Owning a lake house comes with many perks. Outdoor barbecues, playing football in the yard, or swimming in the lake are all great pastimes. Some people want to take it once step further and buy a boat for their lake house. If this is you, make sure to have an appropriate dock or pier. Use this guide on how to create the perfect dock for your lake house to learn more.

Materials

Some of the most common materials for marine decks are wood, aluminum, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider. Traditional wood is affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and customizable. On the other hand, aluminum docks are less maintenance and more durable. Still, HDPE plastic lumber is both aesthetically pleasing and minimal maintenance. You can use it for your main deck and marine piles. Whereas wood succumbs to wood-rot, and aluminum rusts, HDPE plastic is naturally moisture-resistant which means less repairs and higher savings.

Rules and Regulations

Also, keep in mind any rules or regulations. Different lakes and municipalities have their own rules and regulations with dock installation. For example, if you live in a private community, you’re limited to HOA regulations. Even if you don’t live in a private community, you still may face legal obligation to apply for permits before construction. The community’s rules and regulations help determine the type of dock you’ll build.

Type

Lastly, when thinking about how to create the perfect dock for your lake house, consider the type. The two most popular types of docks in residential properties are floating docks and permanent docks. Floating docks are typical in lakes with muddy or unstable bottoms. They’re more affordable than permanent docks and provide sufficient purpose for deep water lakes or lakes with fluctuating water levels. Permanent docks, on the other hand, require more installation but can significantly increase property value. Since they’re more expensive to build, permanent docks are better suited for areas with little ice buildup. That’s because ice can severely damage the metal frames used in permanent docks. Permanent docks fit to the bottom of the lake which makes them perfect for shallow or stable lakefronts.