The selection of the right dock decking material is an important decision that must be carefully thought through when building or remodeling a dock, whether for business or residential use. The decking material is essential for the durability, safety, and long-term performance of the dock, in addition to improving its visual appeal.
This blog aims to help professionals make smart choices by offering insightful information on what factors to consider when selecting the best dock decking material.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Dock Decking Material
There are many important considerations when choosing the best docking material. You must evaluate these factors to select the best material for your next dock project. When choosing the decking material, keep the following things in mind:
Durability And Longevity
Every homeowner wants a long-lasting deck that takes little upkeep. A deck is an area that experiences the effects of the outdoors all day long, including UV radiation, rain, and snow. Pick a docking material that will be durable over the long run and require little to no maintenance. Materials like PVC and aluminum are the best if you are seeking materials that are resistant to rot, decay, and rust.
Maintenance Requirements
To select the appropriate dock decking options, one must first consider how much time, effort, and money one can spend on maintenance. Natural materials like wood decks require regular inspection and maintenance, so it might not be a perfect fit for those with a time crunch.
For your project to succeed and maintain client satisfaction, you should evaluate maintenance resources before choosing a decking material. You can select a decking material that fits with the resources at your disposal and ensures a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing dock by paying close attention to maintenance needs.
Resistance To Environmental Factors
In today’s modern world, sustainability and environmental effects are becoming increasingly crucial factors. Choose eco-friendly, recyclable, or renewable decking materials like composite and PVC to minimize your project’s environmental impact.
This not only displays a dedication to sustainability, but it may also align with market requirements and client expectations. Adopting eco-friendly options indicates a forward-looking mindset that helps ensure a greener future for future generations.
Budget Considerations
When choosing a dock decking material, price is an important consideration. Before choosing a material, it is important to consider your financial constraints because different materials have variable price tags.
Research and compare the prices of the various decking materials. Remember that there are other costs to consider than the original price. Installation costs for some materials, such as specialized hardware or skilled workers, could be extra. Also, take into account the long-term expenses for upkeep and repairs.
Most Common Dock Decking Options
When deciding which dock decking material is ideal, there are several dock decking options available. Read on to learn more about the many materials that are now on the market if you’re seeking the finest dock material.
Wood Decking
It’s understandable why some people envision a classic wooden dock for their home. The natural appearance of wood dock decking options appeals to people who love to give a natural touch to their establishment. Redwood, teak, and cedar are a few wood types used to create this wonderful decking.
Pros:
- Wood has a naturally beautiful appearance.
- Wooden decking for docks is affordable to install.
- Simple to customize and adapt to different sizes and setups.
- Wood is an eco-friendly option.
Cons:
- Wooden dock material is susceptible to scratches.
- Takes time and effort to maintain it.
- Requires regular inspection for maintained longevity.
Composite Decking
Plastic from products like bottles, jugs, and detergent containers can often be recycled and used to make composite dock decking options. Homeowners that choose eco-friendly solutions will like a composite deck since composite materials comprise recycled materials.
Pros:
- Composite decks can resist more drastic fluctuations in the weather.
- They require low maintenance.
- This dock material is available in a wide range of colors.
- A perfect choice for eco-conscious people.
Cons:
- Composite decking for docks is more expensive than wooden decks.
- Darker composite deck colors might deteriorate over time.
- Repairing them without replacing individual deck planks is challenging.
PVC Decking
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride decking material, is a sustainable product that is manufactured entirely of plastic polymers. PVC decking is an engineered material that is preferred by many homeowners and industries for its moisture-resistant properties.
Pros:
- PVC dock decking material is naturally resistant to moisture and mold.
- PVC decks are resistant to insects and bugs.
- Unlike the composite decks, the color doesn’t fade.
- It is an environmentally friendly product.
- PVC docks require little to no maintenance.
Cons:
- UV radiation from the sun can gradually damage PVC over time.
- Higher upfront cost than composite decking.
- The entire decking for the docks will need to be replaced if a part is damaged.
Aluminum Decking
A deck built of aluminum extrusion is known as aluminum decking. Aluminum may be the ideal material for many dock decking options because of its low maintenance needs and extraordinary durability.
Pros:
- Aluminum has unparalleled strength.
- Maintaining aluminum decking is simple.
- Rain and snow have little effect on aluminum since it is non-absorbent.
Cons:
- It might not look as good as wood.
- The cost of aluminum decks is often higher than wood, PVC, and composite materials.
Hisea Dock: Reliable Plastic Floating Dock System Manufacturer
Hisea Dock has been known for creating durable floating dock systems of plastic for over a decade. Hisea Dock offers products that have proven to stand the test of time and helped us become an industry leader by prioritizing quality and reliability.
Various Sizes And Models
Hisea Dock provides a variety of sizes and types for their floating dock systems to meet various demands and preferences. Hisea Dock offers solutions for various uses, whether you need a small dock for personal use or a large system for business usage. The types of floating systems offered by Hisea Dock are:
- Single float
- Double float
- Long quad float
- Low single float
- Low double float
- U float
5-Year Warranty
Hisea Dock provides a whopping 5-year warranty on its floating dock systems. Customers can rest easy with this warranty since it guarantees that their purchase will be shielded from any potential manufacturing flaws or problems for the duration of the warranty.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal decking material can be difficult because numerous choices are available. Use the tips above to choose the best material for your forthcoming deck projects. Consider this blog your guide when you embark on your next project.
Hisea Dock offers customizable choices that can meet the demands of a dock environment, regardless of whether you require a dock for private or professional usage. Contact us today and learn about the various floating deck system we offer.
