How to Build Your Own Stationary Dock

Create your very own dock.

A stationary dock is an excellent addition to any waterfront property. The dock can be used along with a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing or relaxing during the afternoon. The dock can also act as place to anchor your boat. While creating a dock is often a complex job, you can build your own using a few tools, practicing safety precautions and allowing time for the project completion.

Things You'll Need

• PVC pipe
• 6-by-6-inch wooden beams
• Concrete mix
• Shovel
• 2-by-8-inch framing lumber
• 2-by-6-inch joist hangers
• Wood decking
• Drill
• 1/2-inch drill bit
• Steel bolts
• Circular saw
• Reciprocating saw
• Decking screws

Instructions

1. Contact your county or town's planning department or clerk to see if any building permits are necessary before starting the project. You may need a construction permit or zoning clearance before constructing the dock, especially if you live in a populated waterfront community. Some localities require docks to be constructed a certain way or include railings.

2. Use a circular saw to cut 12-inch or 18-inch PVC pipe lengths that will be sunk 3 feet into the bottom of the waterway. The pipe should extend about 1 foot above the water level. Determine how far the dock should protrude into the water. Consider a dock that allows for a 7-foot water overhang and 1 foot onshore.

3. Lay out the frame for the dock. Footers should be placed at each corner and every 6 feet along the edge of your dock, depending on its size. For example, an 18-foot structure should include two corner posts and one post in the middle. Additionally, place two corner posts onshore and a post in the middle. This will form a square shape.

4. Push the pipes into the ground at your post sites until they can't go any deeper and they seal against the water. Scoop water from the pipes using a small cup or bucket. Stand the 6-inch-by-6-inch posts into the center of each PVC pipe. The flat side of the boards should be parallel to each other. Use a square to make sure each post is square. One by one, add pre-mixed concrete from bags into the pipes using a shovel. Fill the pipe to near the top with concrete and let it set overnight. Repeat the process for the onshore pipes, cutting away and protruding plastic.

5. Choose the height of the deck by marking a spot on each post with a chalk string. Put a level on the string to make sure it is flat and then mark each post as appropriate. Cut off the excess posts with the reciprocating saw. Cut 2-inch-wide and 8-inch-deep notches for each frame board. Place the 2-inch-by-8-inch boards in the notches so they make a square.

6. Drill 1/2-inch-wide holes through the top of the posts and framing boards. Position the frame onto the posts using steel bolts in the holes. Use screws to attach 2-inch-by-6-inch joist hangers along the framing boards that are parallel to the shore. Place decking lumber down on top of the framing boards to create the bottom for the deck. Consider placing wood sealer on the structure to ensure durability.

Tips & Warnings

• Use 18-inch PVC pipe if the length is more than 7 feet long.

• Install a railing on the deck after construction for added safety.

• Wear safety goggles when using saws and other power tools.

• Practice extreme caution when using electric tools around water. Consider using only battery-operated tools or tools plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter.

References

• Professional Deck Builder Online: Building a Stationary Dock
• American Wood Council: Deck Construction Guide