The Best Dock Posts to Have and Why

How to choose the best boat dock post for your marine structure.

Dock posts or dock pilings are essential to your dock, pier, or any similar marine structure. They help stabilize your dock and provide a solid foundation. Dock posts also help reduce erosion from the shoreline by preventing waves from washing accumulated sediment away.

Plenty of materials are used to make your dock posts with their pros and cons. Thanks to that, it’s a little overwhelming to make a choice. However, if you’re armed with the knowledge of which material will work best for your dock post, you’ll have an easier time choosing. 

Here are some common but best materials for your dock post.

Wood

If you want to go for the classic dock look, wooden dock posts are for you. Wood is easy to work with, affordable, durable, and easy to find. This material is also a favorite because of its natural look, making it easy for your dock to blend in with the beauty of nature. These reasons make wooden posts popular for boat docks and similar projects in many lakeside communities.

Although water is the number one enemy of wood, there are wood types you can choose from that are rot-resistant. Wood from cedar, cypress, and redwood trees is commonly used for dock pilings because they don’t rot quickly. However, wooden dock posts tend to bend over time from the pressure of the waves constantly crashing over them. Leaving them be might cause your dock to collapse because of its bent shape. Therefore, at the first signs of bending or any issue, it’s recommended to have them replaced.

Concrete

Concrete is a material that’s another dock post favorite. Concrete is known for its durability against the elements, giving it a long-lasting trait. If you aren’t looking for a material with natural aesthetics that can blend with nature, then concrete is a great option for you. Unlike wooden posts, which have their default size and dimensions, you can customize your concrete dock posts. Your concrete posts can be made into any shape and size according to your needs and preferences.

Concrete is also sturdier than wood and would never bend from the waves. However, if your area experiences strong currents, it’s best to fortify your concrete dock posts. You can do so by ensuring the weight of your posts is heavier than its buoyancy. And because concrete is more robust than wood, they’re the perfect choice if your dock often deals with anything heavy. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is also another popular choice for marine structures because it’s the most cost-effective material for dock posts. It trumps wood and concrete in the aesthetic department because it can come in many colors and shapes that you can freely mix and match. Besides being highly customizable, it’s also the most affordable compared to wood and concrete. However, if your area is prone to high winds and storm surges, it’s best to pass on fiberglass and opt for wood or concrete.

Dock posts are essential in your boat docks or any other marine structures. Therefore, it’s vital that you take care of them and ensure that they stay in good condition. Make a habit of inspecting your boat dock and look for signs of wear and tear. Early detection of potential problems can help you solve issues early and save money if those problems worsen.

Are you interested in choosing the best dock post for your boat dock or similar marine project? Give us a ring at Tampa Dock Builders! Our reliable builders will gladly lend a hand to help with your projects.