A dock that’s ignored will eventually let you down, literally. Slippery boards, creeping rot, and wobbly nails don’t wait for an invitation; they just show up.
This article walks you through what your dock needs based on what it’s made of, how to clean it, and how to keep it sturdy through every season. Whether your dock is wood, composite, or hardwood with a chip on its shoulder, you’ll learn how to keep it ready for bare feet, cannonballs, and everything in between.
Know Your Dock: What it’s Made of Matters
Some docks are like golden retrievers, easygoing and low-fuss. Others are more like fancy cats, beautiful but particular.
- Pressure-Treated Wood Docks: Affordable, dependable, and prone to soaking up moisture like a biscuit in gravy. If you don’t seal it once a year and watch for signs of mildew, that wood will start to soften and shift before you know it.
- Ipe and Other Hardwoods: Strong as a linebacker and good-looking to boot, but they need a bit of pampering. A gentle cleaning and an oil rub once a year will keep the color deep and the structure tight.
- Composite Docks: These are your no-drama planks, less fuss than real wood but not completely hands-off. Scrub them twice a year and keep debris out of the joints so they don’t become a snack bar for mold.
General Dock Maintenance Tips That Actually Work
A little attention throughout the year keeps your dock from becoming a summer disappointment. None of these takes all day, but they sure help your dock age gracefully.
- Cleaning Your Dock: Dirt, bird droppings, and algae show up like they own the place. Use a stiff brush, a bucket of soap, and skip the heavy-duty pressure washer unless you want to shred the surface.
- Sanding and Staining Your Dock: Boards start to splinter and fade faster than a beach towel in August. A light sanding followed by a stain that’s built for marine life keeps things looking sharp and feeling smooth.
- Sealing: This is your dock’s raincoat and bug spray all in one. A good sealant keeps water from creeping in and pests from making themselves at home.
Keep It Clean Without Messing Up the Water
Your dock is a guest in the ecosystem, not the host. What you clean your dock with matters just as much as how often you clean.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions: A simple mix of white vinegar and olive oil works wonders without turning your dock into a chemical crime scene. You can also find biodegradable soaps made for use around lakes and rivers.
- Protecting Marine Life: Keep sanding dust and sealant drips from hitting the water. Lay down tarps or catch cloths and never rinse anything into the lake.
Seasonal Dock Maintenance That Actually Makes a Difference
What works in June won’t cut it in January. Smart dock owners stay one season ahead of trouble.
- Preparing for Winter: Remove ladders, loose boards, and anything else Jack Frost might chew on. Inspect joints, bolts, and pilings before the first freeze so your dock doesn’t wake up in pieces come spring.
- Spring Readiness: Winter hides problems under the surface. Walk every inch, tighten anything that wiggles, and replace cracked or warped boards before someone’s flip-flop gets caught.
Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Skip
You wouldn’t walk into a barn without checking for nails. Your dock deserves the same respect.
- Inspecting Structural Integrity: Look for popped nails, soft spots, and boards that don’t sit flush. These are the warning signs that something underneath may be giving out.
- Proper Use of Tools: Pressure washers can peel paint off a truck if misused. Keep the PSI low, wear gloves, and don’t mix water and power tools without a healthy dose of caution.
Year-Round Dock Care, Done for You by Summertime Deck & Dock
Summertime Deck & Dock offers a dock maintenance program that takes the guesswork out of upkeep. Our team performs thorough inspections, handles cleanups, and keeps your dock storm-ready all year long. With priority service and expert eyes on every board, you can relax while we handle the hard part. Learn how this program can save you time, money, and weekend stress.
