How to Choose and Install a River Dock

Living close to a river gives you an unmatched view of the beautifully flowing water and many other benefits. Docks are among the many installations, including ponds and dams, which perfectly suit such waterfront properties. However, installing a river dock is quite challenging. Unlike lakes and large dams, river water levels aren’t constant or stable.

Many variables, such as huge rainstorms and dry spells, also change the river depth. Fortunately, you can still implement several river dock ideas on your property. Below is a guide on how to build a river dock.

How to Build a Dock on a River

Use the following guide to build a river dock;

1.  Choose a Dock Design

The first step is deciding between a floating and permanent or fixed dock. Unlike lakes and other water bodies, the answer to the perfect type of dock to build in a river is clear. Floating docks are a perfect fit for rivers. This is because, as mentioned, water levels in rivers are in a constant state of flux. Floating docks can accumulate such situations perfectly.

Floating docks also survive in situations where the water surface is uneven, mucky, or rocky, which is often the case in rivers. You should also prefer a floating dock because it is easy to build and remove. Unlike permanent docks, you can set up floating docks without much hassle.

However, the pros of floating docks on rivers shouldn’t rule out the possibility of constructing a permanent dock. Regardless of your preferred choice, remember to consider the draft of your vessels when building a dock on a river.

2.  Familiarize with Local Building Restrictions and Relevant Permits

Like any other construction, you should learn about various river dock construction restrictions. Before purchasing dock construction materials or paying for permits, begin by consulting local authorities for guidelines surrounding dock construction on rivers. While there are many guidelines, most revolve around ensuring that your activities don’t affect the natural river flow.

The next step is familiarizing myself with various permit issues. The Army Corps of Engineers control and oversee navigable waters within the U.S. Therefore, they are mandated to issue permits and ensure that all constructions comply with the regulations in place. Apart from the federal permits issued by the Corps, consult if your state and local jurisdictions have additional permits.

3.  Constructing the Dock

Once all the relevant authorities have cleared you, you can proceed with your construction plans. Constructing floating docks isn’t much of a hassle. However, you should have pilings, piling caps, and other hardware to construct a fixed river dock. Most pilings are treated to reduce rot and promote longevity. Ensure that you use marine-grade hardware to prevent rusting and corrosion in all your fixes.

River dock pilings can be installed in two ways;

• Jetting – involves using a water pump with high pressure to drill a hole in the river bed. The piling settles into the hole with the displaced soil around it.
•  Hammering – involves the use of a hydraulic hammer to drive the pile into the river bed.

You need heavy equipment to drive the pilings into the river bottom for both methods to succeed. You should also have a work barge or a platform to operate from. If you don’t have this equipment, you can hire an experienced construction company.

With the pilings in place, your focus should shift to how to secure a river dock. You need wood supports to tie the pilings for fixed river decks. Fasten the wooden planks on each piling to form a walkway.

As for floating docks, you should choose the dock size according to water depth. However, regardless of the size, floating docks are stable. Pairing them with a coupler system creates a very sturdy platform. The only slight construction required for floating docks is anchoring them to the river bank.

Nonetheless, you can use the following to anchor your river dock;

• Stiff-arm brackets – you can minimize movement by connecting your river dock to rigid poles on the bank using these brackets.
• Standard pipe brackets – as with permanent docks, pilings keep the dock in place.
• Deadweight inserts and brackets – this involves weighing the dock down to minimize movements.

Conclusion

River docks widen your options for recreational opportunities provided by the river. They make it easy to go fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoy the river’s smooth flow. If you have a riverfront property, install a dock for additional convenience and accessibility.