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Floating vs. Fixed Docks
Docks are vital structures for waterfront property owners who want to use their portion of river, lake or seafront. You may have a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) that needs a place to park, or you may need safe and convenient access to the water for swimming, fishing and sunbathing. Regardless of the activities you have in mind, having a dock allows you to take full advantage of your stunning waterfront. The only question is, which docking system do you need?
You’ll want to compare the two most popular options — fixed vs. floating dock. This guide explores both types to help you choose the right dock for your needs.
An Overview of Floating Docks
As the name suggests, floating docks are docking platforms that float on the water. They are supported by buoyant devices, usually a pontoon system that allows them to stay above the water level, even though they do not stand on pillars. Floating docks use a nonstationary docking system, which provides unmatched flexibility, rising and falling with changing water levels.
The nonstationary feature allows you to install and remove the platform at will. While floating docks move freely with the water level, they may use chains attached to anchors to counter unnecessary movements that affect stability. Floating docks are common in deep waters or those that experience frequent fluctuations and waves.
As a modern docking solution, floating docks continue to grow in popularity, with their market size projected to reach $415.22 million by 2031. The demand for these floating platforms is marked by their applications. They are common in industrial settings, offering convenient access to water-based worksites. They have also become popular in commercial settings, providing much-needed flexibility to marinas, boat clubs and waterfront resorts.
However, floating docks are not limited to businesses. Due to their varying sizes and customizable designs, the platforms are a good fit for individuals with waterfront properties.
An Overview of Fixed Docks
Fixed docks or stationary docks are permanently constructed on the land. They provide access to the water and serve as berthing stations for boats and other watercraft. A fixed dock is a traditional docking platform that rests on pilings constructed underwater and is designed to remain in place.
The common type of fixed dock is the pile dock, which uses wood, metal or concrete pilings driven underwater. The construction offers an exceptionally solid and stable foundation, making the platform capable of handling heavy-duty functions and adverse weather conditions.
A less common fixed dock design is the crib dock, which has a frame made of wood or other materials and filled with gravel or rocks. The fixed docking system is ancient, evolving from primitive jetties to modern piers. Like floating docks, fixed dock applications largely depend on size and construction style and are used by industrial facilities, government entities, commercial developments and private residences.
Cost Comparison
As you consider the type of dock suitable for your shoreline, you want to think about the costs involved in installing and maintaining each system. Regarding floating dock vs. fixed dock costs, various factors come into the picture, like the material used, the size, the type and whether you want customizations.
Initial Installation Costs
Installing any dock can cost a lot or less. Depending on materials, size and design alone, you could get an affordable deal or spend a fortune. Other factors like the body of water, accessibility, building company and possible customizations also affect pricing, making it challenging to determine how much a project will cost without considering every detail. Here’s how these four factors can affect installation costs:
- Water body: Bodies of water possess varying characteristics such as depth, bottom composite, fresh or salty water, and shore structure.
- Accessibility: Accessible waterfront properties need less labor and investment compared to properties that are more difficult to access.
- Building company: Each building company or manufacturer offers different pricing that aligns with their business objectives.
- Possible customizations: Customizations may cost more than general packages because you’re asking for specific adjustments that require additional work and more or different materials.
On average, floating docks are less costly to install compared to fixed docks. The reason is that a lot more work and materials go into constructing a fixed dock, from underwater preparation to setting up posts and ensuring stability. Since materials make up a large portion of your expenses, you want to factor that into your decision, considering the size, type, design and material weight because they impact the amount of material needed and the scope of work. Here’s an overview of different materials used in dock construction:
- Wood: Wood is one of the most popular and affordable options. It’s also light and easy to work with, but it’s not the most durable.
- Metal: Metallic materials like aluminum and galvanized steel are costly. They may require more work, adding to your expenses, but they are generally long-lasting.
- Plastic: Plastic is one of the top three dock materials, popular for its durability, buoyancy, light weight and cost efficiency.
Long-Term Costs
Quality docks require less long-term maintenance, resulting in fewer repairs and replacement costs. By quality, we mean materials used and the level of expertise that goes into the construction. However, regarding fixed vs. floating dock, what are the long-term costs associated with each?
Floating docks require less maintenance because they are removable and have no underwater fixtures that may experience wear and tear. In contrast, fixed docks have permanent structures exposed to adverse weather conditions year-round. These structures, including the pilings and the platform, are prone to damage, adding to the long-term costs of repairs and replacement.
Installation Process
The installation process for floating docks differs from that for fixed docks due to their distinct construction designs. For a fixed dock, even one that comes with a pre-made platform, you’ll still need to build the supporting structure into the seabed, lake bottom or riverbed.
Installing Floating Docks
Floating docks usually don’t take long to install because the hardware arrives ready to assemble, with each adjoining section fitting perfectly for a fast and easy installation. Since installing a floating dock is only a matter of aligning and securing sections, the process will typically take a day. However, you must consider factors that affect installation, such as the level of shore preparation and the ease of access.
How long installation takes depends on whether you handle it yourself or work with your dock distributor for professional installation. Considering floating dock installation is straightforward, you may want to tackle it yourself. You won’t need special equipment for the assembly besides these tools:
- A coupler installation tool and nut tool, which are usually provided
- En hammer
- A flathead screwdriver
- A 15/16” wrench or socket
Installing Fixed Docks
Unlike floating docks, installing fixed docks requires more work and time. If weather conditions are right, driving and securing piles can take a few days, which is crucial because robust pilings are needed to accommodate the horizontal load. Constructing the dock itself will typically take a few more days if it’s a simple dock.
Fixed docks take longer to install, even when sections are already in place because you must assess underwater conditions and the characteristics of the water body. Factors such as water depth, fluctuations and water current affect piling construction. Common materials and tools you need for a fixed dock installation include:
- Prefab sections or dock construction materials, such as pressure-treated lumber, concrete footings, stainless steel hardware and decking material
- Pilings or posts
- Circular saw
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Safety equipment
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Maintaining each dock type depends on the materials used during construction. Wooden docks need regular inspection to ensure structural integrity. While frequent washing is not necessary, deep cleaning once or twice a year will help prevent debris and algae from taking over and damaging the dock foundation.
Applying fresh sealant annually is key to minimizing water and sun damage for docks with wooden decks, while metal decks require occasional lubrication. For a deck material that requires less maintenance than wood, metal and concrete, consider plastic.
Aside from material-based maintenance, floating docks don’t need much upkeep because they don’t remain in water permanently. They also have no fixtures that bear the weight. Since fixed docks rely on permanent structures that support the weight load, keeping an eye on them for possible repairs to reinforce the frame is important. For both types of docks, basic sweeping and cleaning with ordinary products like water and soap is all you need to maintain their natural appearance.
Durability and Life Span
The quality of dock materials, construction and usage are some of the factors that impact longevity. With quality materials and robust construction, stationary docks may last longer because they are not prone to movements like their floating counterparts. However, it’s also common for floating docks to outlive fixed docks since many factors affect durability and life span. As a result, some modern floating dock providers design and customize their products to overcome various challenges, giving them several advantages that add to their longevity.
For example, floating docks made of plastic and resin decking are designed for exceptional durability. Strong polyethylene and additives resist harsh weather, UV deterioration and environmental conditions. Under normal conditions, polyethylene docks are more durable than wood, which is known to splinter and rot.
Overall, fixed docks are more challenging to repair in case of damage to posts or pilings, as you may need to reconstruct the whole structure to ensure stability. With floating docks, you only have to replace the damaged section.
Environmental Impact
As the world fights for a more sustainable future, docks are not left behind. Today, both stationary and floating docks can be made using environment-friendly practices, such as recyclable materials and responsibly sourced wood. Manufacturers can also ensure their materials are corrosion-free and won’t leak harmful chemicals into the water. Generally, advancements have made building fixed and floating docks using eco-friendly products possible.
However, the two dock types have different construction methods and environmental implications. Fixed docks are usually constructed on-site using various machinery, which makes them less energy-efficient. Additionally, these docks need strong underwater construction for stability, and that involves adjustments to the seabed, lakebed or riverbed, which is disruptive to the marine ecosystem.
Conversely, floating systems rely on a buoyant platform you can use without disrupting the underwater conditions. These docks are usually prefabricated, allowing you to put them together on-site without damaging to the shore. Since floating docks require less raw materials and zero machinery use during installation, they offer a more sustainable solution. When shopping for a dock provider, consider one that prioritizes environmental conservation to ensure you’re doing your part in protecting the environment.
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Stationary docks are prone to gradual wear and tear due to constant exposure to the elements. In areas with adverse weather conditions, a fixed dock may not perform well. Severe weather, such as hurricanes, storms and blizzards, can damage the dock’s structural integrity. In addition, water level fluctuations caused by rains and tides can also submerge and damage a fixed dock.
Floating docks naturally combat the challenges posed by weather conditions. The lack of a fixed structure for support protects the platform from strong winds and waves, allowing it to move and adapt to water movements, minimizing stress on the setup. Since you can’t protect a stationary dock from bad weather, the floating system is ideal. While it’s designed to bear turbulence, it’s also removable, a feature that allows you to protect your investment when severe weather sets in.
However, not all floating docks are ideal for bad weather because construction materials significantly contribute to their resilience. In adverse weather conditions, wood rots while metal rusts. You want to use polyethylene material, specially designed for maximum resilience and durability.
Get the Best Dock for Your Needs at EZ Dock
Are you weighing the pros and cons of floating dock vs. fixed dock systems? While they are two systems suitable for different circumstances, floating docks are suitable for calm waters that rarely fluctuate and for deep, rough waters with frequent fluctuations.
If you’re looking for a dock capable of overcoming the rigors of nature, EZ Dock can help. We are experts in durable and eco-friendly floating docks for all water systems. You can customize our various docking systems to suit your unique situation. Contact EZ Dock today or request a quick quote to get the right dock for your needs!