Aluminum-Framed Floating Dock FAQs

There are two main factors to consider when trying to to decide between a DIY Dock Kit or an Aluminum-framed Floating Dock: 

1. How much does the water in your pond fluctuate?
2. How big of a dock do you want?

The DIY Dock Kits are intended for bodies of water that are very constant (fluctuating less than a foot), and are only available with an 8-ft x 8-ft or 12-ft x 8-ft deck. If the water level in your pond fluctuates between one to 4-feet, you’ll need to go with the Aluminum-framed Floating dock – which is also available in larger sizes. 

All of our docks are built to order and our lead time varies depending on when you place your order – if you order in the off-season, it could be as short as 3-4 weeks. If you order between March and June, it’ll more than likely be a little longer. The best thing to do is call for an ETA.

Yes – as long as there’s room for a semi to get to and from your house. When you order your DIY Dock Kit online, shipping will be calculated at checkout, and that rate includes residential delivery, a delivery appointment and a lift gate to get the pallet down from the truck. Depending on your location and access to the property, the aluminum-framed Docks can be delivered on a flatbed trailer or in a semi-truck. Equipment to offload the pieces would be required. Call our office to discuss your property and to see what option may be available.

On the Aluminum-framed Floating Docks we offer two walkway lengths. A 10-foot walkway works well if you have a constant water level on your pond, or a 20-foot walkway if you have a water fluctuation level of 4′ or less. We also offer two walkway lengths on the DIY Floating Dock Kits. You can choose either an 8-foot or 16-foot walkway. It’s important to remember the DIY Dock Kits are only intended for small ponds with consistent water levels.

The sectional Aluminum-framed Floating Docks are designed to be self-installed using a 10′ steel base anchored with 4 steel legs which you drive into the shoreline. In extreme circumstances, you can relocate the base. Similarly, the Floating Dock Kits come with a steel base that is 44.5-inches wide, with 25.5-inch stakes which you’ll concrete into the ground.

We use a composite decking material called TimberTech. We’ve chosen TimberTech because it is one of the densest decking products on the market, as you can see from the chart below.

All docks come standard with Coconut Husk colored TimberTech decking, but Sea Salt Gray or Dark Cocoa are available at no additional charge. Other color options may be available for an additional charge. Lead time may vary for colors other than the Coconut Husk. Please call for more options.

Awnings are not available on the DIY Dock Kits of the Aluminum-framed Floating docks. The powder coated dock table with umbrella is a popular add-on to provide some shade on the Aluminum-framed Floating Docks. If you really want an awning, check out our Deluxe steel framed docks.

Railings are not available for the DIY Dock Kits, but are on Aluminum-framed Floating Dock. For an additional fee you can add a 32″ high aluminum, powder coated rail anywhere you want on any of the aluminum docks and walkways.

Yes. Our dock floats are manufactured in the Northeast, where freezing conditions are common, and they are designed to perform reliably in cold-weather environments. We’ve also sold docks throughout the United States, including many northern regions, without issues related to normal pond freezing.

Normal freezing of the pond around the floats does not pose a problem. The floats are designed to handle typical freeze–thaw cycles encountered in northern climates.

In most cases, removal is not required due to freezing alone. However, in areas that experience heavy snowfall or significant ice buildup, the added weight can place extra stress on any floating dock system.

If your pond regularly experiences heavy snow accumulation or thick ice formation, we recommend pulling the dock out of the water or removing it for the winter as a precaution.

Our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and environmental conditions. Damage resulting from excessive weight loads, heavy snow accumulation, ice pressure, improper installation, or failure to follow recommended seasonal maintenance (including winter removal when conditions warrant) is not covered under warranty.

Yes. We have sold these docks nationwide, including regions with severe winters, and they have performed well when used and maintained appropriately.