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Sunrise Point · 04-30-2007, 07:31 PM

I would love more info on this topic. I bought all new aluminum brackets (6)this past weekend along with 2 - 7' lengths of pipe...I consider this a substantial investment! I replaced 3 rotten deck boards and hope to get one more year out of our dock. Our dock has 2 - 10' sections, one of which is hinged to an ancient (older than me!) concrete pad. We tie a 20' pontoon boat to the dock for the season and are in a relatively sheltered area of the lake.

Last year we were able to elevate and tie off the hinged section high enough that it was out of the water. We then had to remove the 2nd section and put it up on land for the winter. The two of us did it but I can see it getting harder and harder each year.

I have been considering an aluminum dock (for the weight savings) but my husband thinks that it could buckle. Pressure treated boards are extremely heavy and not that great for the environment. Has anyone built a dock with cedar framework and decking? Was it worth the extra $$$ to save on weight? I am considering all options. $$$ is very much a consideration and I only want to do this once!

04-30-2007, 07:31 PM	#15
Sunrise Point Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Meredith Center / Winnisquam Posts: 250 Thanks: 87 Thanked 34 Times in 21 Posts	Aluminum vs. wood I would love more info on this topic. I bought all new aluminum brackets (6)this past weekend along with 2 - 7' lengths of pipe...I consider this a substantial investment! I replaced 3 rotten deck boards and hope to get one more year out of our dock. Our dock has 2 - 10' sections, one of which is hinged to an ancient (older than me!) concrete pad. We tie a 20' pontoon boat to the dock for the season and are in a relatively sheltered area of the lake. Last year we were able to elevate and tie off the hinged section high enough that it was out of the water. We then had to remove the 2nd section and put it up on land for the winter. The two of us did it but I can see it getting harder and harder each year. I have been considering an aluminum dock (for the weight savings) but my husband thinks that it could buckle. Pressure treated boards are extremely heavy and not that great for the environment. Has anyone built a dock with cedar framework and decking? Was it worth the extra $$$ to save on weight? I am considering all options. $$$ is very much a consideration and I only want to do this once!