Lakeside Dock Build

6 Materials
$5000
2 Weeks
Advanced

Building a new dock from scratch was a lot of work but well worth the money saved and time spent. My husband and I did a lot of research prior to starting this project. This dock is on a Texas lake that is not a constant level lake, which is why we planned an attached in ground walk way with moving walk plank out to the floating dock.

Step 1 – In ground walk way


Without heavy machinery and the fact we lacked welding experience and equipment, we decided on securing the posts with 4 inch PVC pipes, with a center 1 inch metal pipe. These were pounded into the ground and then filled with cement.

Step 2 – Pour anchor supports


Texas gets some major storms, which is why we knew we needed to have some supports on the floating dock that would keep it in place. We filled the buckets below with concrete and left 8 to 10 inches of the support pipe which would be sunk into the ground under the floating dock.

We chose to assmeble the dock right at the waters edge to avoid having to lift it into the water. Here we have 8 dock floates, but later added 6 more for additional support.

Step 4 Build Canopy and attach decking boards


This was done much easier close to our equipment and supplies near shore and then it allowed us and equipment to be on the dock not in the water.

Step 5 Build and attach the moving transition section


Build and attach the moving transition section, also called a gangway, that would connect the attached walkway to the floating dock. This section has wheels on the dock end and large metal hinges on the walkway side to allow for the dock to move up or down depending on water level.

Step 7 Install the cement bucket supports to each corner of the floating dock.


This was a cumbersome task that involved digging a hole below each support and attempting to get the top pole through the metal brackett supports in the floating docks. These metal supports(pipe holders) allow for the dock to move up and down. If we had to do it again, we would use auger attachments to the end of each pole that could be twisted down into the bottom of the lake – lesson learned!

Step 8 Install canopy and sun sail


Install the rest of the canopy with extra support beams and add the sun sail for shade.

Step 9 Hammock


Install Hammock around wooden support beams and secure with support wire. We purchased our net from  Just For Nets.

Step 10 Install retractable swimming ladder
Finished Dock


The hammock is to the right and the two support beams on the left are for kayak and paddleboard storage. We also added boat tie offs to the end of the dock, with a padded strip to protect from boats.

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Flawless C Designed
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  • Leslie Leslie on Jul 08, 2022

    VERY WELL constructed and a beautiful design. Thank you for sharing. I was wondering if the what I think is rebar that you used is protected by the cement on the bottom. Or if it is metal conduit or steel pipe such as used in furniture building, same question...thinking that if the pipe is exposed to water will the metal in the pipe eventually rust and degrade if the bottom is not protected? I was also wondering if you will add sun shades on the sides of the dock so that they can be rolled down depending on the direction of the sun. Nothing like being blinded while trying to talk to someone :). Give yourselves a big pat on the back and I love your husbands brain :)


    • Flawless C Designed Flawless C Designed on Jul 09, 2022

      Hi Leslie,

      Thank you! The metal poles were sunk into the ground, then covered by a 4 inch PVC pipe. When you fill that pipe with concrete, the water spills over/out, so the pipe is never exposed to the water.

      Hope that answered your question!

      Heid


  • Jane Jane on Jul 08, 2022

    I guess you don’t need permits in your area?

    • Flawless C Designed Flawless C Designed on Jul 09, 2022

      Hi Jane, we had to submit our design, exact measurements and timeline to the river authority that monitors our area and had it approved prior to building.

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