Instructions / Assembly

Build your dock section using 2” x 6” boards according to the supplied lumber list. It’s also
suggested to choose ground contact pressure-treated lumber if available.
You may use 2” x 8” for sub-structure: the dock will be heavier...and more stable but
beware of the steel corners height to free the anchor chain plate hole.
If you want to modify your suggested dock size, here is how to calculate the lumber:
> Side pieces: desired dock length
> Inside joist(s): dock length minus 3-1/4’’
> End pieces: desired dock width minus 3-1/4’’
> Float supports: dock width
> Decking boards: dock width
> Girts (optional): take measurements between inside joists
and beams (start by installing the side girts)
> Our floating dock kits are designed with the right amount of floats for suggested the dock size (+/- 25 lbs/sq.ft.).
If you enlarge it, you might need to get more floats of the same height to keep its buoyancy accurate.
> If you plan to make your decking with 5/4” x 6” planks instead of 2” x 6”, make sure to have inside joists at ±16” or it
will flex under heavy people.
> Apply a protection on board end fresh cuts if you choose treated wood
Saw
Hammer
Tape measure
Multi-bit screwdriver
Cordless Drill with drill bits
7/16” for 3/8’’ bolts &
9/16’’ for 1/2’’ bolts
9/16” and 3/4” wrenches
> Always wear approved pesonal safety protection
> Do not use corded electrical tools in or near water
> Keep children and pets clear of work area during assembly
> A wood dock is a heavy construction. Make sure to have enough people to help
you during the assembly and the installation.
Help Line : 1-800-585-1237 l [e-mail]
BUILD - ENJOY - SHARE
ASSEMBLY OF A WOODEN DOCK
Please refer to the “How To Build a Wood Dock in 4 Steps”
for detailled information
Our Dock Kits usually includeds 2 sizes of carriage bolts and 4 in. lag bolts:
> the smaller carriage bolts (3/8” Dia.) are to be installed with steel hardware that has 7/16” holes
(usually Joist Corner Brackets and Plates);
> the bigger ones (1/2” Dia.) with all the rest of the steel hardware (with 9/16’’ holes);
> the lag bolts and their super sized flat washers are used to install the floats (don‘t overtighten!)
You will use 4 on the 48 in. long floats, and 6, on the 60 in. long ones.
Some of our dock kits do not include the wood screws. If it’s your case, get #10 x 3” treated wood
screws, the same ones that you would get for a wooden patio.
> Use 2 screws
per beam junctions before the installation of reinforcement steel corners. Install at
least 2 screws on decking boards at every inside joist location and on side beams. You can pre-drill.
> The float supports will also be installed underneath the dock frame using these wood screws.
For some kits, the hinges are sold separately. Consider getting them before starting the dock
assembly as they will ideally be combined with inside corners. Anchor chain plates and leg holders
also can use the steel corners as reinforcement for a sturdier and long lasting assembly (instead
of just back plates).
REQUIRED TOOLS
> For heavy floating dock, add the decking boards in the water after sliding it on its floats
over some boards on the ground.
> As the hinges will create a gap between floating dock sections, consider adding a piece of 2x6
between the 2 sets of hinges (leaving space to allow the installation and removal of the hinge pins).
This will partly fill the gap and limit the rocking of the docks. NOT to be installed between floating
and semi-floating sections.
SAFETY FIRST
INCLUDED IN A DOCK KIT
TIPS OF THE PROS
CUSTOMIZING YOUR DOCK STRUCTURE