Pilings are the structural foundation that secures your dock to the lakebed, seabed, or riverbed.
They’re not the most exciting part of dockbuilding, but deciding which pilings to use can be a critical decision when you’re working with us to build your customized dream dock.
The right choice? One that offers stability, longevity, and safety. And different docks will come with different requirements.
Treated Wood Pilings
Treated wood pilings are large, pressure-treated timber posts that are driven into the lakebed, riverbed, or oceanbed. They’re a classic choice and widely used, in part because they’re so cost-effective. They’re also naturally attractive.
However, like anything that’s made of wood, they’re eventually prone to rot and decay. That means if you use treated wood, you’ll need to plan on replacing them every 20 years in freshwater or every 7 to 10 years in saltwater.
Steel Pipe Pilings
Galvanized hollow steel pipes offer a durable foundation for any dock, deck, or custom boat houses. They’re incredibly strong and are ideal for deep water and rough conditions.
If your lakebed or riverbed are particularly soft this is also a good choice. They’re rot-resistant and can last a long time. They’re also the perfect choice for large, commercial docks or docks that are expected to support heavy loads.
They can last 50-70 years, which is very appealing for homeowners who never want to think about their pilings again. But this longevity can be a bit cost-prohibitive for the average homeowner, too.
Helical Pilings
If you have a shallow bed with few rocks, then helical pilings can be a good choice. They look like giant screws and function in almost the same way.
They can be an exceptionally environmentally friendly choice, because the installation process causes very little disruption to local ecology. They can also be installed fast.
They also last the longest: roughly 150 years. And as you might expect they’re often even more expensive than steel piling, because they need specialized equipment and extra labor. This isn’t always the case though, as sometimes they can be a better solution for those shallow beds than any other type of piling, in terms of both cost and suitability.
You Don't Have to Choose Alone
When you get your quote and design from Dream Boat Docks, we’ll talk to you about every aspect of the process, including the pilings we recommend. Having this information can help you if you want to adjust the price, adjust the longevity of your pilings, or address specific issues like heavy loads.
We’ll listen closely to your needs and concerns and design the dock that’s right for you! Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule your quote today!
