| |
|
Building a Pipe Dock
How to build a Pipe Dock that will stand the Test of Time and Water conditions
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
For the past 10 years I have used a
32’x4’ pipe dock on a large lake. I tie up to the pipe dock a 20’ ski boat, a 3
seat Jet Ski, and a 12’ aluminum hull boat. The pipe dock is in about 3.5 feet
of water at the end of the dock. The dock is exposed to some fairly choppy
water. To date, I have never had an incident with the pipe dock breaking,
tipping, or sagging. I chalk up my success with a pipe dock to two main reasons;
it is ruggedly built, and I drive the pipes into the lake floor bed
approximately 1 to 1.5 feet.
|
Building a Pipe Dock
My pipe dock is constructed out of
pressure treated lumber. I built 4 sections, each 4’x8’ in width/length. For
each section, I used 2x6s for the exterior frame, and a single 2x4 down the
middle of the frame. I also put stubby 2x4 braces in each of the 4 corners to
prevent any racking. I used standard pressure treated decking planks for the
surface. All pieces of the pipe dock were screwed together. I used 2.5” screws for
the frame, and 1.5” decking screws for the decking boards.
|
|
For the pipe, I used 1.5” galvanized
steel that varied in length from 5’ to 7’. I use the shorter pipe lengths closer
to shore, and the longer ones further out.
I also used special dock support side
brackets that slide over the pipes and fasten to the pipes via a large screw.
However, I bolt the dock support side brackets onto the ends of the
dock sections, so that half is connected to each adjacent section of dock. This
aids in installing the pipe dock into the lake.
|
| To install the side brackets, I use
3-4” threaded bolts, with washers and a nut. I pre-drill the holes first and
make sure the bolts slide through easily. Again, I only fasten the side brackets
on the far end of each section of dock, so that half is left open to receive the
adjacent dock section. On the final section of dock, however, I mount the side
plates so that they do not extend beyond the end of the far-end of the dock.
Finally, I stained the pipe dock
sections prior to installing them. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Note I estimate each section of pipe dock to weigh around 100 lbs, so plan on
having a second pair of strong hands to help in the installation process of your
pipe dock.
|
Find a Qualified Home Remodeling Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Home Remodeling
Contractors! |
For help on building a new Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your
deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Addition Dock Information
|
Deck Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on decks from one of our prescreened and licensed deck contractors. This process
is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your decks price
estimate.
| |
|
