Dear Dave,
I want to take the time to thank you for the fine job your crew did in taking out installing my pier.
They were very polite, considerate, and exceeded my expectations.
Please extend my thanks. You have a GREAT TEAM in them.
They will make you very successful.
John K. Door County
The dock configuration is the next thing to consider when figuring your total dock cost. Your decision should be made after reading part one of this series (What does a Dock cost?). After reading that, you probably have an idea of the frame style you would like to use.
Next, you should read part 2 – What type of decking is available? Select the decking that caught your eye. Part three discusses the dock configurations you may want to use. We also include some of the accessories you’ll want to consider.
So you’ve measured water depths, surveyed the neighbor’s dock, and determined how far out you need to go. Maybe not! Don’t want to walk in the cold springtime water? Remember, we confirm the water depth for you as part of our site surveys.
At this point, you may be looking at a straight dock – (boring)!
What you add from here on transforms your dock from a strictly functional piece of equipment to a relaxing area, and so much more. The configuration you choose in the end should reflect the way you want to use the dock.
Everyone has different ways to use their dock. Some people want to be able to fish off the end of the pier. Maybe even have a bench or seating available. Others want access to their boat. Still, others will use their dock as a primary entertaining and relaxing area. These are all great reasons.
ShoreMaster docks are versatile so you can change your dock layout from season-to-season. Remember, the Infinity dock system allows you to do this easily. See also-https://wisconsinpws.com/infinity-track-system/
We have included configurations as well as actual photos of our docks in the photo array below. Get started on the layout that fits your needs. Then give Pier & Waterfront Solutions a call.
Common Dock Configurations
More Configurations
RS4 dock with Dock Steps
ShoreMaster Dock Configuration
Dock Configurations 2
Dock Configuration 3
Dock Configuration 4
ShoreMaster has a simple dock-builder available online. Its very simple to use. (drag and drop) It handles MOST configurations. Are you having difficulty? We can do it for you. In most cases, we give you a rendition (sometimes hand-drawn), so you can be sure the layout is what you envisioned.
Docks are an excellent place for kids to learn from Grandpa. They can relax on the dock and exchange fishing stories and learn a little bit about life.
Try to extend the dock far enough into the water, so you’re next to a weed bed. A dock helps lure fish. Fish like to congregate and seek out cover and protection.
Sports – How about Kayak or paddleboard racks? Why keep carrying your equipment up to the house? Keep it handy and ready for use.
Entertaining – If you regularly party on your dock, you’ll want a dock that is wide enough to accommodate your guests. It must offer plenty of space for moving around. For extra space around a serving table or a bench, consider an additional 4-foot wide dock section. We can add it on to the standard 4-foot wide sections. Consider an inside corner section. It’s great for adding space – and peace of mind. A 90-degree corner can seem precarious.
For more pizazz, ShoreMaster offers a curved design on their truss and rail dock systems. Consider adding a curve to your dock. Go around obstacles like trees and rocks and make a unique dock at the same time. It definitely won’t look like your neighbors.
A rounded dock near the end, at the shoreline or even at the midpoint adds a unique design that only you have. The style is distinctly yours.
Ninety- five percent of the time the dock layout will include a “patio” area. The patio area requires a section of dock placed parallel or perpendicular to the main dock. Adding one patio dock essentially creates an 8 ft x 8 ft activity area over the water.
What if you add another patio area to the side to make a 12 ft wide x 8 ft long area? This additional “patio” section could be placed alongside the first section OR on the opposite side of the dock. The layout also helps protect your dock in a storm by making it broader and more stable. However, the REAL advantage of these layouts is that you have more working or entertaining area available.
Put a bench or patio set on the patio area to stay dry. Use it to get away from people entering or exiting the water – if they let you.
By the way, who said the patio section of a dock has to be at the far end of the pier? Would it be more functional at the midpoint or even at the shore end?
To summarize this series – What does a dock cost? It depends!
Missed a part of this series?
Part 1 – What does a Dock cost?
2 – What type of decking is available?
3 – Which dock configuration should I choose?
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Dock decking is a critical choice. With all the decking choices – it’s the most important choice you make.
Frames for docks were covered in Part 1 of this series. Part 2 will cover the many choices of decking you have.
Wood decking was the first and only choice for decking. It required yearly cleaning. As simple as cleaning a deck may sound, it takes time each year.
Cedar Wood Decking from ShoreMaster
The costs and inconvenience mount up.
In addition, a wood deck gets uncomfortably hot on sunny days. It also traps the dirt on its flat surface. This dirt needs to be washed off to prevent mold from forming. People started to look for other choices.
Then, along came a better choice!
Aluminum decking cuts down on maintenance. It solves the problem of painting or staining and sealing the wood. It only requires minimal washing to keep its appearance. No pressure washing or cleaners needed.
Aluminum Decking by ShoreMaster- Natural Woodgrain
Aluminum Decking by ShoreMaster – White
Tan Aluminum Decking by ShoreMaster
Plus, it does not get hot in the prolonged heat of the summer. The heat rapidly dissipates, so it stays cool to the touch.
There are many colors, and they look great.
Despite the advantages, aluminum does make noise when walked on. This issue is corrected by applying a cushion tape to the top of the frame.
Additionally, like wood, it comes in a “board” form. Why is that important?
Initially, plastic decking came in a board form. The board was bolted to the frame so it would not wash away. This worked great except the plastic shrinks and swells in the weather. It also gets dirty from rain and sand.
Typical Plastic boards
Most importantly, when the waves reached the decking, the 1/2″ opening between the boards was too small to relieve the pressure. This caused some docks (even heavy steel docks) to flip over.
People also mixed it with wood fibers which swelled over time. Still not a solution. Yet, plastic was a great idea, just not in a board form.
So what is the answer?
But not just any plastic. Flow-Through decking from ShoreMaster turned out to be the solution.
Glacier Flow Through Plastic Decking
There are many reasons that plastic Flow-Through decking is the best choice including:
• It’s lightweight;
• Available in many colors and patterns;
• Eliminates the need to clean the decking;
• Can be mounted to the frame with a breakaway clip (recommended) or screwed down);
• It’s cool in the summer heat; and
• Most importantly, it has a 42% open surface which means 42% less pressure.
The open surface allows the water to pass through the decking. These openings relieve the pressure on the dock when a wave hits it. Solid boards do not do this.
In addition to eliminating the pressure of the water, it “self-drains” due to its curved surface. The decking does not allow moisture buildup on the panels. You have now removed one of (3) ingredients for mold and mildew to form. See related article: https://wisconsinpws.com/cleaning-wood-decking/
In conclusion, if you want the BEST decking for your money – look for Flow-Through decking from ShoreMaster at PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS.
For more information about additional types of decking follow this link: https://wisconsinpws.com/best-dock-decking/
At Pier and Waterfront Solutions, of course.
Part 1 – What does a Dock cost?
2 – What type of decking is available?
3 – Which dock configuration should I choose?
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Aluminum decking may be the best choice for dock decking. It requires no maintenance. Aluminum does not rot, decay, warp, or twist. It only needs cleaning as you see fit.
This article is the 2nd of a 3 part series discussing the decking available from ShoreMaster.
Part 1 covered the various types of Wood Decking available. Section 3 includes the latest plastic and composite deckings available.
Aluminum can be powder coated with several different patterns and colors.
What are the other advantages of aluminum?
Aluminum remains lighter weight than wood, composite, or plastic decking. This weight makes it easier to remove the decking for seasonal storage.
Among all the choices for decking, aluminum remains one of the best. It will not rot or decay. With powder coating, aluminum provides the best finish durability vs. other decking choices.
What are some of the colors available in aluminum?
Anodized aluminum decking – a worry free, maintenance free way to deck your dock.
Anodized decking is used on dock systems for access to the water for work as opposed to recreation.
All ShoreMaster aluminum panels have treads to provide you with a safe, slip-resistant surface. Aluminum remains comfortable even in the heat.
What colors and patterns are available for aluminum?
Aluminum Decking by ShoreMaster – White
ShoreMaster’s white painted aluminum decking has been the standard for many years. It adds years of worry free, maintenance free enjoyment to your lake experience.
You’ll never have to worry about applying stain or finish to keep it looking great. Occasional rinsing off is the only thing needed to keep it looking new.
Powder coated in brilliant white, you’ll get a clean, modern looking surface. Plus, it stays cool to the touch even on warm summer days. Heat dissipates faster from aluminum decking than from wood.
Aluminum deck panels have treads to provide you a safe, slip-resistant surface.
Aluminum Decking by ShoreMaster – Tan
ShoreMaster’s tan painted aluminum decking has replaced white as the most popular aluminum color.
Aluminum decking provides a maintenance-free deck which makes lake living carefree. Powder coated in natural tan, it gives you an attractive surface to compliment your waterfront property.
Tan aluminum decking stays cool to the touch. You can enjoy every summer day on your dock – without burning your feet.
Next – NEW – Woodgrain Painted Aluminum
Natural wood traditionalists now have something to cheer.
You no longer have to give up the benefits of aluminum to enjoy the natural look of wood. Consider upgrading your wood decking choice to ShoreMaster’s NEW Wood Grain Aluminum Decking.
Gray Oak Woodgrain Aluminum Decking by ShoreMaster
For traditionalists, the wood look is a must. ShoreMaster has aluminum panels in several wood patterns and colors. Get the best of both worlds with the NEW wood-grained aluminum panels.
Aluminum can be powder coated in a natural, realistic wood grain pattern. You get all the benefits of aluminum with the look of natural wood. Plus, you’ll have none of the work of wood.
Aluminum Decking by ShoreMaster- Natural Woodgrain
ShoreMaster leads the industry with a choice of eight different decking options. It’s a great way to update your existing dock too.
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions to see all the ShoreMaster decking options for yourself.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, both residential and commercial. We service the rest.
Located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. PWS is 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road. Our staff is ready to help you anytime.
Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you? Feel free to give us a call.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or email him at Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
