Updated at: 24-09-2021 - By: Lucas

A dock is a piece of land that has been built to hold boats or ships. Docks come in many shapes and sizes. In general, docks are used for commercial purposes. But, they are also used for pleasure purposes such as docking at marinas or just docking your boat at your house to go for a short trip.

There are many different types of docks and each of them has its own uses. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the common types of docks and what they are used for.

Types of Removable Docks

Floating Docks

Floating Docks

A floating dock is a dock that is not attached to the floor or ground. This allows it to be moved as needed. It is ideal for use in or near large bodies of water. Floating docks are ideal for use where the water is deep enough to allow a normal pier to be built. Floating docks can be made of wood, concrete, steel or other materials.

Floating docks are ideal for residential or light commercial use. They are perfect for homeowners who want to dock their boat or small recreational craft. These docks are also great for marinas and resorts that want to offer guests a place to tie up their boats.

Piling Docks

A piling dock is a dock that has been driven into the ocean floor at low tide and then left there to become an artificial island. It is used for a variety of purposes, one of which is as a place to store boats. When a boat is stored on a piling dock, it is usually covered with a tarp or some other waterproof material. This prevents the water from getting into the boat.

A piling dock doesn’t have to be very big to accommodate one or two boats. A smallish boat can be safely and securely stored on a smallish piling dock. If you have a larger boat, you can have it stored on a much larger piling dock. 

The dock itself is made of wood or concrete and is usually about as tall as a building is tall. It is usually square or rectangular in shape and is often painted the same color as the ocean floor. It is usually located near the shoreline and sometimes in a natural harbor or inlet. It is usually located at or near low tide.

Pipe Docks

Pipe Docks

A pipe dock is a great way to display your boat and other watercraft. It consists of a metal frame that attaches to the wall with four stainless steel pipes. The frame has two vertical supports that run from the floor to about three feet above the floor. Then, there are two horizontal crossbars that connect the two vertical supports. These crossbars are located about two feet above the floor.

You then attach your boat to the frame by bolting it to the vertical supports. Next, you attach a line to the crossbars so the boat will be suspended horizontally in mid-air. When you’re finished, all you have to do is unhook the line and remove the boat from the frame.

Stationary Docks

A stationary dock is a floating dock that has been anchored in place. It doesn’t move with the current like a floating dock does. A stationary dock will remain in the same location, even if the water level changes. This means it can be used in areas that were previously inaccessible because of the high water.

You can use a stationary dock to create an easy access point for your boat or other watercraft. You can also use a stationary dock for a small business. If you run a car detailing or paint business out of your home, then a stationary dock makes it much more convenient for your customers.

Lift-up Docks

Lift-up Docks

Lift-up docks are great for boats up to 40 feet long. You simply raise the dock up until it is level with the water, then you back the boat up to it. When you’re done using the dock, you lower it back down into the water. This type of dock makes launching and retrieving your boat a cinch. You simply back the boat up to the dock, get out, and then push or pull the dock up and away from the boat.

This type of dock is very popular because it requires almost no maintenance. All you have to do is scrape off the barnacles that naturally grow on the bottom of the dock when it is in the water. Barnacles are just like little rocks that naturally attach themselves to the bottom of a dock. They don’t affect the operation of the dock in any way, but they are unsightly and can be scraped off.

Types of Permanent Docks

Crib Docks

Crib Docks

Crib docks are perfect for boats up to 30 feet long. It keeps your boat stable and level when you are not aboard. The cribs are designed to keep your boat from rolling over or capsizing. They work great for flats boats and kayaks too. 

Cribs are important for safety, especially for children. If you have a boat with a trailer, then you don’t even have to be aboard the boat to use the dock. Just unhook the trailer and let the boat sit on the trailer while you are getting things ready for your trip.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes and can be made of wood, metal, plastic or composite materials. They can be freestanding, integrated into the boat or dock, or attached to the boat with clamps or other devices. There are even some that are portable. You can move them from place to place as needed. Cribs are also known as cradle docks, cradle rails, boat racks, cradle boards and many other names.

Suspension Dock

Suspension Dock

A suspension dock is an accessory that raises your boat’s transom (the part that sticks out above the waterline) so you can load and unload it with ease. This allows you to get in and out of the water without having to climb aboard. You can use a ladder or a ramp to get into the boat. The boat will be held securely in place by the suspension system of the dock.

You can buy a suspension dock for your existing boat or you can get one to use with your new boat. New boats often come with them already installed. If your boat doesn’t have one, you can still get one and install it yourself. It’s easy to install and takes just a few minutes. A suspension dock makes getting in and out of the water much more convenient and it also provides a dry, secure place to stand while you are loading or unloading your boat.

Wheel-in Docks

A wheel-in dock is a device that enables you to load or unload a boat or other watercraft onto or off of a trailer or a vehicle. You use this device when you are loading or unloading a boat or other watercraft onto or off of your vehicle or trailer.

You connect the boat to the device with the help of a winch. The device has rollers that grip the bottom of the boat and lift it up. Once the boat is lifted up, the device lowers the boat until it is level with the ground. Then, you connect the trailer or vehicle to the device and start rolling. As soon as the device has come to a complete stop, you disconnect the trailer or vehicle and then raise the boat back up into its original position.

Dock Materials

Wood Docks

A wood dock is simply a long board that you place in the water to give your boat a place to dock. You can use a wooden dock for many different types of boats. Some people use them for canoes and kayaks. Others use them for larger boats like a power boat or a sailboat. Still others use them for fishing boats. No matter what type of boat you have, a wooden dock will make it much easier for you to moor your boat.

Wood docks come in all sizes. The one being shown here is 12 feet long and 2 inches thick. It has a 1/2-inch thick cedar plank on the bottom and two 3/4-inch thick cedar planks on the sides. It’s very stable and won’t tip over. You can use this particular type of dock with almost any type of boat.

Aluminum Docks

Aluminum Docks

An aluminum dock is an inexpensive way to give your boat the extra stability it needs. Most docks sold at big box stores are made of plastic and are very inexpensive. However, they simply don’t have the strength to withstand the abuse that a boat will put them through. If you have a larger boat or one that is especially heavy, then you should consider getting an aluminum dock.

You can get aluminum docks in a variety of sizes and shapes. The one you choose should be based on the size of your boat and how much space you have available where you want to mount it. If you have a boat with a small interior, then a simple pedestal-style dock may be all you need. However, if you have a larger boat or one with a lot of storage compartments, then you may need something more substantial.

Plastic Docks

A plastic dock is a great way to add some color and interest to your pool area, without having to put in a real wooden dock. Just screw a couple of these docks to the edge of your pool deck, and you’ll have a colorful, attractive accent that will really liven up your pool area.

You can also use these plastic docks to decorate your boat or other watercraft. A simple way to use them is to screw one end into the deck of your boat and then screw the other end into the ground. This will give you a place to store your life vests and other items that you may need when you are on the water.

Steel Docks

Steel Docks

Steel docks are a sturdy solution for those of us who live on the waterfront or near a body of water. Steel docks are designed to hold a boat securely in place while you work on it or store it.  You can use a steel dock just for your boat or you can use it for other things like a workshop or storage area.

A steel dock comes in many different sizes and shapes. You can get one that is a single post with a horizontal beam or you can get one with multiple posts. The type you choose will depend on how much weight you want to put on the posts. If you have a heavy boat, then you should definitely get a dock with multiple posts. This will give you more stability.

PVC Decking Docks

PVC decking docks are an excellent way to add some flair to your dock or boat. PVC decking docks are extremely durable and will last a lifetime if cared for properly. These docks are available in several different styles and sizes. 

Most people choose a standard style or a custom design. The standard style is a rectangle with rounded corners. The custom style has many different shapes and designs. Some of the more common custom designs are circles, octagons, triangles, hexagons, hearts, stars, squares, and so on.

PVC decking docks can be easily installed yourself or you can have it done professionally. If you do it yourself, you can save a lot of money. If you have it done professionally, you can be sure the job will be done right the first time. Decking docks are sold in 4’x8′, 4’x10′ and 8’x8′ lengths. You can buy them by the roll or by the piece.

Concrete Docks

Concrete Docks

Concrete docks are perfect for use with boats up to about 20 feet in length. The concrete is poured into forms that create a mold of the boat. When the concrete has cured, the mold is broken and the concrete dock is finished. This process creates a totally flat, smooth surface that is safe and non-slip for the boat.

A concrete dock will last a lifetime if it is properly constructed and maintained. It should be painted every couple of years to keep it looking new. A good care routine includes cleaning with a wire brush, soap and water, and waxing with a boat hull lubricant. 

If you are going to have a lot of boats using your dock, you may want to consider having several concrete docks constructed instead of just one. This way, you will always have a ready-to-use, flat, safe dock available.

FAQS

Which type of Docks is the Best?

There is no best type of dock for your home. The best dock is the one that meets your requirements and suits your needs. This is why it is essential that you first take the time to identify your needs and your requirements.

You see, there are many types of docks which have different features and different uses. For example, you can get a floating dock which floats on water, a concrete dock which is fixed to the ground, a steel dock which is fixed to the ground and painted or an aluminum dock which is light weight and easy to move.

How to choose the best dock for your property?

If you are choosing a dock for your property, here are some tips to help you make the right decision.

Size Choose a dock that encloses your space perfectly. If you have a small area, go with a compact model. If you have a larger area, go with a larger dock. You should be able to sit or stand on the platform of the dock and easily reach the water. Look at the overall size of the dock, not just the floating portion.

Docks come in many shapes and sizes. Some docks are designed to look nice and some are designed to be functional. Choose a dock that is designed to be functional. Consider how much space you need to keep clear around the dock. If possible, locate the dock so it does not border any other structures such as buildings, fences or trees.

How expensive is it to build a dock?

The cost of a dock is a function of many variables, including the size, location, and features. A dock built on a lake will be more expensive than a dock built over a pool, due to the size of the construction materials.

Conclusion

Docks are the places where you can store and keep your boats. There are many types of docks. A pontoon dock is one of them. It is really easy to build a pontoon dock. In this article, we will share with you the steps that you should follow in order to build a pontoon dock that will be strong and last a long time.

This type of dock is really handy. You can use it to keep small boats or even personal watercraft. You can also use it for fishing or for relaxing. Once you build this type of dock, you will be able to enjoy it for a long time.