What is the best wood to use for a dock?
What’s the Best Wood For Decks?
- Pressure-Treated Wood. There are plenty of valid reasons for the popularity of pressure-treated lumber such as southern yellow pine.
- Cedar and Redwood. For those who consider themselves purists, you might opt for western softwoods like cedar or redwood.
- Exotic Hardwoods. ...
- Other Options. ...
- Composite Decking and Plastic Lumber. ...
- Aluminum. ...
How to install pressure treated wood for a deck?
Working with Pressure-Treated Lumber
- Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber — stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.
- If the lumber is wet — it typically is when delivered from the store — butt it together tightly when building. ...
- Drill pilot holes in the ends of boards to prevent splitting when you nail or screw them together.
How to handle pressure treated wood?
Safe Handling Practices
- Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding wood.
- Wear gloves when handling wood.
- Wash hands thoroughly with mild soap and water after working with treated wood.
- Wash work clothes separately from other clothes.
Do you have to treat pressure treated wood?
When water soaks into the wood instead of beading up, it’s time to seal or stain it. It’s important to finish typical pressure-treated wood as soon as possible after completion of a deck in order to protect it. Splash some water on the deck boards. If it beads up, the wood isn’t quite ready to be sealed. Wait several days and test it again.
What type of wood is used for docks?
The best wood boards for docks are western red cedar, redwood, cypress and eastern white cedar. However, if the dock will feature permanent piles or cribs, then you are going to want a stronger hardwood, such as Douglas fir, tamarack and hemlock.
How long will pressure treated wood last on a dock?
Pressure-treated decking may last up to 10 years, whereas poles might last up to 40 years. Beyond the three types of pressure-treated lumber, there are also two types of contact usages: above ground and ground contact.
Can you use PT for a dock?
Pressure Treated Wood: Pressure treated (PT) wood is the most cost-effective material for a dock, but it's also the most work. You can help ensure your pressure treated dock lasts longer by choosing premium kiln-dried wood that is certified “Marine Grade”.
Can I use pressure treated wood in a lake?
EPA, along with the U.S. Department of Human Services recommends that “treated wood should not be used where it may come in direct or indirect contact with public drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges.” However, NHDES advises against using pressure- treated wood in any ...
How long will pressure treated wood last buried in the ground?
Without additional treatment, pressure-treated lumber buried in the ground can last up to 7-10 years before the effects of constant contact with water begin to show.
How long will a pressure treated 6x6 last in the ground?
A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone.
What is the difference between pressure-treated lumber and marine lumber?
Marine plywood is specifically manufactured to stand up to the harsh marine environment. The materials used in in its construction are specifically chosen to assist in making it as water resistant as possible. Pressure treated plywood is usually regular softwood and will absorb moisture very easily.
How do you protect wooden docks?
Seal Wooden Docks to Prevent Dry Rot Water can work its way into wooden docks and cause rotting to occur. If you've invested in a wooden dock, find a sealer that will protect it from rainwater as well as water from the lake or river where you use it. A good sealer will keep moisture out and stop a dock from rotting.
Is pressure treated wood OK for ground contact?
Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground. Has twice the level of chemical retention and protection compared to above-ground treated wood.
Is pressure treated wood safe for decks?
First, pressure-treated wood is made by placing the wood into a high-pressure environment, in which a chemical is pressed into the wood that makes it resistant to rot. This means that pressure-treated wood last much longer than untreated wood, making it an ideal choice for decking material.
How do you protect wood from submerged in water?
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.
Can pressure treated wood last in water?
While the chemicals in pressure treated lumber prevent rot and ward off insects, they don't prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. On a deck that's going to be directly exposed to rain, water can seep into the boards and cause them to swell. As they dry in the sun, they'll shrink.
How do you keep pressure treated wood from rotting?
To prevent pressure-treated wood from decaying, use a high-quality wood preservative or sealer. You can protect your treated wood against elements such as water and UV rays that cause decay by applying stains, paints and sealants. Just make sure the wood is dry enough before using any treatment.
How long will a pressure treated deck last?
Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.
How long will a treated post last in the ground?
If properly treated and installed, pine fence posts can last for 20–35 years; untreated pine posts might only last 3–7 years. chemical in the posts. When large numbers of fence posts need to be installed it is probably most practical to pound them into the ground with a hydraulic post driver, small end first.
What is the lifespan of a dock?
Docks typically last around 20-30 years at most, and if there has been little maintenance done in that time, then it's probably necessary replacement rather than repair. all docks are not made alike, and the dock materials and craftmanship will greatly influence the lifespan of your dock. But the signs will be there.
What is Pressure Treated Lumber?
Pressure-treated lumber has been treated with chemical preservatives to help prevent rot and insect damage. Certain chemicals, such as the water-repellent CA-C (copper azole type C), also makes the wood suitable for ground contact, even in marine environments.
What is the best deck finish for pressure treated decks?
For pressure treated decks, we recommend Spa N Deck from Flood or Wood RX. The 100% acrylic finish formula can be applied in just one day, and the end result enhances the wood’s natural beauty while providing extra durability. You can find Spa N Deck at your nearest Decks & Docks location.
Why do deck boards swell?
On a deck that’s going to be directly exposed to rain, water can seep into the boards and cause them to swell. As they dry in the sun, they’ll shrink. Over time, this constant cycle of swelling and shrinking will cause your deck to become cracked, splintered, and warped.
How long does it take for a deck to dry before sealing?
The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it’s dry enough to seal.
How long does it take for PT lumber to dry?
Most deck sealers for PT lumber require 24 to 48 hours of drying time, so make sure there’s no rain in the forecast.
How do I change the color of a wood deck?
Choose the right sealant. If you want to show off the wood’s natural color, use a clear or semi-transparent oil-based sealant . If you want to change the color of your deck, you can use a combination stain and sealant. However, you shouldn’t attempt to seal pressure-treated wood that’s already been stained.
How to infuse preservatives into wood?
To infuse these preservatives, the wood is immersed and placed in a pressure chamber. The pressure forces the chemicals deep into the wood fibers, making them much more effective than if they were simply coated on the outside.
GREENGUARD Children and Schools Certification
There is a new option in Canada for dock builders relying on Pressure Treated Wood approved for fresh water applications. Based on its low VOC emissions , MicroPro Sienna pressure treated wood has been awarded GREENGUARD Children and Schools Certification.
MicroPro Sienna
Using MicroPro Sienna means no staining is required to the pressure treated wood. This gives a natural look of cedar. This will save an additional cost which dock builders can appreciate.
What type of wood is used for boat docks?
Pressure treated pine is the most common and affordable type of wood commonly used for boat docks.
Why is a boat dock so hard?
A boat dock see’s some incredibly harsh conditions since they are so close to the water they are typically getting abuse from waves and are often constantly saturated with water. Constant moisture is an enemy for all boat dock materials whether they are wood or composite. In fact constant moisture can lead to faster rot and decay, ...
How often should I seal a boat dock?
A Pressure treated pine boat dock will need to be sealed every year or every other year with a water sealer to keep the water from saturating the wood. If this is not done it will lead to early rot and decay of your boat dock since pine is a soft wood. Soft woods are more prone to rot and decay, insect attack as well as mold, algae and fungi growth.
Is composite decking maintenance free?
Composite deck and dock materials have built a notion that it is maintenance free. For years composite decking manufacturers advertised their products as maintenance free. Eventually there were some class action lawsuits that followed once homeowners found that these products were not maintenance free.
Can you walk on wood decking barefoot?
Also the wood is not hot to walk on barefoot like most plastic decking materials. This makes them some of the best choices for boat dock materials. If you plan to build your new boat dock with one of these hardwood species you can save significantly by using short length boards.
Can you leave the dock to gray?
Can be left to gray for the ultimate low maintenance dock
Does pressure treated pine have splinters?
The pressure treated pine boat dock above has weathered severely. Additionally the wood has splinters all over and is rotted in parts that had seen more water.
The right wood can make a great boat dock
Not all wood is suitable for a boat dock project, but certain types offer the durability that you will need if the structure is going to withstand waves of water and, likely, the occasional bump or rub here and there.
VW Docks uses western red cedar wood
At VW Docks, our top choice for wood that is going to be used for a boat dock or for boat dock decking is western red cedar wood.
Western red cedar wood is beautiful
When you are trying to select a wood for any type of dock project, appearance and color are going to be very important. It’s that physical aesthetic that makes wood such a popular choice for these types of projects, after all.
Western red cedar is durable
The other primary benefit of western red cedar also lends itself directly to docks. It’s very tough and durable.
We are experts when it comes to wood boat docks
If you are in the market for a new or improved wood boat dock, then give us a call here at VW Docks. We have been building sectional wood docks since 1959. We are constantly tweaking our design to make sure it is the absolute best possible.
What is the best decking for a dock?
Depending on the use and size of your dock you may consider the following decking options: 1 Treated Wood Decking — Cost-effective proven deck option. 2 Duxxbak Decking — Premium, water-resistant decking material 3 Composite Decking (iDeck) — Strong, long lasting, and beautiful. 4 Radius Edge Deck Lumber — Radius edge decking has a rounded edge to give your dock softer edges and a more comfortable feel. 5 IPE or Other Exotic Hardwoods — Exceptionally durable and provides a unique upgraded look.
What is the best material for docks?
Treated Wood is the most preferred material for docks. Choose the right treatment level depending on the kind of water you are building in: Fresh water: A minimum of .60 pcf pressure treated wood. Saltwater: 2.5 pcf pressured treated wood (or higher) is required.
What is a boat house with deck and dock built with?
Boat house with deck and dock built with treated lumber and square pilings.
What is a floating dock?
Floating Dock. Floating docks are great for areas where the water level changes often and/or the water is deep. In most cases floating docks stay in the water year around. A variety of shapes are possible when planning and building a floating dock, such as “I”, “U”, “T”, “H” and “L”.
Why do boats have wheels on their docks?
The wheels make it easy to remove the dock whenever necessary. Icy waters that freeze frequently are the main reasons for a wheeled dock.
How to contact Duxxbak decking?
Or call us about Duxxbak decking at (800) 716-0636 TOLL FREE.
Is it better to hire a dock builder or an experienced contractor?
Hiring an experienced contractor might be the easier and safer way to go. We may be able to connect you with a professional dock builder in your area.
