Natural looking dock options

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 by Chris Fox

If you're thinking about having a new dock built or are about to replace an existing dock, then consider two popular types of decking material—natural lumber decking and composite lumber decking. Each type of dock / deck building material has it's own unique benefits, and each has passed the test of time in unforgiving elements.

 

Natural Lumber Decking

Pressure-treated wood decking is a great option for a tighter budget. The classic look of wood gives a more rustic feel, and can be stained or painted to match virtually any color scheme. Pressure-treated decking can be notched for installation of hidden deck fasteners for a clean, fastener-free appearance.Abaco Tropical Hardwood Decking


Tropical hardwood has a highly desired exotic look and is very durable. Hardwood species like Ipe have been known to last over twenty years. Tropical decking like Abaco can span greater distances to accommodate wide 24" on center joist spacing. Some hardwood decking comes pre-grooved for use with a hidden fastener system.

 

Composite Lumber Decking

Composite decking is manufactured from wood fiber and Latitude Marine Deckingplastic to form a plank that requires less maintenance and typically has a longer lifespan than natural wood decking. Composite lumber is similar in cost to tropical hardwood and has many of the same benefits. Like tropical hardwood, Latitudes Marine composite decking allows for long 24" on-center joist spans. Latitudes Marine also incorporates a profiled edge specifically designed for docks, boardwalks and walkways. Additional benefits of composite lumber decking is that it's barefoot friendly, slip-resistant and comes in a variety of colors that never need to be sealed or stained.

 

Comments for Natural looking dock options

Saturday, October 17, 2009 by Frank Romer:
Can I use pressure treated wood for my supports and sink them into fresh water to hold back my seawall and also use them for the supports for my boat house and boat lift?
Monday, October 19, 2009 by Chris Fox:
Yes, you can use 4x4 and 6x6 pressure treated lumber for seawall or dock supports provided the end tag refers to ESR UC4A.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by bill Harrison:
I have a pressure treated fixed wood dock on a lake. It's in good shape but kids get splinters running on it etc. to jump in lake. Is there a materiel I could cover dock with rather than replacing existing wood decking?
Thursday, May 6, 2010 by Chris Fox:
Bill, thanks for the question. You may want to consider applying a durable slip resistant exterior acrylic paint. This should help reduce blistering, peeling, splintering or cracking on wood decks, wood dock and other marine deck areas. Hopefully this will make it a safer place for the kids to play. Check out http://www.noskidding.com/ns_safedeck.htm
Friday, October 29, 2010 by Patrick kelly:
I plan to install 5/4 by 6 Abaco decking with slot with hidden fasteners. Can you advise of any thing I should be aware of or any hints as to ease instalation
Monday, November 1, 2010 by Chris Fox:
Patrick, thanks for your inquiry. I would like to direct you to the Decking specifications and FAQs literature (pdf file) on the Abaco web site: http://www.abacodecking.com/ Here you will find tips on cutting, installing and sealing Abaco hardwood deck boards. There is also downloadable instruction on installing the Abaco hidden deck fastener. There are a few main tips that are important to installing Abaco hardwood decking: Proper air circulation under the deck (minimum of 16 inches from ground) Do not exceed a maximum jost span of 24 inches on-center Use carbide tipped sawblades, routers and sharp drill bits (always pre-drill) Always seal the ends of a cut board with an end sealer

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