Some time ago we posted about the latest news in dock technology, polymer-encased dock pilings. After reading further into all the information available it seems as though plastics are making a real ‘splash’ around the docks as well. In particular, the new plastic drive-on docks and plastic decking materials are becoming popular.
For standing docks, new plastic decking materials are now offered by many companies. Plastic will not rot, split, crack, splinter, or need to be replaced as often as wood. Plastic will never need to be painted, stained, sanded or waterproofed and has a long lifespan.
According to ez-docks.com: In addition to causing less damage to boats and personal watercraft than other materials, there are many benefits of plastic docks. Consider the following characteristics before purchasing a plastic dock for your shoreline:
- Costs: Plastic decking and docks are often highly durable and portable, making them a very cost-effective option. Their low maintenance requirements can save you money over time.
- Durability: One of the greatest parts of having a plastic floating dock is its toughness and strength. They can withstand different conditions and water environments without rotting or decaying.
- Versatility: A plastic dock can expand and reconfigure to meet your shoreline’s requirements. They are often portable and easy to redesign to adapt to all your needs.
- Treatment: An advantage of choosing a plastic dock is not having to worry about treating the surface to maintain its durability.
- Maintenance: Plastic decking and docks are typically low maintenance. A heavy rainstorm can effectively wash away dirt, and you can easily replace any damaged parts.
- Environmental impact: As long as a plastic dock is installed correctly and free of any dangerous chemical coatings that can leach into the water, they are usually environmentally friendly and do not disturb wildlife.
In addition to plastic/synthetic, there is also composite decking made from a blend of plastic and wood fibers. When you choose this type of decking, you can enjoy the look as well as the low maintenance and durability for years to come.
So if you’re building your first dock at Smith Mountain Lake, replacing your existing dock, or just want to upgrade what you already have, it might be interesting to look into synthetics or composites and see if they could be an option for you!
