How to Install Floating Docks

The difficulty level of installing a floating dock can vary greatly depending on how you want it installed. There are many options to consider when deciding which option is best for you. Options to consider include installing the floating dock to an existing fixed-position dock, to another floating dock, along the shoreline or as a free-floating entity. Any of these options will work for tidal waters or areas where the water level changes by season. The actual manner in which these docks will be installed can vary depending on the company you buy your dock from, so double-check the manufacturer's instructions.

Things You'll Need

  • Floating dock
  • Metal pilings
  • Screws
  • Brackets
  • Pipe hoops
  • Piling hoops
  • Dock cleats
  • Rope (marine-quality)
  • Slide assemblies
  • Auger
  • Anchors
  • Chain
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Instructions

  1. To an Existing Fixed Dock

    • 1

      Attach pipe pilings to the side of the existing dock according the manufacturer's recommendations. (It will usually involve screwing a bracket the existing wood piling.) The new pilings will help keep the floating dock in place, while allowing the dock to move with the water level. You may also want to drive the metal pipe pilings down into the seabed for added stability. Because the new pilings are just used to keep the dock from moving side to side and they are attached to the existing dock, you only have to drive them in deep enough so there is no lateral movement. As a general rule, you should avoid using this type of piling in waters deeper than 12 feet.

    • 2

      Slide pipe hoops down over the top of the pipe pilings.

    • 3

      Attach pipe hoops to the side of the floating dock. A few designs are available with some specifically for the middle of the dock and some for the ends of floating docks. The manner of attaching the pipe hoops will vary depending on the manufacturer.

    • 4

      Use heavy-duty piling hoops to attach the floating dock directly to the existing fixed dock. These hoops can either slide over the top of the existing pilings of the fixed dock, or attach by snapping around pilings below the decking.

    To Another Floating Dock

    • 5

      Attach cleats to each of the floating docks by driving screws down through the handles into the dock.

    • 6

      Tie off the docks with rope by wrapping the rope securely around each of the cleats. You may also want to add bumpers to each of the docks. This is an inexpensive and quick fix to connect two floating docks.

    • 7

      Attach slide assemblies to the docks. Slide assemblies are a piece of hardware that attach the two docks while giving the docks a fixed point. The slide assemblies work similarly to pipe hoops once attached to the docks and are able to slide along pilings. They are attached along the shared edge of the two docks. The amount needed and how they are attached vary depending on the manufacturer and type of docks being connected. Screws or bolts are the most common options, though.

    Along the Shoreline

    • 8

      Determine where you will be placing your dock and drive metal pilings into the seabed. Because you are installing a floating dock that is not supporting any weight, the pilings only need to be inserted far enough so they do not show any lateral movement. It is a good idea to go farther once you reach that point, though. The amount of piling you keep above the water varies by the recommendations of the manufacturer of your floating dock. You may wish to use an auger to help install the pilings and make sure they are sturdy.

    • 9

      Slide pipe hoops over the pilings, then attach the hoops to the floating dock with screws. Alternatively, you could start with the hoops attached and drive the pilings vertically down through the hoops.

    • 10

      Slide a piece of PVC pipe over the metal piling for cosmetic purposes.