Should You Build a Floating Dock or a Stationary Pier?
Trying to decide between a floating dock and a stationary pier? There are pros and cons either way you go. Here's a list of a few things you'll want to consider before you make up your mind:
Appearance - Is your home in an area that's overseen by a neighborhood association? If it is, they may have guidelines that you'll be required to follow. A lot of associations require that you build a stationary dock because they're generally more stable. However, since it's always in view, some associations have certain requirements about construction materials, size, etc. so there's a uniform look throughout the community. Check with your association first to see what those requirements are.
Even if you don't have a neighborhood association you should still check with your local government to see if they have special rules or regulations. Stationary piers are always in view, they can't be taken up and stowed away like a floating dock can. So some localities have very strict regulations regarding what type of dock you can build, the materials, the size, etc.
Use – How much use will you be getting out of your dock? If you'll be entertaining on your dock, or using your boat for a lot of hauling, you'll be happier with a stationary dock. A floating dock will rise and fall with the water level. And if the water happens to get a little rough in the middle of your cocktail party or while you're loading up all that fishing and camping equipment, you could possibly have a disaster on your hands. A stationary pier is situated just above the high water line and mounted on pilings sunk deep into the ground to keep it stable. Also, most stationary docks include a railing for additional safety.
Size – The size of your dock is a very important issue. No matter how well they're built, a lot of people feel that floating docks are less stable than stationary. So it only stands to reason that the farther out into the water you go with that dock, the more unstable it's going to be. The size of your boat and the depth of water it requires have a lot to do with do with sizing your pier. If you're going to need a very large pier, then stationary is the better choice for stability.
Maintenance – While it might be a little more expensive and time consuming to construct a stationary pier, they last a lot longer than floating docks. Floating docks are in contact with the water at all times while stationary piers are built to be above the high water line. Because of that, even if they're built from the best lumber around, floating docks just deteriorate much more quickly than stationary. Floating docks are also more easily damaged in inclement weather simply because they're not really stabilized or connected to anything.
Property value – Let's face it. Even in today's economy, if you have a home on the water, then you've probably made quite an investment in that property. While a floating dock may be all you really need for your own personal use, consider your overall investment. A stationary dock will add much more to the value of your property in terms of 'curb appeal'. And the fact that stationary piers require less maintenance and last longer will be a plus with potential buyers if you're planning to sell your home any time soon.