When Is the Best Time to Build a Dock?

If you own waterfront property and want to install a dock, you need to know when to build. You could build in spring or summer, but is it better to wait until after peak season? Can you install a dock in the winter? Several factors can influence your installation process, especially if you are opting for a stationary dock. 

In most places, the best time to build a dock is in the fall. However, you can install a dock year-round in many locations. Learn what to consider before you build a dock and the advantages and disadvantages of installing one in each season to choose the best time for your project.

Key Factors Influencing Dock Building

A little forethought can make dock installation easier on you and your building crew. To decide when to build a dock, consider these key factors:

• Seasonal weather: The weather is one of the most significant components of deciding when to begin the installation process. Think about what the weather is like in your area during the time when you want to build a dock. Summer may offer clear days, but stifling heat can slow construction or cause overwork, leading to potential mistakes. Fall weather can be milder and still dry enough for installation in many places.
• Water level: Consider how stable water levels are and whether they are rising or falling. Water levels may be more stable in spring and summer. However, depending on your area, they could fluctuate due to spring runoff or summer storms. Depending on the body of water, you may also need to account for tides.
• Permitting: Check your local permit regulations early in planning. Many places require you to have a permit before you install a dock, though the rules for building a dock vary by location and sometimes by dock type. Not having the necessary permits can delay your dock installation or even require you to remove it if it doesn’t meet local regulations. Assess what you need and the average approval times to stay on schedule.
• Provider availability: Dock manufacturers and contractors are often busier in the summer, making it difficult to schedule your dock installation promptly. You may be more likely to get timely service during the off-season, or you could choose a dock type you can install yourself. 
• Dock type: The type of dock you want will affect how long it takes to build. Permanent docks are usually more labor-intensive and regulated than removable docks because they affect the water’s ecosystem more and require heavy machinery to install.
• Current dock condition: If you already have a dock that needs to be replaced, its condition can affect when you decide to build a new one. An old dock that’s worn but sturdy means you have time to plan and can wait until the end of the boating season to rebuild. However, you should replace an unsafe dock as soon as possible to prevent injuries.

Pros and Cons of Installing a Dock in Each Season

Evaluate the pros and cons of each season before deciding when to install a dock. Each season has benefits and drawbacks that will affect how long it takes to build a dock.

Building a Dock in Spring

Depending on your location, spring can be a good time to build a dock. The weather is mild in many places, with stable water levels and clear days. You can be ready by the time summer starts, especially if you’re installing a prefabricated dock.

However, rainy weather can cause delays, and high demand may mean longer wait times.

Building a Dock in Summer

When you build a dock in summer, you can use it immediately without having to wait for the weather to get nice. Longer daylight hours and drier weather can mean a faster installation.

The main challenge of the peak season is how busy it is. Summer is prime time for contractors, limiting their availability. Additionally, getting permits may take longer, and higher traffic on the water can cause delays.

You can always install a dock in the summer — just be prepared to wait if necessary. Consider a modular floating dock for quick and easy installation.

Building a Dock in the Fall

In most places, fall is the ideal season to build your dock. There are many advantages to installing a dock during the off-season.

• Stable weather: The weather is mild and consistent, and water levels are stable. You don’t have to worry about extreme temperatures or stormy weather.
• Less water traffic: Fewer people are on the water, decreasing the risk of interruptions and making the site safer for installers.
• More contractor availability: Contractors have more time available and can get to your project promptly. Once you have the required permits in order, you may not see any delays during construction.
• Better prices: Contractors may offer seasonal discounts, and materials may cost less. Even if you don’t find any special pricing, purchasing in the fall can mean avoiding price increases in the new year.
• Jump-start boating season: Installing a dock in the fall allows you to prepare for the following year’s season. You’ll be able to start enjoying your dock at the first sign of warmer weather.

The local climate is often the only drawback to installing a dock in the fall, since colder weather and shorter days in some places can cause delays or unsafe building conditions.

Building a Dock in Winter

In milder climates, winter may be the best time to install a dock. You don’t need to worry about water traffic or contractor availability, and you may find off-season discounts for materials or installation.

In an area where the waterfront freezes, you may not be able to install a dock in the winter. However, even if you can’t actually build the dock, winter is the ideal time to start the process. You can use the poorer weather months to plan and get permits, if needed, so you’re ready to install the dock as soon as the weather allows in the spring.

Choose EZ Dock for Your New Dock

Whenever you decide to build a dock, EZ Dock makes it simple. You can customize your dock layout and install it year-round. Our polyethylene dock sections are made of one of the longest-lasting dock materials and are in stock with local distributors. You can get most docks delivered and installed quickly, so you can use them right away.

When you work with EZ Dock, you can feel confident in planning your project — no matter what time of year you decide to build. Contact EZ Dock today to start your dock installation!