Choosing a dock can be an overwhelming process, but Jack Docks is making this easy. Though there are countless dock options and the ability to customize your dock to fit your personal lakeside needs, you can select dock packages from the most popular selections to streamline the shopping process. Simply select the options from our “How To Choose a Dock” interactive menu and we will find a dock that works for you! Read below to help make your menu option decisions!
1. FRAME Jack Docks offers two styles of dock frames: Truss Docks and Floating Docks. Truss Docks feature a tall zigzag-shaped framework engineered for strength and aerodynamics in wind and waves. These frames are made for leg supports and are bolted together allowing for great versatility. Floating Docks feature a lower profile frame which can bring you closer to the water and they are supported by foam-filled float drums under the dock. These frames are fully welded units designed to eliminate bulk and allow for endless configurations.
2. SUPPORTS: While Floating Docks are supported by floats, Truss Docks are supported by either Jack Supports or Pipe Supports. Jack Docks are easy to adjust with the screw leg supports and are best for water depths under 5 feet deep and fluctuating water. These innovative dock legs are easy to use while standing on the dock and feature a sleek platform-level support. Pipe Docks are supported by galvanized round pipes and are optimal for deeper water or applications that do not require much height adjustment. Floating docks have options to be secured with anchors or pilings, but we do not carry the anchors, chains, cables, pilings, or braces. The Floating Dock packages will not include either anchors or pilings but most include sleeves, which are used to secure the dock.
3. SHAPE: The shape of your dock depends on its intended use. The simple dock that gets the job done would have a straight shape, while the customer who needs extra recreational or seating space at the end of the dock will choose a dock with a Patio. A patio is an added modular dock section that can be assembled on the right or left side of the dock and you can choose a Double Patio or T-Shaped Dock for two extra sections for the ultimate 8x12ft space at the lake end of your dock. These orientations are especially stabilizing shapes for Floating Docks. Many customers have other great ideas for shapes with slips, fingers, and turns, which are all possible with our DIY Dock Sections as an additional section or contact Customer Service for help with complicated designs.
4. LENGTH: Choose a dock length that allows you to reach the water depth that is needed for your boating or swimming preferences. Sometimes an 8ft Dock will allow you enough water depth for your motor to be clear of the lake bottom and often you will need 64 feet to barely get by. This depends on the water depth. Generally, if the depth of your water at the end of your dock is less than 5 feet, then most Jack Docks will work great at that length. If the water depth is less than 7 feet, then most Pipe Docks will work great at that length. If your water depth is deeper than 7 feet, you will need a Floating Dock at that length. Some other important considerations are the length of your boat(s), length restrictions dictated by governing authorities, and how much space there is for storage.
5. DECKING: Jack Docks offers three styles of decking panels: Cedar, Poly, and Aluminum. Cedar Decking is a naturally rot- and insect- resistant hardwood surface. Western Red Cedar boards are kiln-dried, premium wood boards which are glued and screwed into panels, and ready for sealing. Poly Decking is a plastic decking board molded with thru-flow holes to allow wind and water to pass through and reinforced with aluminum slats for strength. The boards are assembled together with stringers to make a premium no-maintenance decking surface. Aluminum Decking is an extruded aluminum board with ribs and a gritty powder coat for slip protection. The top coat of this maintenance-free for life decking surface is a wood grain finish with two attractive and natural looking color options. Choose cedar for the natural product and price point, poly for the cool surface and thru-flow technology, and aluminum for the life span and ability to easily transport. Once you select your options from the interactive menu, click View Your Dock to find the pricing of the dock package you selected and more information about that dock package! For more assistance in selecting a dock, contact Customer Service to speak with one of our dock experts.
