleaning and maintenance minimal. Easily loosen dirt and debris with a gentle soap and brush — no need for harsh chemicals that can contaminate the surrounding water. Our floating docks also don’t require any staining, sealing or painting. 

If a section of your floating dock requires a fix or replacement, you can do so with ease. Its modular design allows you to swap a problem section out without rebuilding the whole deck. That’s time and money saved for enjoying the water instead of working on it. 

Safety

Safety and comfort matter, especially if kids or guests will be using your dock. The type of dock and its material composition can make all the difference. 

Fixed Wooden Docks

If well-maintained, a wooden dock can offer a good walking feel. However, wood surfaces can become slippery when wet or covered with bio-growth. People may slip and fall, which could result in injuries. Even with fresh treatments that can help with traction, wood is vulnerable to the weather and deteriorates. 

Other safety hazards associated with wooden docks include cracking, splintering and exposed nails. These pose serious safety issues, especially for people walking barefoot on the dock. Wooden docks may also heat up in the sun, which can burn people’s feet. 

Although wooden docks are typically fixed and stable, certain weather conditions can make them unsafe. Heavy rain and fluctuating water levels may cause the dock to become partially or fully submerged. Prolonged moisture exposure may also impact the structure’s ability to remain sound. 

You can add safety features to wooden docks, such as guardrails, ladders, lighting and bumpers. However, these extra features add to the structure’s total weight, potentially causing additional stress on the pilings. Too much weight can pose a safety risk. Reinforcements help strengthen the wooden dock, but come with extra cost and labor. 

EZ Dock Floating Docks

The safety features of EZ Dock are attributed to its design. The floating, modular design, chambered construction and couplers help different sections remain stable and flexible in moving water. The revolutionary interlocking system allows different sections to move while maintaining structural integrity. This means less rocking and tilting. 

The LLDPE is also designed for uniform traction and strength. Unlike wood, the LLDPE is molded in a nonslip texture, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. The unique texture helps improve surface grip and prevent slips. 

Modular docks make installing customizable safety features simple. You can add accessories, such as ladders and railings, by easily bolting them in place. 

Versatility

A dock that can adapt to your needs and fluctuating water levels is superior to one that cannot. 

Fixed Wooden Docks

Traditional wooden docks are fixed in their shape, size and location. You design it, build it and that’s it. Although you can install accessories and other structural additions to the wooden dock, it’s often limited in its fixed construction. Whether making upgrades or downgrades, you may need to partially or completely tear the structure down. 

Additionally, in severe weather conditions, your fixed wooden dock can become submerged in the water. It’s unable to move or float with the fluctuating water levels. These cases prevent you from using your dock, and the structure may become more damaged than anticipated due to moisture damage. 

EZ Dock Floating Docks

You can configure our modular floating sections anytime. Do you want to add a kayak launch or create a swim platform for the summer? Whatever your docking needs, you can simply rearrange the pieces to satisfy them. 

Best yet, major changes or relocations don’t require you to tear a structure down. Unlike fixed wooden docks, our floating docks don’t require pilings or supporting substructures to remain stable over water. The simple interlocking system and separate sections make layout changes easy — saving you time, money and labor. 

Value

When comparing wooden docks to floating docks, there is a clear difference in the cost to value over time and their longevity. 

Fixed Wooden Docks

The upfront cost of wood might be more affordable and seem more appealing — especially if you have easy access to local timber. However, the recurring costs add up when you factor in its maintenance, repairs and eventual replacements. Wood may be more budget-friendly, but its lack of strength is its downfall. 

Additionally, installing wooden docks may also be more expensive. Constructing a fixed dock requires a lot more work and materials. For instance, you’ll need to prepare the water and set up posts to help ensure the structure’s stability. 

EZ Dock Floating Docks

Although floating docks may be more expensive initially, you’re purchasing a high-quality system. Under good conditions, your EZ Dock system will stand the test of time. 

Less upkeep needs mean lower maintenance costs. Compared to fixed wooden docks, floating docks don’t require as much time, labor and materials to uphold their structural integrity.

EZ Dock Floating Dock Shapes for Every Need

The greatest strength of EZ Dock is our customizability of floating docks. The modular design allows for countless layout possibilities. Unlike wooden docks that are built in a single fixed shape, our systems connect like building blocks that offer creative freedom. Use this ability to set up a dock that perfectly suits your property and lifestyle. 

Floating dock customization is what we do best. That’s why we offer various layouts that serve different purposes so you can tailor your dock to your waterfront activities. These shapes include: 

• Straight docks: If you simply need a walkway from shore to water, straight docks are the way to go. They can serve other purposes such as being an access point for swimming. 
• L-shaped docks: For extra usable space, consider our L-shaped docks. This shape works well if you want to create a fishing or sitting corner while still leaving space for boat mooring. 
• T-shaped docks: The T shape offers a wider platform at the end of a straight dock. The additional space provides extra room for lounging and entertaining. This shape is popular among families for boating and leisure. 
• U-shaped docks: If you have multiple boats and watercraft, the U shape is for you. It provides dual slips for watercraft storage. 
• Platform docks: The rectangular platform shape offers ample space. You can host gatherings on the water and use it for other leisure activities such as swimming and sunbathing. 

Not finding what you’re looking for? Create custom floating docks. Because each section of our floating docks are modular, you can mix and match different shapes to create a setup that’s completely unique to your needs. EZ Dock allows your waterfront to change alongside your lifestyle. 

Use our interactive Dock Designer tool to customize your floating dock and see your ideas come to life. 

Dock Accessories for a Custom Experience

The advantage of choosing EZ Dock over traditional wooden docks is the sheer variety of accessories. Unlike wooden docks that often require custom carpentry or aftermarket add-ons, EZ Dock has a lineup of ready-to-integrate accessories that snap into place. Whatever you need, we have it: 

• Tie-up cleats, bumpers and dock corners for convenience
• Handrails, ladders and slide attachments for safety 
• Kayak and canoe launches for efficiency 
• Benches and tables for leisure
• Utility channels for power
• Dock boxes for storage

Because each accessory is designed to work within the modular system, you’re not locked into one configuration. You can start simple with a basic structure and build over time. It’s a plug-and-play experience that simply isn’t possible with wooden docks where every change means more lumber, labor and cost. 

Wooden docks don’t come with standardized accessory systems. Dock owners will have to improvise using generic hardware to drill, cut and bolt into the wood, which may weaken the dock over time. Seeking professional assistance instead may help, but will come with a cost that could exceed your budget. 

Create Your Perfect Waterfront With EZ Dock

Wooden docks lock you into a static design where any upgrade or downgrade can feel like a project. EZ Dock makes it easy to start simple and expand into a fully outfitted waterfront space with accessories that grow with you. 

EZ Dock modern floating dock systems stand the test of time while allowing custom configurations. Our docks are a customizable and durable solution with easy installation. Whether you have a waterfront home, vacation home or business, EZ Dock offers various products to help you maximize your property. 

Visit our online gallery to see how others have brought their visions to life. Alternatively, you can experiment with your own designs using our interactive Dock Designer tool to help you build an idea. 

For any further questions, contact an EZ Dock expert online today.