The Real Cost of a Boat Dock

How Much Does It Cost to Construct a Boat Dock?

The cost to construct a boat dock averages $14,275. Most contract jobs are priced between $3,173 and $25,306.

Prefabricated or assembled types of docks are priced as low as $1,000,while high quality permanent boat docks run between $50,000 and $75,000. Boat dock pricing varies depending on the materials,quality and the inticracy of installation. Picking a prefabricated,aluminum floating dock,or a permanent wood and concrete version affects your job price. Option and funding depend on water depth,climate,location,and fresh or saltwater program. A Guru can help you select the right dock for your requirements. In the end,this determines the total project price.

Regardless of program,our fabricated aluminum constructions will not crack like concrete,rust like steel or rot like wood.

Cost to Construct a Dock

A floating dock costs between $15 to $35 per square foot,depending on the choice of decking. This includes the dock and labour to install. Prefabricated aluminum types,the cheapest,come in at $1,500. It is constructed by putting decking over airtight barrels,drums or marine floats.

Piling dock building and setup runs $20 to $40 per square foot. Machinery drives or jets pilings,generally 10″-12″ in diameter,in the lakebed. Piling docks are permanent and durable if maintained properly and may be customized into boathouses,gazebos and party decks.

These are constructed by filling one or more square wooden”cribs” with big stones,then capping using a deck. They are basically small,synthetic islands which you could connect to each other and the shore with decking.

The Price of Your Dock Depends on The Accessories You Want

Dock Floatation

Decking and floatation options are going to be the design choices that have the most impact on dock price. When considering what choice is best for your job,you should think about the balance between price,length of life and stability. If you are more of a visual learner,take a look at our floatation video show: Floating Dock Overview,Pontoon Float and complete Float.

The most economic choice is poly-tub floatation. We supply the best poly-floats in the marine business to integrate into our floating docks. Poly-floats are made from a plastic casing (polyethylene to be precise) with polystyrene foam core (poly-‘sty’-rene as in’sty’-rafoam). Because plastic cracks and polystyrene can be easily compromised,these floats typically need to be replaced many times during a GatorDock’s long service life.

The next two float options offer you a quality boost in both the shell and the core of the float. The Pontoon Float and the complete Float,designed and constructed in Gator,feature an all-aluminum shell which offers a rugged armor for harsh marine environments. The core is expertly-injected polyurethane foam,much more dense and durable than polystyrene and can stand up to compounds frequently found in marine environments including boat fuel. The Pontoon Float system combines several Pontoon capped-culverts along the base of the dock,whereas the complete Float is one large foundation for a dock section. Because the complete Float cohesively covers the majority of a dock deck,it provides evenmore stability than our durable Pontoon Float. The aluminum casing and dependable core of these two float types are an increase to the bottom line,but also provide a longer,more stable,service life and much lower maintenance requirements.

Dock 101: Fenders shield the dock and bumpers protect the ships. We’ve got several choices to choose from to protect your dock and boats. Select pine,Ipe hardwood or composite wood for your fenders,or combine the intention of a dock and fender into one by picking a UHMW fender. This durable fender is an increase in price but a great addition to high traffic boat ramps that require additional protection. The larger’D’ bumper covers more area and extends further for extra impact protection. This bumper attaches in two areas,the top and side,of the fender.

Utilities & Lighting for Your Dock

The E-channel frame and deck structure found on both GatorDock piers and floating docks can accommodate up utilities to 2″ in diameter. Our design engineers can create custom utility bays for customers with larger needs in that area. All we need to accommodate that request is a utility map and job specifications. These integrated utility paths allow for electricity,water and other needs to enhance the design of your marina or dock system.

Dock Railing

A number of our marine access systems (that is a fancy term for docks and piers) do not incorporate railing. Although,one of our favorite designs does: The Gator Fishing Pier. There is nothing better than being on the water and fishing on a gorgeous day. The Gator Fishing Rail is loved by fishermen of all sizes and ability. The lure shelf is a convenient place to place a tackle box or a beer,while the angled top rail is a comfortable place to lean against or rest a fishing pole. Check out a timeless GatorDock fishing pier at the St. Marks case study.

Dock Construction Prices

Construction often include labor in the project quote. According to a homeowner reports,labour accounts for roughly half of the total price. So the normal job of $10,000 includes $5,000 in labour or $50 per linear foot. The average dock runs between $15 to $35 per square foot. However,with high-end substances like exotic hardwoods or concrete,you can easily double that price. Expect to pay anywhere from 20% to 50% more on a aluminum frame with composite decking than you would on a wooden one. It is also possible to blend aluminum framing with wood,aluminum planks or grates,or plastic for various budgets.