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How to Build a Floating Platform: A Complete Guide
Let’s face it, wanting a floating platform can’t be helped if you live near the pond, lake, or seaside. Why? Because with a floating platform, you can enjoy different kinds of water activities like swimming, jet skiing, fishing, and more.
This article will discuss two ways of constructing a floating platform One is a do-it-yourself project that will cost you less than a hundred bucks. The other is building a platform through the use of modular plastic cubes. Are you itching to know the steps? Keep on reading!
Table of Contents
How to Build a DIY Floating Platform
Building a do-it-yourself (DIY) floating platform for your pond or lakeside has its perks. For one, you can save money on labor pay and materials, and the other is you can construct it based on your preference. Here is a simple guide in making a 10×10 floating platform from wood planks and six plastic barrels that you can bring into play whenever you want to swim, fish, or just relax on the water.
Step 1: Build the Frame
Build the basic square frame with 2×6 wood size. First, screw in the 2×6 board on each side to create a perfect clean square. Then divide the square into three columns by placing 2 pieces of 2×6 wood planks. Make sure that the first and last column is set by your barrels measurement since we will attach it later. In the middle column, place another 2×6 board. For the four smaller cross pieces, use a 2×4 board.
Step 2: Add the Six Barrels and Put More Support
Now that you have the basic frame shape, we need to add supports and attach the six barrels. Set the six barrels with lids beneath the wood frame to set the exact 2×4 cross boards, which will keep the barrels intact – this is to make sure that they wouldn’t be floating up against the deck once placed on the water.
Make sure that the barrels are equal spaces apart to keep them balanced. You may add more 2×4 wood planks for support.
Step 3: Secure the Corners and the Barrels
Secure the barrels with good marine rope by using brackets and tying each barrel tightly. Ensure that the knot creates a blockade in the bracket. Also, you can place L brackets on each outside corner of the wooden frame for more support.
Step 4: Launch on the Water
Once everything is set and secured, you can try launching the semi-finish floating platform on the water and see if it floats. If yes, you can go to the next step. If it sinks, then you need to remove it from the water and see what is causing the trouble.
Step 5: Drill in the Planks and Enjoy!
Finally, the last step is to drill in the 1×6 planks to complete your floating platform. When you’re done, you can build a 2×4 ramp or walkway connecting to your floaty, keeping it on its place. Enjoy your DIY floating platform!
How to Assemble a Modular Floating Platform
Getting a modular floating platform is great because of two things. First, it is expandable because you can put more sections to gain more space. Second, it is customizable since you can configure and reconfigure until it suits your needs. You can use it as a drive-on boat dock, jet ski dock, and other residential and commercial applications. Here are the steps on how to build a simple floating platform system from a modular floating platform.
Step 1: Put the Numbered Pontoons in Order
Unbox the kit and put out all the parts and check if all you need is complete. Check the reference manual to assist you in placing the plastic cubes in the right position. You have to make sure that they are oriented in the same manner.
Step 2: Make Up a Square
Connect the parts by aligning and stacking the cubes in the correct number order and you will form a square meter with four pontoons.
Step 3: Placing Short Pin in the Center
Notice the hole found in the center of the four pontoons? Insert the short pin to fully attach the four cubes.
Step 4: Fastening the Short Pin
You need to fasten the pin using a spanner or a wrench to make sure it is appropriately inserted to keep the pontoons intact. Repeat this step until you put all the cubes together.
Step 5: Placing Short Screw
Then reinforce the cubes’ connection by placing short screws at the corner holes.
Step 6: Fasten the Short Screws
Finally, fasten the short screws to assure the tightness of your floating platform. Once you see that everything is set, you can now launch your pontoon on the water and enjoy it.
Conclusion
The final verdict – both floating platform types have their strengths. It is essential to weigh your options and the factors you need to consider like cost, duration to install, durability, stability, and more before you decide on the type of platform you want. Check out our floating dock buying guide to learn more about finding the best for you. Either way, you will enjoy the benefit of having a floating platform right at your waterfront. Take a look at the top floating platform manufacturers in Singapore to know more.
If you want to learn more about floating platforms, we encourage you to check our other articles:
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