Floating Dock Types: How to Choose Which One to Buy | PolyDock Products

Over the years, floating docks have won the favor of waterfront property owners thanks to their versatility, adaptability, and ease of ownership. Below, we’ll break down the most common types of floating docks to help you choose the optimal solution for your unique environment and needs. 

Buyer's Guide to Floating Docks

Most floating docks utilize a pontoon design, with buoyant structures (often made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE)) supporting a frame and decking system. These docks typically combine materials like aluminum, wood, plastic resins, or composites to balance durability and aesthetics. For instance, ShoreMaster floating docks feature HDPE floats, aluminum frames, and composite, plastic, or aluminum decking options. 

Those who prefer a more natural aesthetic often use wooden decking, while heavy-duty applications, such as marinas and other commercial establishments, may opt for concrete. At PolyDock, we take an innovative approach to floating docks, utilizing modular, rotationally-molded HDPE floating dock sections that integrate the flotation, frame, and decking into a seamless structure that creates a cohesive, low-maintenance dock capable of performing reliably in a wide range of marine environments.  

Types of Floating Docks: A Complete Overview

Aluminum, wood, composites, and rotomolded plastic resins each offer unique floating dock benefits and trade-offs in terms of performance, appearance, and upkeep. Here’s a quick overview to help guide your decision:

• Wood: Often constructed from pressure-treated lumber or hardwoods, wooden floating docks offer a classic and natural aesthetic that blends well with most waterfront environments. While they are generally more affordable than their aluminum or HDPE counterparts, they require regular sealing and staining to prevent rot, warping, and splintering. 

• Aluminum: Many modern floating dock systems utilize marine-grade aluminum due to its lightweight, structural strength, and corrosion resistance. The ShoreMaster FTS9, for example, features a precision-molded aluminum frame, premium decking options, and rotomolded flotation (ShoreMaster, 2024). The result is a stylish, versatile, and robust docking solution.

• Plastic (Polyethylene/HDPE): HDPE floating docks like PolyDock can last well over 30 years due to their unique molecular structure and chemical properties, which enable them to resist rot, corrosion, UV damage, and water absorption. While the upfront costs can be considerably higher than wood, their long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective investment over time. 

• PVC: Made from a blend of plastic and wood fibers, premium PVC decking materials offer excellent resistance to rot, corrosion, and UV damage while maintaining a polished aesthetic. The best composite materials are lightweight, waterproof, and have excellent fade resistance (Reddit, 2019).  

• Concrete: Concrete floating docks are the preferred choice for commercial and industrial applications due to their robust structural integrity and longevity. Their high-density composition makes them incredibly resistant to environmental stressors, including extreme weather conditions, fluctuating water levels, and heavy loads.

Ultimately, your personal preferences and what you value most will influence your choice. Whether you prioritize natural beauty, long-term durability, or low-maintenance performance, there’s a floating dock solution to match.

Pros and Cons of Each Dock Type

Like most things, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to floating dock materials. Each offers distinct advantages and potential drawbacks depending on your location, intended use, and aesthetic preferences. 

Wooden Floating Docks

Wood provides natural charm and a warm, inviting aesthetic, making it a popular choice for residential waterfronts. However, it requires consistent maintenance to preserve its integrity and prevent deterioration over time.

Pros:

• Natural, classic aesthetic

• Lower upfront costs

Cons:

• Requires regular sealing, staining, or painting to mitigate weather damage

• Vulnerable to rot, warping, and splintering, especially in humid or saltwater environments

• Shorter lifespan compared to modern alternatives

Aluminum Floating Docks

Aluminum floating docks offer an excellent balance of durability, lightweight construction, and design flexibility, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial waterfronts. 

Pros:

• Excellent corrosion resistance makes them suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments

• Aluminum’s lightweight properties make them easy to transport, install, remove, and reconfigure

• Compatible with various decking options, including composite, wood, and PVC 

Cons:

• More expensive than wood

• Aluminum decking can feel hot underfoot in direct sunlight or become slippery during wet or icy conditions

HDPE / Rotomolded Plastic Docks 

HDPE and rotomolded plastic docks are designed for exceptional longevity, resilience, and ease of use, making them an excellent choice for residential floating docks and commercial applications.

Pros:

• Integrated structure reduces the number of moving parts and potential points of failure

• Virtually maintenance-free

• Modular design allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration
  
  

Cons:

• Higher initial investment

• Limited “natural” aesthetic compared to wood

PVC / Composite Docks

Often used as a decking surface rather than a full dock system, PVC and composite materials are a practical choice for homeowners and marinas seeking an upgrade from traditional wood.

Pros:

• Lightweight

• Fade-resistant and color-stable

• Wide range of color options

Cons:

• Composite decking can be a mixed bag for floating docks. While other brands offer fully capped boards that better resist moisture, many composites—especially those with partially exposed cores—can swell, delaminate, and fail over time when exposed to water and freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete Floating Docks

Concrete docks are built to withstand extreme use and conditions, making them ideal for commercial or industrial applications. 

Pros:

• Extremely stable and weight-bearing

• Resistant to storms, boat traffic, and environmental wear

• Very long lifespan

Cons:

• Heavy and difficult to install or relocate

• High cost and significant infrastructure requirements

• Might be impractical for most residential applications

Ultimately, the best floating docks provide the perfect balance of durability, aesthetics, cost, and long-term maintenance.

Choosing a Floating Dock Based on Location and Use

Not all floating docks are suited for every environment or application. Saltwater locations, for example, demand materials that resist corrosion, such as marine-grade aluminum or HDPE. Meanwhile, areas with frequent wave activity or boat traffic may benefit from heavier, more stable systems like concrete.

Seasonal use also plays a role. If you plan to remove your dock in the off-season, lightweight, modular systems are easier to disassemble and store. Whether you’re outfitting a quiet lakeside home or a busy waterfront business, your dock choice should match both the demands of the water and the way you plan to use it.

What to Consider Before Buying a Floating Dock

Aside from material and environmental factors, choosing the right floating dock also comes down to practical considerations like budget, expected lifespan, and how much customization you want. For instance, while wooden docks come with lower upfront costs, HDPE or aluminum systems often offset the initial investment with fewer repairs and a longer service life. 

If you plan to accessorize with features like ladders, bumpers, kayak racks, or furniture, be sure your dock system supports modular add-ons and flexible layouts. Take time to weigh short-term savings against long-term performance, and invest in a dock system that can adapt to your evolving needs and lifestyle requirements. 

Why PolyDock Floating Docks Stand Out

The reliability and durability of PolyDock systems are rooted in their rotationally molded construction from marine-grade polyethylene. The rotational molding process creates a single, seamless piece without joints or weak points, making the dock resistant to cracking, warping, or splintering. (RotoMold USA, n.d.). Aside from being able to withstand challenging marine environments, this robust construction results in a dock system that’s virtually maintenance-free. 

Meanwhile, PolyDock’s modular design lets you tailor dock layouts to your unique needs and preferences. You can add sections to form L, T, or U-shaped docks and create designated areas for various activities. And, with a wide range of boat dock accessories, including furniture, watersport racks, ramps, and gangways, you can create a waterfront haven tailored to your unique lifestyle.  

Compare Floating Dock Types at a Glance

Ready to Buy? How to Get Started with PolyDock

Ready to experience the PolyDock floating docks difference? Contact us today to discuss your requirements, request a quote, or find an authorized dealer near you. 

FAQs

Are floating docks safe and stable in rough water conditions?

Floating docks are most suitable for small lakes and protected bays. If your shoreline is routinely

exposed to boat wakes or large waves, a floating dock may not be the most appropriate dock for your

situation.

How do I know which type of floating dock is best for my lake or shoreline?

Examine factors like water depth, shoreline slope, and bottom composition to determine the most compatible dock and anchoring system. Then, consider your intended use. Do you need a sturdy platform for mooring a boat, a leisure area for swimming and enjoying the view, or all three?

Better yet, get in touch with local dock dealers and installers. Their intimate understanding of the local conditions enables them to recommend the best solution for specific waterfront environments. 

References:

• ShoreMaster (November 21, 2024). Why the Infinity FTS9 Dock Is the Best Floating Boat Dock for Winter. Retrieved from https://www.shoremaster.com/about-shoremaster/news-events/articles/floating-boat-dock-winter-infinity-fts9-floating-dock-for-winter/ 

• Reddit r/HomeImprovement (2019). Ever built a dock with composite material? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/bij3ds/ever_built_a_dock_with_composite_material_id/ 

• RotoMold USA (n.d.). What is Rotational Molding? Retrieved from https://rotomoldusa.com/rotomold/#:~:text=Definition,slowly%2C%20both%20vertically%20and%20horizontally. 

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