Tag Archives: dock materials

Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Dock Design

Why to Plan Your Waterfront Projects in Winter

Leave a comment

For a lot of boating enthusiasts and waterfront property owners, the wintertime can’t be over soon enough! But you don’t have to be at a total standstill while you wait for the warm weather. There’s plenty of work to be done for your new dock in the off-season.

Waterfront Projects in Winter

One of the great things about winter is that you have actually have time to think through any projects you want to take on in the new year. Assuming your fall dock maintenance or dock winterization went well, now is the time to start considering other upgrades. What exactly will you want to add to your waterfront when spring rolls around?

A smart way to get ideas for your new dock design is to check out the upcoming boat shows in your area. These events provide a fun outlet to explore your interests in more detail. You can plan to attend a local show, or even make arrangements to visit an out-of-state event. Either way, it’s nice to be able to see what updates the industry has to offer before you get back on the water.

For example, you might want to add a kayak launch to your dock. Or you may want to install a floating platform for your family to enjoy in the summer. Being able to meet with a waterfront services company in person can be a great help. It allows you to compare dock materials ahead of time so you can find the right equipment for your budget and needs.

Professional Dock Design

New dock builds, repairs, and additions often benefit from having an experienced team. Deciding what type of dock is best for your property can be complicated enough, but you also need to consider the different styles of decking.

The dock design process can seem overwhelming if you go at it alone. With so many factors to consider, it’s often necessary to have a professional waterfront services team to guide you through each step. Your location and water depth will impact some of the most important design choices. Yet, you’ll also need to consider your dock’s end-goal.  Buying a larger boat or wanting to add a boat house or a boat lift can change the entire layout. You might need to utilize your waterfront differently down the road.

In those cases, a modular dock design can be a real asset. These systems are great for new floating docks. Talking with a professional dock company can help you identify the pieces you need now, without limiting your options for future upgrades. That’s one of the reasons why we like working with EZ Dock systems so much!

Year-Round Service with Deaton’s

Deaton’s Waterfront Services is proud to provide design consultations year-round to help with your next projects. Our experience with wood, composite, aluminum, and thru-flow materials can help you create the perfect dock—whether that’s a custom floating dock or a stationary setup. We do it all, from private residential docks, to commercial dock systems of all sizes.

If you have any questions about designing your new dock, or making plans to install additions to your dock in the spring, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’re always eager to hear from you, and winter is a great time to start planning your projects. Contact us early to make sure you’ll be ready for the next season!

Dock Material, Dock Products

DIY Dock Building Equipment and Tips

Leave a comment

For pro-active waterfront enthusiasts, building your own dock can be quite an achievement and source of pride. There’s nothing wrong with the DIY-approach, but it can help to have a little help and advice along the way. Doing a little research will help ensure that your dock is safe and built to last.

Some DIY dock projects can be wrapped up in as little as an hour or two, while others require more detailed planning and prep. If you’re just looking to make a minor repair on your dock boards, for example, you might just need to replace a couple decking screws. The bigger projects take a little more skill. But with the right can-do attitude, you’ll be all set.

General Dock Building Tips

To start, it always helps to have a plan so you can map out what parts you’ll need. Take stock of what you’ll need for your dock, and try to think ahead so you can adjust accordingly. Do you think you’ll want a kayak launch in the next few years? Consider building that into your design now. Then you won’t have to change the layout or end up purchasing sections you’ll only replace later.

Another good rule of thumb is to keep things simple. If your waterfront is pretty flat, you can check out a lot of great floating dock systems. We really like working with EZ Dock because their equipment is user-friendly and adjustable. Because it’s a modular unit, you can modify the layout easier that other traditional floating dock styles.

On the other hand, some shores can have a significant drop-off. If that’s your case, a DIY approach might not be your best option. You might need to start with a contractor to help anchor your dock equipment to the rock bed. Determining your project cope upfront can help avoid any trouble down the line.

Dock Equipment and Supplies

Whether this is your first major dock projects, or you’ve been honing your skills for years, it always makes sense to try to get the best deal on your dock supplies. Purchasing your equipment used (or like-new) can go a long way in making your new dock cost-effective.

You can even order your EZ Dock materials through a supplier and do the install yourself. For those looking to purchase equipment at discount, we also have a variety of dock materials on hand for your own DIY project. Whether it’s materials from another client’s site, or spare parts for your anchoring or coupling, we can probably set you up with the right tools for your job.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions about our current supplies. If we don’t have what you need in stock, we’ll be happy to place an order for you. Then it can ship directly to your address for a truly hassle-free process.

DIY Dock Building Help

At Deaton’s Waterfront, we’re always available for design consultations. Even if you don’t need help with the install itself, utilizing our design services can help you get started on the right foot by choosing the layout that’s perfect for your needs and waterfront.

If you have any questions about how to get started on your DIY dock project, give Deaton’s Waterfront Services a call at (317)-747-4933. From consultations to easy dock supply orders, our team is always happy to help. Contact us today to get started!

Dock Inspections

Pitfalls with Used Dock Equipment—and How to Avoid Them

Leave a comment

Buying waterfront property is a great when you love spending time on the water. Having a dock already installed can be really convenient, too. But try not to get ahead of yourself. Just because there’s water and a dock, the property may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.

Home inspections help tell you whether the house you’re looking at is structurally sound and built to code. Checking out a property’s used dock equipment works the same way. When you’re aware of the possible problems you can get with used docks, it’s a lot easier to save yourself from financial upsets—or even safety hazards—down the road. You might be in for a rough ride if the dock wasn’t installed properly.

Check for Dock Damage

It’s normal to do a home tour when you’re thinking of buying a new property, so don’t skip out on walking the used dock. Dock equipment ages just like anything else around your property. You’re looking for two things in the beginning: rot and rust. Noticing either of these signs could mean long-term trouble for your waterfront.

Used wood docks can develop rot for any number of reasons. The planks might not have been treated properly, the wood could be poor quality, or it’s just been neglected for too long. Because wood rot can spread, it’s important to take care of the issue early on. The same goes for rust. Metal supports or other components that appear to have rust may jeopardize the integrity of the structure. With enough damage, the dock may not be safe enough to use. Seeing either rot or rust should definitely be a red flag.

Professional Dock Inspection

Whether or not you see rust or rot problems, you might still consider taking a closer look at the dock equipment. A professional waterfront specialist can come out with the proper equipment to assess the durability and construction of the dock from every angle. It’s a great way to get true peace of mind before making an offer or purchase.

For starters, a professional dock inspection will let you know whether the support beams on a stationary dock have any problems with warping or cracks. These supports need to be strong if the dock is going to survive long-term use. Any indications of damage might lead to bigger safety issues.

Buyers should also be aware of the risks of foundation deterioration or sand band erosion around waterfront properties. Hiring a waterfront expert can help give you an unbiased opinion of the dock’s surroundings. Again, like home inspections, a dock inspection will offer you an in-depth analysis of the structure. If you’re going to make a well-informed decision about a new property or dock, you’ll want to have all the facts. They’ll either point out a couple concerns, or tell you it’s good to go!

Deaton’s Waterfront Services

You may have fallen in love with a waterfront view, but if the dock is severely damaged, you might need to think twice about making an offer. Will the dock last well into the future? Are you willing to pay for dock repairs? The structure needs to be stable and secure for you to truly enjoy life on the water. Talking with a dock expert can help you decide ahead of time whether the setup is right for you.

For more information or to schedule your own dock inspection, you can always call on Deaton’s Waterfront Services. We’re proud to serve the waterfront needs of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and Tennessee. Contact us today to get started!

Dock Material

What’s the Best Material for My Dock?

Leave a comment

There’s a lot to think about for a new dock structure. As with any new building project, you want to consider the material’s cost and durability to make sure it’s worth your investment. This decking material overview can help point you in the right direction—whether you’re on a budget, or just focused on performance and upkeep.

Floating Dock vs. Stationary Dock

Knowing your water table’s depth is one of the first steps in the deck design process. High flow areas typically use floating docks. Those systems require a special installation process with framing to keep the dock stable year-round. Lower water zones (depths about 10 feet or less) often use stationary docks. If your water table fluctuates higher than that, you’re probably better off with a custom floating dock.

Project costs can vary based on the type of dock system you need. So when comparing deck materials, it’s important to remember their application. Each material has its own benefits, but you might prefer one style over another depending on your dock type and how the end result will look.

Decking Material for Docks

Concrete

This material is typically only used for floating docks—so if you need a stationary dock, feel free to skip ahead. The maintenance required for wood decking doesn’t always sound appealing, and concrete offers a solution. Because there’s no chance of it rotting, these types of floating docks often boast a much longer life-span.

Pros: Concrete dock setups are really solid. Even in stormy weather and high waters, a concrete deck is going to feel level. Plus, they won’t put the marine ecosystem in danger. Unlike treated wood, concrete can’t release any toxins into the water.

Cons: Of course, concrete may not be for everyone. Because it’s built to be tough, concrete may not be as “attractive” as other decking materials. That might be perfectly fine for commercial or industrial use, but if you want a dock to lounge around on, you might be better off with another option.

Composite

Made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, composite decking tries to give docks the best of both worlds. These materials tend to last longer and require less maintenance than regular wood, yet still come up cheaper than aluminum decking.

Pros: Composite gives you the look of wood without the upkeep. You still get the appeal of a natural wood grain style for your deck, but there’s no need to stain it every few years. Composite can be a great middle-ground if you want a classic look with a little more durability.

Cons: Composite decking needs to be washed occasionally to prevent mildew stains—especially if the dock is in a shady area. The wood fibers in some types of composite material can start to decay if they’re not properly cared for.

PVC

PVC decking is a light-weight option for both floating and stationary docks. The plastic polymer is gaining new fans in the waterfront industry because it’s easy to clean and has great options for non-slip deck surfaces.

Pros: This material puts an end to all the major maintenance worries. It’s completely mold- and mildew-resistant (unlike wood and certain composites) and won’t even fade in the sun. With PVC, what you see is what you get. No staining or re-painting required.

Cons: On the flip side, PVC decking can end up being more expensive than a composite material. It also comes with that plastic feel underfoot. It’s great if you don’t want your dock to get too hot, but the hollow PVC versions can also feel less sturdy than say, a concrete platform.

Aluminum

As another low-maintenance decking option, aluminum is often the material of choice for dock owners who want versatility. Aluminum can be left plain or powder coated. The coating options are long-lasting and some can even get the aluminum decking to resemble wood.

Pros: As with PVC, aluminum decking won’t decay. As an added bonus, aluminum won’t warp or twist. The lightweight panels have an excellent durability rating and can be easily removed whenever the dock frame needs to be inspected.

Cons: Similar to concrete, going with aluminum might be better choice for industrial or commercial dock needs. It’s expensive, and applying a powder coat can also add to the dock cost. But in the end, aluminum might still be worth it because it doesn’t require regular maintenance.

ThruFlow

The unique panel design of ThruFlow decking systems lets sunlight pass right through the dock surface so marine environments can still get the sunrays they need to thrive. For the environmentally-conscious, a ThruFlow setup is often the way to go.

Pros: The grated decking structure helps keep dock surfaces dry. Water and sunlight can move through the dock with ease, and the anti-slip surface makes it a safe choice for all types of waterfront activities.

Cons: ThruFlow docks are low-maintenance like aluminum and PVC decking, but they too come with some setbacks. Their grated design openings, although narrow, can mean that a dropped key or fishing lure might be gone for good—at the bottom of the water.

EZ Dock

An EZ Dock system doesn’t use any fillers or foam to stay afloat. The thick polyethylene sections and unique chamber design keep the dock sections buoyant and stable in all types of weather. These docks come with non-skid textures and have grooves molded into each section. You get great footing on deck—even when the surface is wet.

Pros: Modular dock sections give you an easy way to change your setup. Even if you want to stay small now, you’ll have the option to expand or reconfigure your dock down the road.

Cons: Some dock owners may still prefer a wooden deck’s aesthetic, but we like EZ Dock because it combines low-maintenance with long-lasting durability. What else is there to critique? It’s kind of win-win dock setup.

Whether you’re looking to install a new dock or need an upgrade on your current setup, choosing the right decking material is key. Different materials have inherently different benefits, but once you’ve weighed the options you’ll be ready to start planning for your project.

If you have further questions about the best decking materials for Indiana lakes and marinas, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’re always happy to provide a free consultation for your dock design or new installation.