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Dock Customization Ideas

Dock Customization Ideas

October 26, 2020

The need to alter and change things to increase efficiency or comfort is hard-coded into human DNA. Whether it is a house, a car, or a simple phone, we always try to find ways to improve things for various reasons. The same can be said about docks. Having one is not the end of the journey, for most, it is actually the beginning of an adventure. You can always do things on your floating dock to make it better and look cooler. The following are some of the customizations you can try on your dock.

Adding Accent Lights

Lights are necessary for a dock, they are an added security and safety feature, when dealing with water structures, you would want to see where you are putting your foot on. Accent lights serve another extra function, adding beauty to the dock. You could line them up neatly to give your dock a cool vibe when darkness falls. It will be like a decoration of some sort.

When doing the electric wiring, make sure they do not come into contact with the water or you will be opening up another can of worms.

Adding Walking Steps

Water levels rise and fall with the tide. If you have a fixed dock, this water level fluctuations can be a pain, forcing you to haul yourself from the boat every time you want to disembark. Adding walking steps or a ladder will make it much easier for you to move around your dock, especially when heavy luggage is involved. However, cleaning the steps should be done regularly. Proper scrubbing will be needed to stop the stairs from getting slippery due to being in contact with water throughout.

Adding a Shade

Adding a shade is a nice touch if you plan to turn your dock into a chilling spot. With great views of the water, a dock can be transformed into a place of relaxation for the whole family. However, the sun can be a little too much during the summer. A shade will be able to solve that problem for you. It does not have to be big, just enough to cover an area that can accommodate 3-5 people at the same time.

Add an Outdoor Shower

An outdoor shower would work best if it is paired with a floating pool. Sometimes the water may be too murky for people to swim in and this may force you to install a pool. Add an outdoor shower for people to clean themselves after swimming. An outdoor shower can also be used independently to cool yourself down when the heat is too much.

Adding Railings

Railings are a safety feature as much as they add beauty to your dock. If you have small kids around, the last you would want is to have them plunge into the lake when they are laying on the dock. Railings are a good way of keeping children from falling into the water. At the same time, they provide hand support when walking on the dock, especially for people who may have mobility issues. Lastly, they help make the dock look better.

Adding Cleats

Cleats are necessary if you wish to keep your boat anchored to the dock. They are the small metal structures that are fixed onto the dock that are used to fasten boats to stop them from being carried off by the waves. You will need several cleats installed if you own more than one boat as it is not a good idea to fasten several boats onto one cleat.

Install a Dock Hammock

A dock hammock would be another great addition to your dock, way better than benches. A hammock is more comfortable and when combined with a shade you could spend your entire day relaxing on your dock sleeping or reading a book. The breeze and the sound of waves can be very therapeutic. The poles supporting the hammock should be strong enough to handle huge weights. A fall from a hammock can be pretty nasty.

Conclusion

A dock is more than a place for anchoring your boat or a jetski. As long as you are operating within the laws and regulations of your state, you are free to make as many adjustments as you want to make it more comfortable and efficient. However, you should resist the urge to handle all these customizations if you do not have any basic background in construction or carpentry. Making faulty structures may work counter to what you are trying to achieve leading to the unnecessary endangering of human lives. Always hire the services of a professional for any auditions on your dock.