Which is the Best Wood for Building Boat Docks?

While there are many options for dock materials, wood is arguably the best if you want a durable boat dock that doesn’t compromise on general appearance and aesthetics. Most lakefront property owners actually prefer wood for many reasons. However, what stands out and makes wood a popular option is its beautiful and natural finish. If treated and sealed properly, wood can take any punishment from the lake or other water bodies.

Being the best material for a dock, most people have difficulties choosing the right type of wood for constructing their boat docks. If you are in this fold, below are some suggestions for the best wood for building a dock.

1.  Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is an affordable and widely used wood for boat docks. Most people prefer its initial low installation costs. With proper maintenance, pressure-treated pine should last for more than 20 years. However, this wood type requires annual maintenance to maintain its quality. For instance, it should be sealed annually with a water sealer to prevent water saturation.

Remember that pine is a softwood tree. Therefore, without proper maintenance, pressure-treated pine decays and rots after a few years. Softwood trees are also prone to insect attacks, mold, fungi, and algae growth. Unfortunately, the cost of regular maintenance may accumulate over time, making it ultimately expensive.

2.  Cedar Wood

Despite being a softwood as well, cedar is a better option and upgrade from pressure-treated pine. Unlike pine, cedar is naturally resistant to rot. However, you should still apply a water sealer annually to slow down rotting. Cedar also has a longer life span, as it lasts more than 25 years. It can also be stained and doesn’t become hot, even when exposed to strong rays.

Unfortunately, cedar has its fair share of drawbacks. Besides requiring annual maintenance with waterproofing sealer, it contains knots and splints over time.

3.  Exotic Hardwood Dock Materials

Unlike pine and cedar, some South American hardwood trees can last more than 75 years without much maintenance. Widely used exotic wood boat decking options include ipe, tigerwood, garapa, massaranduba, and cumaru. Besides the long lifespan, they naturally resist rot, wood-boring insects, mold, and mildew. Unfortunately, they can only be sustainably harvested.

They are stronger than softwoods and thus won’t deteriorate soon. They are also safe to walk barefoot, as they don’t absorb heat like cedar and plastic decking materials. Like cedar, exotic hardwood can be modified and refinished. The only drawback with these materials is the high cost of the initial investment. They also require regular oiling to maintain the color.

4.  Composite Dock Materials

Though not true, composite deck materials have a reputation for being maintenance-free. This is probably because most composite decking manufacturers advertised these materials as maintenance-free. However, take note that there are no maintenance-free decking materials. Apart from this uncertain reputation, composite dock materials are a popular option for several reasons.

For starters, it is a dense and durable material. Composite is also a “green” material, thus suits those who prefer using eco-friendly decking materials. Most brands use a mixture of recycled plastics and wood to manufacture composite boards. Additionally, being a manufactured material, you can choose from various color options and smooth/grain finishes according to your liking.

However, like other wood decking materials, composite decking for boat docks has some problems. For instance, it is a dense/heavy material, making it difficult to install, especially if you want a floating boat deck. Another major drawback is that they can get hot, especially during hot seasons, making them uncomfortable for walking barefoot during summer.

Some composite decks are coated with plastic that protects the water-vulnerable wooden core. While it does a great job protecting wood, plastic is slippery, making it less ideal for building decks that regularly touch water, such as boat decks.

Conclusion

With proper maintenance and care, wood docks can last for several years. However, apart from choosing the best wood, you should work with professional dock installers, especially if you don’t have the right tools and knowledge to build your deck. Tonka Built are professional deck installers who can handle your boat dock installation with expertise. Schedule an appointment today for immediate services.