What Material is Best for Docks?
When you think about a dock, likely the first thing that comes to mind is the type of decking it has. A dock’s decking is what connects you to the water. Without it, the frame is rendered useless.
As you make the choice to invest in a new dock or upgrade your existing dock system, take the time to consider all of the material alternatives for your dock’s decking – from wood to composite to aluminum and everything in between. After doing your homework, you may find that one type of material suits you better than others. In this post, we’ll make the case for you to consider aluminum.
Why Aluminum?
When it comes to maintenance, aluminum takes the cake. Whereas wood decking needs to be power washed and stained at least every few years, aluminum is as hands-off as you want it to be. Its durability is among the best when it comes to decking materials, and it only needs to be cleaned when you want to clean it. Other benefits of aluminum decking include:
- It’s lightweight – Aluminum gives you the strength and durability of a solid, safe deck while still being lightweight. This makes taking the frame in and out of the water much easier, and you won’t have to worry about breaking your back when you store it for winter.
- It’s averse to rotting or decay – Aluminum won’t degrade over time like wood, and it won’t twist or warp either.
- It can be painted or powder coated to give the aesthetic you prefer – The options are endless when it comes to aluminum. You can even opt for a wood-grained finish to give it the look of traditional wood decking.
Aluminum shines as a dock material because of its durability and ease of maintenance. It looks good out on the water, too. If you have questions about decking materials and the best way to design your dock, give us a call at RDS Dock Hardware. We’ve been in the dock business since 1986 and are here to help you design and install the dock of your dreams.
