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Why Your Waterfront Property Deserves a Full-Service Approach

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Owning waterfront property is about more than just having access to the water—you want a beautiful shoreline, a safe dock, and a reliable boat lift. All of these require planning and expertise. That’s where the value of a full-service approach comes in.

A full-service waterfront company doesn’t just build docks or seawalls in isolation. Instead, they look at the entire property. It’s about understanding the unique challenges of your shoreline. Then we can create solutions that complement one another. Plus, it all gets taken care of by one team. That’s the power we offer here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services!

One Team for Every Waterfront Project

Trying to coordinate multiple contractors for your waterfront can be a headache. There’s no reason to have one company handle the seawall and another manage the dock when you can get one full service team to do every project in sync. It’s always better to get solutions that work together.

With a full-service provider like Deaton’s Waterfront Services, everything is streamlined. Our team manages the entire project. From the initial designs to permitting and installation, we’ve got you covered. And because it’s all under one roof, the end result is a polished, functional waterfront designed for the way you want to use it.

Maximizing Safety, Stability, and Longevity

The water is always changing. Your shoreline has to stand up year after year, but without a holistic approach, safety can get overlooked. For example, a dock might look sturdy on the surface, but if it isn’t anchored correctly, you’ll eventually see shifting. What’s more, investing in a boat lift without considering water depth or seasonal fluctuations can mean it doesn’t function like it should. An experienced team won’t make those mistakes.

A full-service team considers every angle, including erosion control, traffic levels, water depth, wave action, and accessibility. This ensures your dock is secure. In the case of a seawall, it will be strong. And for boat lifts, they’ll work exactly as they should. The result? A property that’s safe for your family and guests to enjoy for decades. It means fewer repairs, lower long-term costs, and peace of mind every time you head out to the water.

Custom Solutions for Unique Properties

No two waterfronts are alike. A residential lakefront home will face different challenges than a busy marina. Even properties next door to each other may have completely different needs because of shoreline slope, depth, or wave exposure.

That’s why a full-service company is so valuable. At Deaton’s, we design solutions around your exact site and your specific goals. For homeowners, that might mean adding a floating dock that adjusts to fluctuating water levels. Then we can add in a kayak launch to make the shoreline more usable for the whole family, or a new seawall to prevent erosion. For municipalities or commercial clients, it might mean designing ADA-compliant fishing platforms, wide walkways, or expanded dock systems to handle higher traffic. Either way, we can get the job done.

By working with one team, you get a cohesive design that considers the future. That kind of foresight helps protect your property value and ensures your waterfront works great for your needs for years to come.

Partner with Deaton’s for a Smarter Approach

A full-service approach saves time and delivers better results. Instead of piecing together solutions, you get a coordinated plan that covers every detail. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, that’s exactly what we deliver. We bring decades of experience in designing, building, and maintaining custom waterfront projects. It’s all about giving you the reliability you need.

Whether you’re looking for a new custom dock, seawall, lift, or all of the above, we handle the entire process so you can focus on enjoying the water. Our team proudly serves clients across Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri. From residential lake homes to large commercial marinas and government projects, we deliver the same level of attention to detail. Come discover the difference of working with a full-service waterfront services company. Contact us today to get started!

From Concept to Completion: What to Expect with a Custom Dock Project

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A custom dock project takes planning and collaboration. With the right partner, the process can go along smoothly. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we guide clients through every stage of the journey, from the earliest designs to final installation, so you can focus on enjoying the fantastic end results.

The Planning Phase for a Custom Dock

One of the best parts of working with Deaton’s is that you don’t need to manage all the logistics on your own. We take care of the layout adjustments and feature recommendations to make sure your dock not only looks good but also lives up to your expectations for years to come.

Every successful dock project starts with careful planning. Understanding your site’s conditions—such as water depth, shoreline type, and wave activity—makes all the difference in choosing the right type of dock setup. This is where a proper site evaluation comes into play. We need to review your location to avoid costly mistakes and confirm that the dock will be built to last. We can make this process flexible by offering video consultations for design and repair needs. This allows clients to get expert advice quickly.

During planning we also want to think about how you plan to use the dock. A marina may require wide floating docks and ADA-compliant gangways, while a residential lakefront may be looking more for a smaller setup with fishing access or a kayak launch. Our in-house design team provides free renderings so you can visualize your dock before construction even begins. With detailed 2D layouts and 3D images, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Professional Dock Company Installation

When it comes to building a dock, professional installation makes all the difference in both performance and longevity. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we provide more than just materials—we deliver complete design, consultation, permitting, and installation services to give you a dock setup that’s safe, functional, and tailored to your needs.

Our Custom Floating Docks feature:

  • Multiple decking options, including wood, concrete, composite, PVC, aluminum, and thru-flow
  • A 12″ galvanized steel truss frame for maximum durability
  • Encapsulated dock flotation with a 25-year warranty
  • Galvanized bolts and screws for long-term resilience
  • Dimensional drawings and a full bill of materials
  • Optional accessories such as bumpers, cleats, ladders, dock boxes, and power pedestals

With decades of experience, our team can design the best anchoring system for your site to ensure your floating dock remains stable and reliable.

We also offer Custom Aluminum Frame Stationary Docks, which include:

  • A choice of decking styles (wood, composite, PVC, aluminum, or thru-flow)
  • Precision construction with galvanized steel anchors
  • Dimensional drawings and bill of materials for accuracy
  • Optional accessories such as bumpers, cleats, ladders, and benches

Whether floating or stationary, every dock is built to meet your unique shoreline conditions and usage requirements. With Deaton’s, you don’t just get materials—you get expert installation and long-term peace of mind.

Get Every Step Covered with Deaton’s

For many boating enthusiasts and waterfront property owners, the cold months seem to drag on as you wait for warm weather to return. But winter can still be productive—this is actually the perfect time to start planning your next dock or seawall project.

You get the benefit of time when you use the off-season to plan. Without the rush of peak boating season, you can carefully think through upgrades, review options, and make decisions without pressure. Then when spring arrives, your project can move forward right away.

At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we offer free consultations to help you get started. Our team can meet with you to evaluate your water type, available square footage, and long-term goals. From there, our design experts can create detailed renderings that bring your vision to life. By planning now you’ll be ready to enjoy a dock that’s built to last in no time.

EZ Dock for Kayaks and Paddleboards—Make Launching Easier and Safer

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Getting out on the water should be simple, but for many kayak and paddleboard users, the launch process can get a little tricky. Uneven terrain, slippery shorelines, and unstable conditions can make launching difficult—and sometimes even dangerous.

Without a proper setup, there’s an awkward balancing act. You have to get in and out of a kayak or paddleboard and risk getting wet or even falling. That’s where EZ Dock comes in. Their innovative floating dock systems and one-of-a-kind kayak launches are designed to bring stability and safety to the process. Whether you’re a recreational paddler or managing a busy rental program, EZ Dock offers a reliable solution for easier, safer access to the water.

What Sets EZ Dock Apart?

One of the most important differences with EZ Dock is how it addresses the unique needs of paddlers right from the start. Traditional docks aren’t made with kayaks and paddleboards in mind, but EZ Dock’s thoughtful design changes that entirely. The low-profile configuration means you’re closer to the water’s surface, making it far easier to enter or exit your boat or board without losing your balance—especially with the EZ Kayak Launch. You can even sit comfortably while preparing to launch, which is especially helpful for beginners or those with limited mobility.

The dock’s stability is another game-changer. Unlike traditional setups that shift or bounce with movement, EZ Dock offers a solid, slip-resistant platform that stays steady even when the water isn’t. With EZ Dock, you gain the peace of mind that your platform won’t suddenly tip or sway.

In addition to providing a better launching surface, EZ Dock is modular and highly customizable. The pieces can be configured to match your shoreline, giving you the flexibility to create a layout that works for your space—whether you’re adding a small launch to your backyard lake home or designing a full-access point for a public park. And because it’s a floating system, EZ Dock adjusts with the water level, making it ideal for locations where depth or seasonal changes could be an issue.

Perfect for All Types of Paddlers

From casual users and weekend adventurers to experienced kayakers and paddleboard instructors, the EZ Dock system offers a reliable and comfortable launching experience. It’s also particularly beneficial for kids, seniors, and adaptive paddlers. We love the EZ Kayak Launch. Like the rest of EZ Dock’s modular pieces, it’s durable and slip-resistant. Its features also extend beyond the typical ADA requirements, making it safer for everyone to use their kayak.

EZ Dock is a favorite for organizations that serve the public, such as camps, nature parks, and rental facilities. These sites often see high foot traffic and varied user skill levels, so having a user-friendly and low-maintenance launch point is essential. But EZ Dock isn’t just for commercial or municipal settings. Homeowners and HOAs also love the convenience it brings to residential waterfronts. Whether you’re outfitting a private dock or enhancing community access, EZ Dock delivers a clean, polished look along with real functionality.

Get a Custom EZ Dock Configuration with Deaton’s Waterfront Services!

At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we specialize in custom EZ Dock configurations that fit your exact waterfront needs. We’ve worked on a wide range of setups, so our team knows how to evaluate your site and build a layout that considers every factor. We can design everything from your main platform to connected walkways and paddlecraft launch areas.

Deaton’s is proud to serve waterfront clients across the Midwest. Our service area includes Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we’ll guide you through the entire process—from planning and design to installation and beyond. If you’re ready to make launching kayaks and paddleboards safer and simpler, reach out to Deaton’s Waterfront Services today. We’ll help you get the job done right with a solution that’s made to last.

Why Build a Boathouse: Benefits and a Good Compromise

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Owning a waterfront property gives you incredible opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and connection to nature. For many boat owners, building a boathouse is one of the best ways to enhance that experience. You not only get the convenience of keeping a boat on-site—it also boosts your value and adds more functionality to your property.

But what about the times when a boathouse is too much? A boat lift is an affordable option to get many of the benefits of a boathouse without the big price tag. Here are the benefits for each type of solution.

The General Perks of Owning a Boathouse

A well-built boathouse gives your boat a stable, secure place to rest, away from the wear and tear of changing water levels, harsh weather, or direct sun exposure. That year-round protection helps extend the life of your watercraft and reduce maintenance costs over time. But beyond protecting your boat, a boathouse adds daily convenience to your waterfront lifestyle. Like with a boat lift, you can avoid trailering to get on the water. It’s a great way to save time and energy!

One major benefit of building a boathouse is the extra space it can offer. Many owners take the opportunity to add storage for gear like life jackets, paddles, fuel, and cleaning supplies, all in one easily accessible place. Some designs even go further, incorporating areas to lounge, work, or entertain. Whether it’s a small deck for relaxing or an upper level for watching the sunset, a boathouse can be tailored to suit both your boating needs and your personal style.

Working with a Quality Boat Lift

Of course, not every property calls for a full boathouse. In many cases, a boat lift can provide the protection you need without the cost or commitment of building a larger structure. A quality lift makes it easy to enjoy your boat whenever you want while keeping it safely out of the water when not in use. Some lifts even come with canopies or shades, offering that extra layer of defense from sun damage while giving you a comfortable place to gear up or unwind.

Choosing the right boat lift depends on a few important factors, including your waterfront’s depth, your boat’s weight and size, and how you intend to use your setup throughout the season. That’s why working with an experienced waterfront services team can make a huge difference. They’ll assess your site and talk through your goals to recommend the most practical and durable solution for your needs.

There are several types of boat lifts available, including stationary models that stay fixed in place, floating lifts that adjust with the water level, and powered systems like hydraulic or cable lifts. Each type brings its own advantages, and the right choice will ultimately come down to your preferences and the layout of your shoreline. The most important thing is ensuring your boat stays dry, secure, and ready to use at a moment’s notice.

Boat lifts can be a smart investment not just for convenience, but also for long-term protection. By keeping your boat out of the water, you’re guarding against hull corrosion, algae buildup, and other issues that can cause costly repairs. Lifts also make launching and docking faster and safer, with less stress on your equipment and fewer chances of accidents. Plus, in storm-prone areas, having your boat elevated can provide peace of mind that it’s less vulnerable to waves, wind, or debris.

Deaton’s Can Help Bring Your Vision to Life!

At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we know how important it is to get your waterfront setup just right. That’s why we offer a full range of boat lifts—from trusted brands like ShoreStation, Sunstream, and Poly Lift—and a knowledgeable team ready to help you choose the best option for your site. Whether you’re planning to build a custom boathouse or simply need a reliable lift to protect your watercraft, we’re here to walk you through every step of the process.

We also offer a rotating inventory of used boat lifts, so if you’re looking for quality equipment at a lower price point, we’re happy to help you find the right fit. Our team handles everything from design and delivery to installation and adjustments, all with the goal of making your time on the water more enjoyable—and your boat ownership more efficient.

To learn more or to request a quote, reach out to Deaton’s Waterfront Services today. We’re proud to provide boat lift services to clients throughout the state of Indiana. Our expert team is ready to help you make the most of your waterfront with smart solutions that go beyond storage. Let’s build something great together!

Flexible Dock Rentals for Every Waterfront Setup

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Need a dock—but only for a short time? Dock rentals are the perfect solution. They work great for all types of events, as well as seasonal use and temporary access to the water. Whether you’re planning a regatta, hosting a lakeside wedding, or setting up a floating walkway for a summer camp, Deaton’s Waterfront Services makes it simple to get the dock you need without the long-term commitment.

Our rental docks are built with EZ Dock modular systems, which means we can create custom layouts to fit your unique site or event requirements. From delivery to installation—and removal when it’s over—Deaton’s handles it all.

Why Rent a Dock Instead of Buying?

Not every event or location needs a permanent dock solution. If you only need access for a few days or weeks, renting a dock can save you both time and money. The rental benefits are clear.

  • No maintenance responsibilities
  • No long-term storage
  • No need for permits or permanent installation
  • A professionally installed system designed for your event

Renting also gives you the freedom to test a layout before making a purchase or to create unique configurations that might not make sense long-term. It’s a worry-free option that still gives you all the functionality of a high-quality dock.

Custom Floating Docks for Every Occasion

At Deaton’s, we’ve worked on dock rentals for just about every type of event and organization. Thanks to the flexibility of EZ Dock’s modular design, we can scale your dock to fit your specific needs—no matter how simple or complex. Here are just a few ideas:

Floating Docks for Events

From waterfront weddings to on-the-water movie nights, a temporary dock gives your event that wow factor. We’ll design a stable and safe dock layout for your guests to enjoy, whether it’s used for seating, dancing, or walkways.

Regatta and Race Support

Need a launch dock or floating staging area? We’ve got you covered. Dock rentals for rowing events or even triathlons ensure athletes and event organizers have everything they need on race day. We’ll build it fast—and remove it just as quickly when it’s done.

Camp & Vacation Property Access

Make summer simple with a floating dock for seasonal use. Camps and rental homes can use temporary dock systems for water access without requiring year-round installation or upkeep.

Research, Environmental & Utility Use

Sometimes a dock is needed for marine studies, wetland access, or temporary utility work. We offer safe, stable platforms for professionals working in the field. Plus, our EZ Dock walkways are safe and non-invasive for environmental work.

How the Dock Rental Process Works

With Deaton’s, dock rentals are hassle-free. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Consultation – We’ll talk through your event or project needs, location, and timeline.
  2. Design – Our team will map out a custom dock layout using modular EZ Dock pieces.
  3. Delivery & Install – We bring everything to your site and set it up securely.
  4. Removal – When you’re done, we’ll disassemble and haul away the entire dock system.

Whether it’s a one-day event or a summer-long project, we handle every detail so you can focus on enjoying your event or staying productive on the water.

Count on Deaton’s to Make Your Dock Rental Easy

With years of experience and service across Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri, Deaton’s Waterfront Services is the Midwest’s go-to source for temporary dock solutions. We work with event organizers, private property owners, municipalities, and businesses alike to deliver safe, beautiful, and functional dock systems—exactly when and where they’re needed.

Let’s bring your waterfront event or project to life. Contact our team today at (317) 747-4933 or send us a message to schedule your custom dock rental. We’ll make it easy to get your dock designed, delivered, installed, and removed. We’re here for you—from start to finish.

The Best Dock Configuration for Fishing

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Are you getting ready for next year’s boating season? This is the best time of year to start planning all the necessary repairs and upgrades that your boat dock and lift need to be up and running for the start of next year’s season. It’s best to know what’s required early, so there will be plenty of time for repairs and installations. During this time of year, a common question that we get asked is what configuration would be best for a certain activity such as fishing. So today, we want to discuss the best dock configurations that make fishing easy and relaxing!

Which Fishing Dock is Best for Me?

There are many different ways to configure a dock that’s best suited for fishing. Now obviously, you’re able to stand on any dock you want to and fish, but there are ways you can design a dock to make fishing so much easier! If you have little room to walk around to move fishing spots, then it can be difficult. For an experienced fisherman with multiple poles, you need room to quickly move to the pole that has a catch and reel it in.

The first design that is the best budget option is a simple I shaped dock that goes straight out into the water. The great thing about a simple dock like this is that it can even be as small as just one dock section in the water! A simple design like this can easily store a boat on one side as well. There won’t be any obstacles in the way from accessing all sides of the water around your dock with this set up!

An I Shaped Fishing Dock

The next layout that we’ll talk about is a T shape layout. A dock like this will feature a walkway out to a cross section section which forms a T shape. This style of dock has all the benefits of an I shape, but you can also pull up a boat on the end to make it like a drive-thru dock! A dock like this will give you more room to get around on the water, and allows for your fishing area to be much larger than just the two sides of a dock. This is also a great dock for having a boat lift on the insides, or maybe some EZ Ports to store your PWC. This is a great set up for big water enthusiasts.

T Shaped Fishing Dock

The last set up that we’ll highlight in this blog isn’t really a fishing dock, it’s a swim platform. But the great thing about this set up is that it’s small, compact, and portable. It can be set up anywhere in the water with anchors. So if there’s a location a little bit out in the water that you know the fish bite at, you can install a platform out there and boat out to it to reel some fish in.

10′ x 13′ Platform Dock

No matter what type of setup you choose, you need to make sure your dock is configured well for fishing in your area. Make sure that your fishing dock provides you the comfort you deserve, and the protection you need. Here at EZ Dock of Mid-America, we want to make sure our customers have the best idea for a dock layout in mind based of their needs. If you’re interested in a new dock, or have questions regarding a dock layout feel free to contact us. Our team of experts will work with you to best determine your needs and get you out on the water to catch some beautiful fish!

The Difference in Seawalls

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A seawall is used for preventing shoreline erosion from water over time. Due to water’s acidic nature, it will corrode soil and sand away and strip back a shoreline. A seawall offers a barrier of protection that will leave a shoreline in the same shape as it has been. There are different methods of shoreline protection to choose from, and we’ll discuss which method is best for your environment.

Do I Need A Seawall?

You’ll find a lot of seawalls in public bodies of water and near the ocean. They are also very common on residential properties. A seawall is needed to protect a shoreline against erosion, and to prevent flooding when the water rises. They are great for maintaining the value of property. If you own property near water with a lot of fluctuation, you’ll probably want a seawall. It’s not required, but it will certainly benefit your property.

What Are The Types of Seawall?

There are 3 different types of Seawall: Vertical, Curved, and Mound. A vertical seawall is built with panels sticking straight up vertically. The are designed to deflect wave energy and absorb any possible damage. These are the most common type of seawall found due to the simplicity. The drawback to a vertical system is the possibility of damage if a storm produces a wave larger than the wall. It is possible for water to get behind the wall and cause damage in that case.

Vertical Seawall

Curved seawalls are more anchored into the ocean floor and follow a natural curve of a shoreline to absorb energy. They are designed to handle taller waves and offer toe protection, which give them a benefit over vertical seawalls. Curved seawalls are more complex to install than vertical systems, so they will cost more as well. They are able to absorb waves better than a vertical seawall, but for residential areas without a lot of waves on the water a vertical system is the best option for the budget.

Mounded Seawall (Rip-Rap)

A more natural method of shoreline protection is to created a mounded seawall out of stone. This is usually called rip-rap. These are installed by laying down a layer a filter fabric known as geotextile to prevent soil from moving while the water passes through the over top layer of stone and gravel. This is by far the cheapest option of shoreline protection but it doesn’t provide all the protection that seawalls made of stronger materials do.

Cost of Seawall Construction

The cost of seawall construction will differ depending on what type of seawall you require. The cheapest option available is simply coating a shoreline with rip-rap. Before paying for rip-rap, be sure to decide if you want to sacrifice the protection a seawall will offer for a cost friendly option. In areas with lots of water activity and waves, this isn’t the smart choice. A curved seawall is the most complex solution, so it is the most expensive. If you’re interested in a new seawall or help with shoreline management, look up your local marine construction company and request a site inspection. It’s always better to have an expert come decide the best solution for you. Proper shoreline management will prevent erosion and increase property value, so it pays off over time!

Accessing Your Dock with Gangways

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To access your dock, you may need a bridge or gangway to walk between your shoreline and dock depending on the shape of your land. A gangway provides a comfortable, stable walking platform to access your dock if you’re unable to access it directly from land. While docks can be accessed in other ways such as planks or ramps, gangways offer numerous benefits over other methods.

Before purchasing a gangway, there are several things to consider. Keep in mind that you can generally determine what you’ll need by seeing what the neighbors around you use. First, you need to determine the length and width of the gangway you need. When deciding the length, think of how far out you’ll want your dock to go from the shore. Longer gangways will help push your dock out further into the water, but local ordinances may prevent docks from going out too far into the water. The next thing to consider is your options for decking. You can choose wood, aluminum, or ThruFlow which will allow water to seep through if submerged.

EZ Dock Aluminum Gangway

Gangway vs Ramp

There are benefits to both gangways and ramps depending on what application they are needed for. A ramp is better suited for smaller distances. They are generally fixed into position, so they are better suited for bodies of water with low fluctuation. They also don’t come with handrails, so there won’t be a method of support for people that may require it.

Gangways are better than ramps in most ways. While a ramp may be more budget friendly, a gangway provides more stabilization and comfort. A gangway is good for any application, whether it is floating or stationary. The gangway will raise and lower with a floating dock as water levels fluctuate. They also provide extra support with a handrail, which means they’re also ADA compliant.

Other Uses for Gangways

Gangways are good in other applications besides docks. They can be use as elevated walking paths, or on trail systems, or in any application that needs a bridge to cross. With a gangway, you can gain new access to lands that you didn’t think was possible. From walking through a wet marshland to walking up along the tree tops, you’ll be able to fully utilize your land.

If you’re in need of a gangway, feel free to reach out to our team of experts to help determine the best solution for you. We will determine the best material for your gangway, along with the correct size.

ADA Accessibility: Getting More on Your Water

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If you live near or own a public or community dock, you want everyone to be able to enjoy the waterfront. Getting out on the water is a great source of fun that is available to everyone. However, if a dock isn’t ADA compliant, or handicap accessible, then you’re excluding a lot of people that would like to enjoy your dock. Getting your dock up to ADA complaint code will truly allow for your entire community to be able to access the water.

Designing your Dock with ADA Compliant Guidelines

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that physically disabled people have the same rights as anyone. The bill provides guidelines and rules to ensure that all public government facilities provide a safe access for everyone. This even includes boating facilities such as fishing piers, kayak launches, and swim platforms have safety features to prevent slips and falls.

In 2002, the United States Access Board released updated guidelines for boating facilities. These guidelines allow for docks and fishing piers to become wheelchair accessible for fishing and other water activities. Included among these guidelines are certain requirements, such as a secure curb around the edge of a dock, and a smooth gangway ramp transition without any bumps. If you’d like to learn more about the exact guidelines, visit the Access Board’s website here.

Any size dock can be accommodated to ADA standards, no matter if it’s a large marina or a single slip dock. This allows for all public access spaces to be enjoyed by everyone – no matter where they are!

ADA Accessible Dock Solutions

With EZ Dock, designing a ADA complaint solution for your waterfront has never been easier. No matter what activity you have in mind for your waterfront, we can make it accessible to all! Whether it is fishing, kayaking, boating, or any other activity you do on the water, our team of seasoned experts can design a solution for you.

Public Fishing Piers

Given that fishing is one of the most popular activities on the water, many parks and public waterfronts make it a top priority to give everyone an area to spend hours catching fish. With EZ Dock, a fishing pier can be designed in any shape or size and can be accommodated to be ADA compliant. Our expert installation team will make your dock ADA by adding outer handrails and a gangway with a low slope and transition plate to ensure that nobody will fall in.

ADA Accessible Kayak Launches

Kayaking is another popular waterfront activity that is easily accessible to anyone. EZ Dock offers several kayak launch solutions, such as the EZ Launch system. With the EZ Launch system, kayakers will be able to easily get in and out of the water without ever having to worry about getting wet. The launch system allows for the kayak to be held in place and glide right on/off. The EZ Dock Transfer Bench and Sign system allows for a smooth transition from a wheelchair to the kayak. The transfer bench has two different seat sizes built in to accommodate different wheelchair sizes, making kayaking an easily accessible activity to enjoy on the water.

Community Boat Docks

While a non-compliant dock may not provide access for all to get on their boat, even large scale marinas can be brought up to ADA standards. With the modularity of EZ Dock, an ADA compliant boat dock can be designed to hold from just one boat, to however many you desire. By meeting all the ADA guidelines, such as dock curbing and a low sloped gangway with handrails, all EZ Dock systems can become ADA compliant.

Needing to Make Your Public Dock ADA Accessible?

If you’re looking to design a new dock solution for your public waterfront, look no further than EZ Dock! Our dock sections can be configured to any shape or size, and they’re built to last. You’ll never have any maintenance worries such as rotting, splintering, or rusting with our durable polyethylene dock sections. Our team of experts will work with you to design the best solution to give everyone access to the water. We’ve worked with several local governments, state parks, municipalities, and commercial designs. If you’re interested in getting more people out on you water, feel free to contact us today!

The Different Types of Docks

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For a lot of people, a dock is just what is used to walk out on the water and do whatever activity is planned. So if the time ever comes for them to own their own dock, they are pretty much clueless on the right type of dock for their body of water. Picking the right type of dock is a decision that is left to many factors such as water fluctuation, climate, water depth, and many others. If you purchase a dock that isn’t recommended for your water, you’ll end up unhappy quick whether it is due to stability or maintenance issues.

Types of Docks

There are several types of docks that all work great for their intended use. The two main types of docks are floating and stationary. A floating dock will adjust with the water levels as they rise and lower, while a stationary dock is built to remain in a fixed position. There are other types of docks that are sub-categories of the main two, such as boathouses and modular dock systems such as EZ Dock. While this can make the decision a little more complex, the choice really depends on the water level. Determine if your body of water fluctuates or remains level, then base your decision from there.

Floating Docks

If your water depth is over 10′ Feet, you will need a floating dock. More than likely the water is too deep for pilings to be installed, and the water probably fluctuates often. If a stationary dock is installed in water that is too deep, the water will push the dock in when a wave crashes in or snow melts and quickly bend and twist the frame. There are many options available when designing a floating dock, such as wood, aluminum, or steel. The best long term options are steel and aluminum. Floats are attached to the bottom of the frame to keep the dock floating. Decking includes many options as well, such as aluminum, PVC, composite, wood, concrete, or Thru-Flow. For stability, concrete is the most durable and stable option. The only decking not recommended is wood, due to rotting other option will last a much longer time.

Custom Steel Floating Dock

Modular Docks

If you’re looking for the easiest dock solution, a modular dock system such as EZ Dock will be best for you! With modular docks, you’re able to design your dock to any shape or size you want, and have the ability to add more over time. EZ Dock is a floating dock system. It’s as durable as steel docks due to the solid 3/4″ thick construction, meaning it can handle anything mother nature throws at it. The best feature of EZ Dock is the lack of maintenance. With EZ Dock, you’ll never have to worry about rotting, rusting, or splintering. Just simply get out on the water and have a great time!

Stationary Docks

Stationary docks are built on top of pilings that have been driven and fixed into the body of water’s floor. For small ponds, lakes, and rivers this is the best option for residential docks because it won’t require maintenance or upkeep, and will be left alone year-round. As stated earlier, a stationary dock requires water that doesn’t rise or lower. Regions with a lot of snow aren’t recommended because as snow melts, it will push the pilings apart which can also crunch the dock’s decking and frames.

Boathouses

With any kind of dock, it’s possible to build a permanent fixture to give you a home on the water. A boathouse will give you a place to store your boat, as well as having a place you could live out of if you wanted to. Boathouses are usually located on open water, such as a river, but can be built anywhere. Boathouses can be equipped with any fixture you’d have in a house, such as a kitchen, bar, lounge, and more.

Designing a dock is a complicated task that is best handled by the experts. If you’re interested in a new dock, feel free to contact us to request a free quote, and our team with over 30 years of experience will reach out and help you design the dock that will perfectly fit your needs.