How Much Does It Cost to Build a Boat Dock?

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The cost to build a boat dock averages $14,275. Most contract jobs cost between $3,173 and $25,306.

Prefabricated or assembled types of docks are priced as low as $1,000,while high quality permanent boat docks run between $50,000 and $75,000. Boat dock pricing varies depending on the type,quality and the difficulty of installation. Choosing a prefabricated,aluminum floating dock,or a permanent wood and concrete variant affects your project price. Choice and budget depend on water depth,climate,location,and fresh or saltwater application. A Guru can help you select the perfect dock for your needs. In the end,this determines the total project price.No matter application,our fabricated aluminum constructions will not crack like concrete,rust like steel or rot like wood.

Cost to Build a Dock

A floating dock costs between $15 to $35 per square foot,depending on the choice of decking. This includes the pier and labor to install. Prefabricated aluminum types,the most affordable,come in at $1,500. It’s constructed by placing decking over airtight barrels,drums or marine floats.

Piling dock construction and installation runs $20 to $40 per square foot. Machinery drives or jets pilings,generally 10″-12″ in diameter,into the lakebed. Piling docks are permanent and durable if maintained properly and may be personalized into boathouses,gazebos and party decks.

Crib docks cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more. These are assembled by filling one or more square wooden”cribs” with large stones,then capping with a deck. They are basically small,synthetic islands which you could connect to one another and the shore with decking.

The Price of Your Dock Depends on The Accessories You Want

Dock Floatation

Decking and floatation options are going to be the design options that have the most impact on dock price. When considering what option is best for your project,you should think about the balance between price,length of life and stability. If you’re more of a visual learner,check out our floatation video series: Floating Dock Overview,Pontoon Float and complete Float.

The most economic choice is poly-tub floatation. We source the best poly-floats in the marine business to incorporate into our floating docks. Poly-floats are made from a plastic shell (polyethylene to be exact) with polystyrene foam core (poly-‘sty’-rene as in’sty’-rafoam). Because plastic cracks and polystyrene can be easily compromised,these floats typically have to be replaced several times during a GatorDock’s long service life.

The following two float options offer a quality increase in both the shell and the center of the float. The Pontoon Float and the complete Float,designed and built in Gator,feature an all-aluminum shell which provides a rugged armor for harsh marine environments. The center is expertly-injected polyurethane foam,much more dense and durable compared to polystyrene and can stand up to chemicals frequently found in marine environments such as gas. The Pontoon Float system combines several Pontoon capped-culverts across the bottom of the pier,whereas the complete Float is one large foundation for a dock section. Because the complete Float cohesively covers the majority of a dock deck,it provides more stability than our lasting Pontoon Float. The aluminum shell and dependable core of both of these float types are an increase to the bottom line,but also offer a longer,more stable,service life and much lower maintenance requirements.

Dock 101: Fenders protect the pier and bumpers protect the ships. We’ve got several options to choose from to protect your dock and boats. Select pine,Ipe wood or composite wood for your fenders,or combine the purpose of a dock and fender into a single by picking a UHMW fender. This lasting fender is an increase in price but a great addition to high traffic boat ramps that need extra protection. The larger’D’ bumper covers more area and extends farther for additional impact protection. This bumper attaches in two places,the side and top,of the fender.

Utilities & Lighting for Your Dock

The E-channel frame and deck construction located on both GatorDock piers and floating docks can accommodate up utilities to 2″ in diameter. Our design engineers can create custom utility bays for clients with larger needs in that area. All we need to accommodate that request is a utility map and project specifications. These incorporated utility paths allow for water,electricity and other needs to improve the design of your marina or dock system.

A number of our marine access systems (that is a fancy term for docks and piers) do not incorporate railing. Although,one of our favourite designs does: The Gator Fishing Pier. There is nothing better than being on the water and fishing on a gorgeous day. The Gator Fishing Rail is adored by fishermen of all sizes and ability. The bait shelf is a convenient place to place a tackle box or a beer,while the angled top rail is a comfy place to lean against or break a fishing rod. Check out a classic GatorDock fishing pier in the St. Marks case study.

Dock Construction Costs

Construction often consist of labor in the project quote. According to some homeowner reports,labor accounts for roughly half of the total price. So the normal project of $10,000 includes $5,000 in labor or $50 per linear foot. The ordinary pier runs between $15 to $35 per square foot. But with high-end substances like exotic hardwoods or concrete,you can easily double that price. Expect to pay anywhere from 20% to 50% more on a aluminum frame with composite decking than you would on a wooden one. It is also possible to combine aluminum framing with aluminum,wood planks or grates,or plastic for various budgets.