Replies

1. 
   fdampier5 | Feb 27, 2004 03:25am | #1

   two questions come to mind.

     first do you need to remove this dock for the winter? , if so then go with cedar.  trex is much heavier than cedar as is almost everything except cedar and the requirement to carry stuff off the lake when it freezes means it's cedar or suffer the resulting backaches..

1. 
   thaisch | Feb 27, 2004 03:44am | #2

   The dock will be permanent. I'm thinking that cedar will split and with bare feet I don't want slivers ect. that is the reason for trex style decking material.

2. 
   EricPaulson | Feb 27, 2004 04:00am | #3

   I would seriously look into having these made. I lived on a lake for a short while and the difference between homemade and store bought is VERY significant especially when it comes to strength and longevity.

   At least locate a supplier for fittings and brackets. These thing will take a beating but good!!

   Eric

3. 
   calvin | Feb 27, 2004 04:27am | #4

   remember that trex as well as many of the composites get hotter to the bare feet than a natural product. 

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   MGMaxwell | Feb 27, 2004 06:09am | #5

   Hotter is not my experience in Florida with Trex. The lack of splinters and the smooth rounded over edges are nice on my dainty little trotters.

1. 
   calvin | Feb 27, 2004 07:06am | #6

   must be point of reference.  Here in ohio I would call it hot. Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   MGMaxwell | Mar 03, 2004 11:56pm | #8

   You're right, it must be a point of reference. I spent the first fourteen years of my life in Canton, Ohio, and I saw the sun five times.

1. 
   calvin | Mar 04, 2004 12:25am | #10

   That's is a shame.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

2. 
   jonblakemore | Mar 04, 2004 12:49am | #11

   You're right.

   14 years is a long time... 

   Jon Blakemore

2. 
   fdampier5 | Feb 29, 2004 05:25am | #7

   I have had a lifetime of docks and cedar is not prone to splinters.. I love to walk on mine barefoot in the summer and have never recieved a splinter..  smooth rounded over edges are standard when you get deck boards.. the wood gets a nice soft grey patina and feels comfortable underfoot but if you want a plastic based decking go ahead..  

      I hear some people evan put plastic siding on the sides of their house..  a plastic dock? why not?  This is going into a trailer park isn't it?  Should fit right in!

4. 
   user-222107 | Mar 04, 2004 12:21am | #9

   In Seattle check out:

   http://www.waterfrontconstruction.com/

   They are a great company that does fabulous work.  They can handle the permiting, design & construction or can supply you with materials.   Are you on Lake Tapps?  Make sure you have all the permits.  The link above has links to gov websites for information on permiting & other requirements.

   As far as material?  Go with the Cedar.  After 25 years of hard waterskiing on Lake Wash and seeing/walking on many docks cedar is the best choice.  The bird crap drys and blows off faster, less slippery, no splinters (if using deck rated/finished lumber), & cooler in the sun.  Do not use pressure treated for the deck.  PT lumber is what splits and causes splinters.

   good luck and happy skiing.  I hope to start in a couple of weeks (brrrr).

5. 
   Sphere | Mar 04, 2004 04:33am | #12

   Ipe..that way when the storms hit it sinks and stays put, instead of floatin away.

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