Things You'll Need:
- Styrofoam, 2x6 lumber, finishing deck screws, drill, chop saw, building permit.
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Step 1
The first thing to building a floating dock is to check with your local building department to see if you are allowed to build a floating dock in the area that you are planning on. Once you have determined that you can build your floating dock then you will want to pick up your materials at your local hardware store.
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Step 2
To start construction at your work site, begin by installing vertical poles or concrete footers with chain connections, on the ground beneath the water. The poles or chains will allow for the vertical and horizontal constraints which will keep the floating dock in its intended area. A series of plastic foam pads or barrels needs to be secured to the poles or chains. These will act as the main floation device for the dock, allowing it to raise and lower itself with the tide. Now that you have the floating base in which you can begin floating your dock on you will need to secure your 2x6 floor truss system to the barrels by means of the simpson ties. Once the floor truss system has been installed you will probably want to get a building inspection done since you now have the equivelant of an earth based homes foundation.
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Step 3
If you are planning on adding a roof to your new floating deck then you will want to start constructing the vertical stabilizers at this stage. Since the floor truss is ready for the decking to be applied, determine how much decking you will need by calculating the plank size to be used. In some situtations an all season weather sealer may want to be applied before installing the decking to prevent spills in the water. Fastening the the deck planks with weather resistant deck screws is usually the best choice. Now that your new floating dock is just about complete, add some plastic or rubber sides to your dock if you are planning on docking your boat.
