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 Decking
Aluminum can be powder coated with several different patterns and colors.
What are the other advantages of aluminum?
Here’s a list of aluminum advantages:
Aluminum remains cool in sunlight;
Lightweight decking;
It comes in several different colors and patterns;
Virtually maintenance free and durable; Plus
It will not rust, twist or warp over the life of the dock.
Compare Aluminum to Other Decking Materials
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?
White Painted 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.
Tan Painted Aluminum
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 Woodgrain Decking
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
Summary
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.
Reminder
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.
Welding (verb): to join pieces of metal together by heating the edges until they begin to melt and then pressing them together (merriam-webster.com).
Such a simple definition, yet a concept that is utterly important to your waterfront equipment. Take two pieces of aluminum and bring them together to create a masterpiece of strength and durability. Quality welding lets you enjoy the waterfront to the fullest. At ShoreMaster, welding isn’t just a process with heat and meta -l it’s an art form. It requires diligent practice. ShoreMaster welders – all 19 of them – take great care to ensure that the docks and boat lifts that leave their facility are built to last. The product is built to enjoy and built beautifully. The welders have a passion for the waterfront and a pride in their craft that is unmatched.
Who does the dock welding at ShoreMaster?
ShoreMaster welding
Danny Kugler, the welding supervisor, has been with ShoreMaster since 1986 and a welder since1987. “I got into welding because it was an opportunity to get to work with my hands but also to get to create something that I knew people would love to use. I got to be a part of this unique process of creation and manufacturing.”
Kugler has seen many changes and advancements in welding technology and systems; like the introduction of the ShoreMaster robotic welder in 2001. Danny actually programed the current robot used on the ShoreMaster production floor. “It was a big change for us. It was exciting, but a big change. I didn’t really know what to expect but I knew that it had the potential to be something really great for us.”
The robotic welder (shown below) – welds a variety of parts including Infinity RS 4 frames, foot pads, leg posts and more. It automates the welding process and allows for consistent, efficient, repetitive welding. Consistency is very important. Kugler says, “It’s great for a lot of our team. It brings a lot of efficiency to some of the smaller parts and frames so that our guys can focus on the larger frames and materials.
On a truss frame there is no replacement for two sets of hands and a welders special touch. For a lot of our stuff a robotic welder does just great.”
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
Infinity Dock Series- Don’t be afraid of Change – It’s Fun!
Everyone likes a little change in their life. When driving from point A to point B, don’t be afraid to change your route. Take a different road to see some different scenery. Stop by a landmark on the side of the road to learn something new. Stop at a roadside stand and get fresh vegetables OR change your dock layout with the Infinity Dock Series from ShoreMaster. It’s fun!!
A straight dock is simple and functional – but it can be boring also. Use your imagination.Why should your dock be any different? When you have the RS 4 Infinity Series you don’t need to be afraid of change. It is named “Infinity Series” because of the infinite number of configurations you can have and the flexibility it provides. Your only limitation is what you can dream up. It’s all possible with the Infinity Series from ShoreMaster. Use your imagination.
When you own a lake home, friends and family LOVE to come to visit. If given the opportunity, people will congregate on the dock because it is a focal point of your place.
NEW JET SKI?
Purchased a new Jet Ski or boat? Maybe its time to change your dock configuration to accommodate the new equipment. With the RS 4 Infinity series from ShoreMaster you can purchase some 45° and 90° angled dock sections and completely redesign the layout.
LOW WATER?
Water low this year? Change the configuration again and move the extra sections to the end of the dock to get the extra length you need.
WHAT MAKES THE INFINITY DOCK SERIES SO UNIQUE?
The 45° and 90° angles really make the dock look sharp with their rounded corners. These are not pricey “custom made” sections that cost a fortune to own – they are standard pieces – and they’re waiting for you to configure them the way you want.
The platform at the end acts as a great relaxation area. The dock furniture makes you feel like you’re sitting out on water. You can have vertical dock bumpers at the end for when friends want to come over to visit.
FLEXIBILITY
The RS 4 dock will provide you with the flexibility to add-on as needed. You are not limited to one configuration. By redesigning the layout, you truly can come up with many different designs to suit your needs and varying lake conditions each summer. Start simple, and then over the course of several seasons you can add-on piece by piece. The RS 4 dock gives you the flexibility to do that.
If you get the itch, it’s fun knowing that you are only limited by your own creativity. CREATE AWAY!!
Note – All of the RS 4 docks shown here are year-to-year changes of the SAME dock.
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
If you live on – or spend time on – the lake, you’ve likely seen hundreds of dock/pier systems. Does it ever seem like they all look the same – Lots of straight lines and right angles. That’s great and functional, but have you ever wanted something that was more unique? Ever wanted to just throw the status quo out the window? It’s time to install a curved dock, and say “Yeah, but look at this?”
Ever wanted something that allows you better “curve” appeal? Well then, embrace the curves my friend! Your dock system should be a reflection of you – and you aren’t just like everyone else. You shouldn’t be confined to straight lines and right angles. After all, your shoreline doesn’t concede to such limitations, why should your dock?
What’s the solutions?
The ShoreMaster exclusive 45 and 90 degree curved dock sections will make your dock the envy of the lake. Plus, you’ll enjoy unparalleled versatility, functionality, and elegance your waterfront experience needs and deserves with the ShoreMaster Infinity and QuickConnect systems.
YOUR DOCK. YOUR DESIGN. NO COMPROMISES.
Combine it with the ShoreMaster “Flow Through” decking and you truly will be the envy of the neighbors.
“Flow Through” Decking
Call Jerry at PWS today (920) 493-4404
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
A Welded Boat Lift – 5 Reasons Why it’s Superior to Bolted Lifts
Quality starts with state of the art welding
Welded Boat Lift frames are better than a bolt-together lift frame and there are at least 5 reasons for that. Most of them center around the reduced maintenance superior strength and durability of welded docks and lifts.
Less Maintenance
You’re going to spend good money when you buy a boat lift. Why would you want to spend a weekend checking and tightening all of the nuts and bolts on your boat lift just to make sure everything was tight? We’re pretty sure you don’t. In that case, we strongly suggest that you purchase a high-quality welded boat lift or dock from ShoreMaster. ShoreMaster welded boat lifts and docks keep you from spending your summer tightening up nuts and bolts after a storm or windy day. Welded boat lifts and docks save you time because they require less maintenance.
Welded Boat Lift Frames Stay True and Square
A bolt together boat lift will eventually become loose due to normal use and prolonged periods of heavy waves crashing into the frame. Corrosion of the hardware accelerates this process. If you neglect to tighten a loose bolt on your boat lift, other parts of the boat lift such as the cables, pulleys, winch, or other components can wear prematurely. This will cause failure of not just one part but several parts at the same time. This can be costly to repair. It also can make it extremely difficult for you to discover the original source of the failure.
A Welded Boat Lift Canopy Frame Can Save You Hours During Assembly
When it comes to assembling a dock, boat lift, or boat lift canopy, you’ll be glad that you choose a welded product over a bolt together product. Welded products typically take far less time to assemble than a bolt together product. Consider for a moment the assembly of ShoreMaster’s canopy frame can be completed by just one person in as little as 30 minutes because the canopy frame includes just four welded components; two canopy ends and two canopy sides. Other manufacturers may have dozens of components that need to be bolted together.
Bolt Together Boat Lifts Make It Easier To Replace Damaged Parts, But You May Be Less Likely to Need To Replace Parts With A Welded Dock or Lift
That’s right! It is easier to replace parts on a bolt-together dock or lift. This looks like a benefit until you realize it is also more likely that most dock and boat lift parts can become bent and damaged simply by forgetting to tighten a loose bolt on your bolt-together dock or lift. The ShoreMaster welded docks and lifts do not require replacement of frame parts caused by unusual wear due to loose, missing, or corroded welds. The same can’t be said of bolt-together docks and lifts.
A Welded Boat Lift Offers Higher Resale Value
Because welds are permanent and require no maintenance, you will find that your welded-together dock and lift is more valuable at resale time. Welds will not rust or corrode like hardware. Potential buyers will be wary of the impending costs to replace worn out or corroded hardware.
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
Purchased a new Jet Ski or boat? Maybe its time to change your dock configuration to accommodate the new equipment. With the RS 4 Infinity series from ShoreMaster you can purchase some 45° and 90° angled dock sections and completely redesign the layout.
