Why EZ Dock Outlasts Wooden Docks

A boat dock is a sizable investment that you want to serve your waterfront property for a long time. Perhaps your current dock is breaking down and you are looking for a reliable boat dock replacement, or maybe you want to install a dock for the first time and are wondering which option is long-lasting. You are likely considering traditional wooden docks or even the floating ones supported by pontoons. 

However, if you are looking for a solution that stands the test of time, EZ Dock modular floating systems are the best option. This guide breaks down everything that makes EZ Dock systems longer-lasting than wooden docks.

Visión general de los muelles de madera

Wooden docks are some of the most popular boat docks and swimming platforms and are suitable for various shorelines. They are often favored due to their natural appeal and aesthetics on waterfronts. They are constructed using treated boards, but their designs vary based on the type of dock. Wooden docks can be categorized as follows:

• Stationary docks: These traditional fixed platforms are permanently supported by pilings driven into the riverbed, lake bottom or seabed. They are stable and ideal for shores with consistent water levels.
• Floating docks: These are more recent types of wooden docks that utilize a floating mechanism. They are supported by foam-filled or plastic floats.

Wooden docks are made from diverse wood species, which impacts their durability. They range from pressure-treated pine and cedar to the much stronger teak and ipe. While wooden docks have their advantages, such as being customizable, affordable and eco-friendly, they come with drawbacks that make them less durable and long-lasting compared to EZ Dock.

Overview of EZ Dock Systems

Plastic docks are becoming a popular solution when it comes to swimming and boating platforms due to their innovative design and advanced technology. EZ Dock floating docks boast next-level engineering and construction techniques that make them superior to their wooden counterparts in almost every way.

In terms of longevity, EZ Dock products are unmatched and far outlast wooden docks. Some of their benefits include long-term cost efficiency, exceptional durability, flexibility and easy customizations. 

The Superior Durability of EZ Dock

Compared to wooden docks, EZ Dock platforms offer superior durability for several reasons, but the key factor is material composition. So, what material are EZ dock systems made of? An EZ Dock is made from the highest quality linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a plastic material with inherent decay-, corrosion- and mold-resistant properties. Additionally, UV stabilizers allow the material to withstand harsh summer conditions, contributing to the dock’s structural integrity.

It also features a modular design and arrives in modules or dock sections that, once assembled, create a robust connection capable of withstanding rough water conditions that may destabilize and weaken fixed docks. These durable materials and the innovative construction result in a much longer lifespan.

Compared to wood, LLDPE is a superior solution, specially engineered for durability and longevity. It’s incapable of rotting, warping, cracking and splintering since these are witnesses associated with natural wood. While the boards used in wooden docks are treated to minimize damage and prevent insect infestation, over time, they lose their resistance. Continuous exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations and wave action takes a toll on wood, reducing its longevity. 

Long-Term Cost Savings

Cost is one of the key factors to consider when buying or building a dock. So, what are the long-term costs and value of EZ Dock vs. wooden docks?

Initial Investment

The cost of purchasing an EZ Dock upfront can be similar to or higher than a traditional wooden dock, depending on the size, type and style of the dock. However, after the initial investment, the long-term costs associated with EZ Dock systems are much lower due to enhanced durability, longevity and almost zero maintenance. Here are some of the reasons an EZ Dock may cost more upfront than a wooden dock:

• Material quality: EZ Dock platforms and fasteners are made of the highest quality materials like LLDPE, rubber and stainless steel, which are designed to endure harsh saltwater and freshwater environments. 
• Construction: Besides quality materials, the floating docks boast advanced engineering and construction, resulting in robust structural integrity and superior durability. Some of these innovative technologies include the roto-molding process for high-strength walls, a reliable coupling system for flexibility, and a floatation chamber system for stability.
• Modularity: The docks feature a modular design with diverse configurations that provide flexibility and easy customizations.

Repair and Replacement Costs

Where wooden docks demand ongoing maintenance to remain safe and in good condition, EZ Dock systems barely need any maintenance during their service life. By investing in a wooden dock, you can save on initial costs, but you may need to repair, re-stain or replace parts of the dock down the road. 

If you’re wondering how low-maintenance EZ Dock platforms are, here’s a breakdown of all you need to do:

• Cleaning: You can easily clean your dock using water, a brush and a mild detergent. Remove tough stains with diluted bleach.
• Algae growth: While algae growth can damage wood, it doesn’t harm the dock. You can clear it at the waterline or leave it.
• Frost: The EZ Dock can withstand normal ice pressure. However, the dock’s design makes it easy to remove it in case of strong ice pressure, eliminating any chance of damage.
• Storage: You can store your EZ Dock indoors or outdoors without further attention as long as you keep the sections on their edges or with the walking surface facing up.

Maintenance-Free Benefits of EZ Dock

Maintenance is a key factor when searching for the best dock system. EZ Dock products are usually considered maintenance-free because they don’t need much upkeep. Here are some of the maintenance-free benefits of EZ Dock:

• No cracks or splinters: The docks are made from high-strength polyethylene, a plastic material that doesn’t crack due to stress or weather conditions. Also, these modular floats are unlike wood, which often splinters and may require complete boat dock replacement to ensure safety. 
• Resistance to rot and rust: Since the floating docks are plastic, they don’t rot or rust, eliminating the need for frequent repairs or treatments that prevent corrosion. Regarding hardware and accessories, EZ Dock uses marine-grade materials specially designed to resist corrosion in fresh and saltwater environments.
• No sealing or staining: Wood needs sealing with a top-quality marine-grade dock seal. The treatment is necessary to protect wooden docks on water and should be reapplied every time the coating wears off. EZ Dock platforms stand out because they don’t need sealing, staining or any other treatment to remain in top condition. 
• Easy cleaning and upkeep: EZ Dock material is easy to wash and remove grime using soap and water. Dirt and stains are tougher to remove when they penetrate porous material. Though wood can be strong, it’s also porous — it absorbs moisture and stains once the coatings wear off, which can make it difficult or impossible to clean.
• No costly repairs: EZ Dock systems come as robust sections designed for longevity without needing repairs. The modular design makes it easy to swap out a section if damage occurs, eliminating the need to rebuild large portions of the dock. You can also easily replace damaged planks on wooden docks. However, major damage to the decking or support structures will need extensive repairs to maintain structural integrity.

Weather Resistance and Performance

Docks are outdoor structures exposed to diverse conditions that affect their durability and longevity. Due to their resilience to nature’s brunt, EZ Dock platforms outlast their wooden counterparts. Here are some of the natural conditions that EZ Dock handles much better than wooden docks:

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays: We designed these docks to resist UV rays, preventing sun damage, which is common with wooden docks due to prolonged exposure.
• Moisture: Polyethylene used in manufacturing the floating docks is nonporous, unlike wood, which absorbs moisture over time, leading to decay.
• Temperature fluctuations: We engineered our docks to withstand high-temperature fluctuations without warping or cracking. The material expands and contracts and has low thermal conductivity.
• Storms: The robust, flexible construction and ultra-heavy, thick walls allow EZ Dock to withstand storms.
• Ice flow: Normal ice pressure does not harm EZ Dock systems, making them reliable in all weather conditions.
• Wave action: The docks are designed to handle rough water conditions. Since they float and have excellent buoyancy, the platforms adjust to water levels, accommodating wave action. Their modular structure, secured by a robust coupling system, keeps the entire dock flexible against blasting waves.
• Marine growth: EZ Dock solutions are not vulnerable to mold and mildew, which thrive on organic materials. Normal algae growth around the waterline doesn’t damage the platform and is easy to remove.

Environmental Sustainability of EZ Dock

One of the attractive qualities of wooden docks is that they are constructed from natural wood, a biodegradable product. However, they can also pose a negative environmental impact because treated boards can leach harmful chemicals into soil and waterways. Do EZ Dock products struggle with similar challenges?

Materiales ecológicos

EZ Dock collaborates with environmental experts during manufacturing to ensure that every aspect of our product is environmentally friendly. We use recyclable polyethylene and recycled rubber as raw materials for our docks. Where we employ metal for hardware, dock accessories and add-ons, we use stainless steel and aluminum. These metals resist corrosion and don’t break down into the waterways.

Impacto medioambiental mínimo

Our docks contribute to forest conservation as no part of the dock is made of wood. We curb the challenge of water contamination and preserve aquatic ecosystems because our products don’t react with water and don’t release contaminants. We adhere to strict measures throughout the manufacturing to ensure minimal environmental impact.

For instance, by collaborating with marine biologists, we refine our designs to limit ecological disruption, which allows you to enjoy your dock while preserving marine ecosystems. Our docks feature innovative floating chamber technology that allows sunlight to penetrate and support underwater aquatic habitats.

EZ Dock Installation Flexibility

Installing wooden docks requires necessary skills as it involves building the dock from scratch or attaching prefab decking on a strong support structure. EZ Dock systems are the opposite. Our premade docks are exceptionally easy to install as they come ready to assemble, making them an appropriate solution for diverse waterfront applications. Here are qualities that give EZ Dock products excellent installation flexibility:

1. Modular Design

EZ Dock platforms utilize modular construction. They are prebuilt as dock sections of varying shapes and sizes and assembled as complete structures using an interlocking coupler system. Once your waterfront is ready, all you need to do is connect the sections using a coupler installation tool without building permanent structures. The modular design and different configurations make the EZ Dock site-specific to match each user’s intended application.

2. Adaptability to Various Waterfronts

Modular floating docks from EZ Dock adjust with the water level while maintaining stability. As a result, they function well with a wide range of waterfronts and terrain. You can get a custom configuration that adapts to your needs and the condition of your shoreline. EZ Dock supports the following:

• Rivers, ponds, lakes and seas
• Deep or shallow waters
• Water bodies with fluctuating levels
• Steep, extended and rough shorelines

3. Expandable

Your needs may change, and we designed our docks to accommodate such changes. You may want to extend your dock, change its layout or move it to a different location or property. Wooden docks make such adjustments challenging, especially if they are stationary. It’s easy to take EZ Dock sections apart, switch them around or expand by adding new sections.

4. Anchoring Methods

EZ Dock offers various anchoring solutions to make installation smooth and convenient for the conditions of your site. The anchoring systems come in polyethylene, stainless steel and galvanized steel. All of them are stable and durable. Here are the different anchoring options we offer and their most suitable applications:

• Pipe anchoring: This is our most popular anchoring method, which relies on heavy-duty and light-duty pipes with small diameters. They are ideal for residential and light-duty commercial applications.
• Deadweight anchoring: This anchoring type relies on heavy devices placed at the bottom of the water body. They anchor the dock via strong chains, cables or synthetic lines. Deadweights are recommended for very deep waters or sites with rocky beds.
• Piling anchoring: These are heavy-duty piling brackets with diameters of 6 to 24 inches. They are ideal for harsher environments and deep waters with depths above 18 feet. Consider piling anchoring for heavy-duty commercial applications.
• Stiff-arm anchoring: This anchoring type relies on robust poles attaching the dock to another structure on the shore. Stiff arms are ideal for both heavy-duty and standard-duty applications.

Why Choose EZ Dock Over Wooden Docks

Investing in a long-lasting dock that doesn’t come with a hefty maintenance cost is a lucrative deal. EZ Dock systems demonstrate long-term value due to exceptional engineering and construction techniques that enhance durability. Qualities like weather resistance, modular design and low maintenance make our docks reliable, efficient and cost-effective.

If you want a stress-free dock for your waterfront and can’t wait to escape continuous and costly maintenance, EZ Dock has the solution for you. Explore EZ Dock systems, design your perfect dock and contact us today for a consultation!