As more and more people buy waterfront properties, it’s becoming more popular for docks to be built. The thing that gets most people is that it can be hard to figure out how much one costs and what exactly goes into that cost. The good thing is that professionals, like Decks & Docks Lumber Company will be able to tell you everything you need to know about dock construction. With that said, let’s take a look at a few of the things that go into getting one built and the final cost.

Size

One of the biggest considerations that go into the final price is the size that you need. Not only will bigger docks cost more than smaller ones, but they can also end up being quite a few more. This is true even for those docks that are just a few feet bigger. With that being the case, you’ll want to measure and know the exact size you want and need.

Type of Dock

You’ll also have to think about the type of dock you want to build. There are mainly 5 different types of docks, which are: floating, piling, pipe, crib and suspended. Each one of these have different features and different construction. The price will vary as well. For example, a floating one will cost around $15-$35 per square foot, while a crib one will end up being around $10,000-$50,000 total. If you have a certain budget, you’ll want to make sure you choose the type that fits into it the best.

Labor

Most people will hire someone to do the building, but there are some kits available on the market. These kits can range anywhere from $300 to upwards of $5,000 for ones that are custom. While it’s possible to do it all yourself, if you don’t have much experience building, you’ll want to go with a professional because docks need to be built a specific way to last for a long time.

Materials

Another thing that goes into the price is the kind of materials you decide to use. There are many different materials that go into the building of decks and some of them can get pretty expensive. A few of the things you’ll need are: the actual wood, aluminum for the framework and concrete to keep everything secure. It might not seem like a big deal, but the costs add up. This is especially true for those that decide on larger docks or docks with unique designs.

Maintenance

The final thing you want to think about is maintenance. While the other things on this list will usually just be a one time fee, maintenance is going to be something that needs to be done frequently. It includes things like: inspection, cleaning and repairs. Depending on your area, these things can end up being pretty pricey.

These are the most common things that go into dock construction. Keep in mind, the prices will differ from company to company, so make sure you talk to the company you’re thinking of going with so you’re on the same page. If you want more explanation, make sure you reach out to professionals like Decks & Docks Lumber Company and ask any questions