Most Common Wood Used in Docks

Josh Richards • Nov 18, 2022

The Most Common Wood Used in Docks

There are many choices for dock materials. Wood is the best option if you want a strong boat dock that looks great. Wood is a popular choice for lakefront property owners for many reasons. Wood's natural beauty is what makes it a popular choice. Wood can withstand any punishment from water bodies or lakes if properly sealed and treated.

Wood is the best material to build a dock. However, many struggles with choosing suitable wood for their boat docks. Here are some tips to help you select the suitable wood for your dock-building project.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Dock Wood

How much are you ready to spend?

Wood is the best choice when it comes to wood boat docks. When you're planning to choose a suitable wood, consider how much you can afford. Expensive wood doesn't necessarily last longer than inexpensive wood. So don't think that the most costly wood would last the longest.
Ask friends and family about the best affordable wood for the dock. Also, look at the internet and go to the market to get the best prices quotes.

Consider the weather before buying the wood.

Weather conditions broadly impact the wood. If you choose the wrong wood, it may not last long. Choose the wood that best matches the local weather. 

Avoid buying woods most loved by insects.

Insects love eating and living in the woods. Some woods are more prone to insect infestations. Carefully buy woods least attracted by insects. And don't forget to apply stain and sealer on the wood.

Common Woods for Docks

Docks are more exposed to water than decks and fences. Buy a wood that protects the best from water and moisture.

Here is a list of the four-best woods for wood boat docks.

Pressure-Treated Pines

Pine is a softwood tree. Pressure-treated pine rots quickly if it isn't properly maintained. Softwood trees are susceptible to insects, mold, fungi, and algae growth. However, regular maintenance can become costly over time.

The most common wood used for boat docks is pressure-treated pine. It is affordable, and most people love its low initial installation cost. Pressure-treated pine can last up to 20 years if it is properly maintained.

This wood type needs to be maintained at an annual level. To prevent water saturation, the wood should be stained and sealed with a suitable product every year.

Cedar Wood

Cedar, despite being a softwood, is an upgrade to pressure-treated pine. Cedar is not susceptible to rot, unlike pine. You can still use a water sealer every year to slow down the rotting process. Cedar has a 25-year life expectancy. Cedar can be stained.

The good thing about this wood is that it doesn't get too hot even when exposed to UV rays.

Like any other wood, it also comes with several drawbacks. Cedar requires annual maintenance with a waterproofing sealer. It can also develop knots and splints as time passes.

Exotic Hardwood Dock Materials

Some South American hardwood trees are more durable than cedar and pine and can last up to 75 years. Exotic woods such as Ipe, Garapa, and Massaranduba are all popular choices for boat docking. They are resistant to rot, wood-boring insects, mildew, and mold. They cannot be harvested sustainably.

They are more robust than softwoods so they won't deteriorate quickly. Because they don't absorb heat as much as cedar or plastic materials, they are safe to be barefoot. Exotic hardwood, like cedar, can be modified and refinished. These materials have one drawback: they are expensive to start with. These materials require frequent oiling to keep their color.

Composite Wood

Composite materials are not known for being maintenance-free, although this is a myth. Composite wood manufacturers advertise these materials as being maintenance-free. There are no maintenance-free wood products. Composite dock materials are popular for many reasons, including their uncertain reputation.

Composite wood is durable. Composite is also "green," so it suits people who want to use eco-friendly materials. Composite boards are made from a mix of wood and recycled plastics. You can also choose from various color options and smooth/grain finishes because it is a manufactured material.

Composite wood for boat docks is not as durable as wood decking. It is dense and heavy, making installation difficult, especially if the deck is floating. They can also get hot during hot seasons, which makes them uncomfortable walking barefoot in summer.

The plastic coating protects the wood-vulnerable core of some composite wood. It is a good choice for protecting wood, but plastic can be slippery, making it less suitable for decks that are regularly in contact with water, like boat docks.

What Wood is Best for Building a Dock?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada says that the best wood boards to build a dock from are red cedar, redwood, and cypress. For permanent dock piles and dock cribs, you should use more durable hardwoods like Douglas fir, tamarack, and hemlock.