If you live by the lake and love going out for a swim, water sports or taking your boat out for a spin, chances are that you’ve contemplated building a custom dock. Docks allow you to fully enjoy your waterfront property. Besides giving you access to the lake, they also give you a quiet and serene place for relaxation. Again, docks are good places for meditation, yoga and even sunbathing. 

Docks are not all the same. They come in different designs and can be built with a range of materials depending on the intended use, available space and desired durability. Before you start building your own dock, here are a few things to consider. 

Intended use and number of people expected to use it

Docks built for a large establishment will be different from those built for a private residence. Public docks will have to be able to handle a lot more people. Their size and shape would have to allow ease of access and movement for large groups of people. Sturdier material would also have to be used to ensure the structures are not compromised. 

You must consider how you want to use the structure. Is it just for boats or will it also be used for water sports? Sometimes docks can also incorporate recreational spaces such as bars. All these factors have to be considered so that you can derive the maximum value possible from your investment. 

Material that will be used

Once you have decided on the use of your structure and know how many people it should serve, you can now choose your preferred material. The most common materials include aluminum, wood, concrete, and PVC. Your intended use should guide you in the selection process as different materials have different properties such as strength and durability. It is therefore prudent to take all these factors into account before you start building. 

Private docks may seem like mere luxuries, but they also come with other advantages on top of the convenience they offer. The following are some of them. 

1. Custom design 

When using a marina, you have to settle for what you get. They are mostly designed for a single purpose which is generally for boat storage. Private docks can, however, be designed to have multiple uses. Though there are regulations you have to follow, there are no design limitations when it comes to building your own structure. It can extend deep into the lake for fishing purposes and you can also build it with a place to relax and sun bathe. There will be no limitations to how you can use it and the value you can derive from it. 

For recreational establishments, a well-designed structure that allows multiple uses can be a great tool to keep the guest list constantly full. It also provides a platform to generate more income through water sports and enabling customers to arrive via lake or sea. 

2. Ease of access 

The joy of owning a boat is being able to take it out for a ride whenever you feel like. It’s safe to say that marinas are usually some distance from most people’s property thus making their boat less accessible than they would like. Private docks give you the luxury to go for boat rides at any moment. 

3. Boat security

Marinas are public places with few access restrictions. This, and the fact that you will not always be at the marina poses a security threat to your boat. Obviously, a boat will be more secure at your property, where traffic can be controlled. On your property, the risk of it being stolen or vandalized is very low. You will also be closer and better placed to respond to any issues that may arise. 

4. No overcrowding

Marinas can sometimes get overcrowded especially during the peak season. This makes navigation hard, and you may even fail to get slips for your boat. Private docks give you peace of mind knowing that you do not have to jostle for space. 

5. No fees 

After the initial investment to set up your structure, you will not have to pay constant fees to rent slips and additional monthly maintenance fees like at the marina. 

Undertaking dock construction on your property is one of the best choices you can make. The value you gain from it will greatly outweigh the upfront costs.