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Choosing a Dock - What Type of Dock Should I Buy

Purchasing a dock for your lake home can be an important investment and enhancement to your lake lifestyle. There are many types of docks available and finding the right one for you starts with discussing your personal needs with an experienced professional that can evaluate the different aspects of your specific needs and give you recommendations. At DOCKshop, we take into consideration each individual’s specific needs and circumstances to help guide you to the best decision. Here are some of the factors that we discuss and consider when working with you.

Dock Use
The first and most important aspect when looking at new docks is to understand how you’ll be using your dock. What type of boat or personal watercraft do you currently have? Are you using the dock for your boat as well, or mainly for relaxation and entertainment? In addition, accessories and features such as furniture, steps, ladders, bumpers, kayak SUP racks, or other items play a part in your dock choice. Determining your particular use is the first, most important aspect.

Type of Lake
The second factor is the type of lake and where the dock will be located on the lake. There are many aspects to consider depending on the type of lake including: 
  • Will you be exposed to big water or tucked into a bay? 
  • Does the lake level fluctuate?
  • What type of bottom does the lake have - sand, gravel, etc?
  • What type of shoreline do you have?
All of these are a key components when determining what type of dock may work best for your particular needs. 

Dock Type
Floating or permanent docks are both options and depend upon each customer’s situation. Type of lake, lake bottom, and personal preference are considerations when choosing the type of dock. A benefit of a floating dock is that if you happen to be in an area with fluctuating water levels, it can be a bit more versatile and does not need to be removed seasonally. Whereas with a permanent dock, if you are in an area with high watercraft traffic and a fairly consistent water level, the added stability is a definite benefit.


Choosing a dock is a lifetime investment, so working with professionals is an important part of selecting what will work for you. Give us a call for more information. Let’s start a conversation about your needs and what we can do to help you through the process. Give us a call at DOCKshop (855) 827-2721 or email [email protected]

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