I need a roll-in dock. I would prefer to use composite decking on the aluminum frame, but am thinking the span between supports will be too great for the composites (4′-0″). Standard products use 2x cedar, or aluminum plank. The cedar is a bit bouncy- this is not like standard deck building. The aluminum plank is pricey. It is necessary to keep it light, or I would just use Ipe.
In your vast experience, would a composite deck product work?
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In my half-vast experience, I think the aluminum is the way to go--it's what I used for my dock. It's light and strong, and won't rust or splinter. Composite decking is heavy. Not as heavy as Ipe, but not far off either.
Does that aluminum get hot?
Warm, but bearable. It's mill finish so it reflects much of the radiation and it's a good conductor so it gives the heat back to the air.
Thanks much!
Make the decking into removable panels that are held in place with just a few SS screws. I did it for my wheel in/out dock and was thrilled with the end result. I had 5' X 26' of dock made out of 2 X 8 PT and galv hardware. Made the panels out of 5/4 red cedar. There was no bounce at all when all the legs were lowered and pounded into the lake bed.
If I was to build another, I'd think about bar joists. Someone not polished on their boat docking skills could hurt that aluminum frame work.
Ditto on the weight factor
Edited 5/18/2007 4:41 pm ET by RobWes