Building Your Own Dock. Sam Merriam

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       Above the treetops at my store, water is near in every direction.

      So that you’re not on a wild goose chase, I’ve limited the material requirements to what you would expect is on hand at your local building supply along with specialty dock components that, if not found at a local retailer, can be easily found online. Where codes and conditions require heavy pilings to be driven, I recommend that you hire that part out to a qualified marine contractor, just as you would likely hire a concrete foundation contractor for the house you plan to build. Once your marine contractor has left you with pre-installed heavy pilings, follow my step-by-step instructions to build your heavy dock or pier upon them.

      In upcoming chapters, I’ve presented four classifications of docks that you can build using wood:

      • fixed,

      • floating,

      • fixed to floating,

      • rolling portable.

      With each one, I’ll provide a summary of the benefits and a description of the types of environments where they are suited for use. I’ve included a special chapter about the nature of tidal waters and rivers with some important advisories to consider for docks in these places. I will also help you complete a site survey where you will learn my approach to decisions such as choosing the best location for a dock on the property, choosing the best classification or type of dock, the size limits, and distance the dock should extend out. Along with it constituting your mapped-out plan, the site survey exercise will help to separate your good ideas from bad ones, cement the good ideas into actions, and thwart a bad decision from coming to fruition. Finally, this guidebook would not be complete without tips for installing your dock into the water, where the dock will be a splash. Each classification of dock has its own details for setup that follows its construction details. Begin with the Special Safety Measures (right column) before you take to the shore with your project.

       With the help of specialty dock components, DIYers connect two sections of floating dock together.

      Even after you’ve completed your project with the help from this book, much of the information covered will not become obsolete, making this book a relevant resource for many years to come. For as long as you and your family have anything to do with docks, keep this book handy for future reference.

       Special Safety Measures

      From start to finish, operating safely is the most important objective through the process for any project. I always encourage people to follow the safety precautions that come with any of the equipment you’ll be using. From my years of working on docks, hearing about or bearing witness to human failures, I want to share with you some precautions specific to working on or around the water.

      • When it’s strength you lack, someone should “have your back.” Objects too heavy for you deserve patience and additional help.

      • Even the best swimmer should wear a life vest when working where the water’s deep. Have you ever tread water with work boots on? I hope you’ll never have to.

      • Seatbelts saves lives; safety glasses saves eyes. Eye injuries are caused by the “darndest” things—the thing you weren’t expecting.

      • Sandals are shoddy shoes for doing dock work. Covering your bases means covering your feet.

      • Know where you’re stepping. On the golf course, try for a hole in one. On the jobsite, don’t be the one in the hole.

       Most of the dock methods featured in this book are comprised of portable, standard-size sections.

      • Good gloves means glad hands. Be prepared—you may not know entirely what your hands will get into.

      • On the pond or pool, the fool holds a corded tool. Stick with cordless tools when near or over water.

      • When there is lightning about, it’s time to clear out. I know the job is important to you, but so is your life.

      • Overhead and under feet, no power line is safe to meet. Be aware of all electrical lines near your work. Sometimes it’s easy to assume there is none near the water—you should never assume.

      • If it’s windy and choppy, the dock work is sloppy. Choose your time of day wisely. The work goes much better when conditions are calm.

      • Onlookers are obstacles. We can’t blame them for wanting to watch, just keep them at a safe distance.

      • Critters count. Always treat wildlife and pets with respect. Their safety is important too.

      • Buddies are the best. Working alone leaves no one to help if you get into trouble.

      • Is your equipment right or will it bite? Make sure your tools are all in good working order and safe to use.

      • Secure the scene. Leaving your jobsite on the fly, considers not the passerby. Defuse all traps before you go, moor what matters the wind could blow. For the short time you’re away could make or break someone’s day.

       CHAPTER 1:

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