When planning a floating dock, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the right kind of flotation. You want something affordable, durable, and able to support your dock and whatever you plan on putting on it—whether it’s people, kayaks, a pontoon boat, a canoe dock, or something bigger. That’s why so many find themselves weighing whether dock floats vs. plastic barrels make more sense for their waterfront property.

So are dock floats worth the price, or are 55-gallon plastic drum barrels a good way to save money on your dock project? Let’s find out.

Dock Floats: The Pros and Cons

When talking about dock floats for this comparison, we mean the professionally-built dock floats. When does it make sense to invest in dock floats, and when might you look for other solutions?

Advantages of Dock Floats

Dock floats come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to support different weights and applications, with capacities ranging from 450 to over 4,000 lbs per float. The most popular type uses closed-cell expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam inside a durable polyethylene shell. This means they’re incredibly buoyant, can withstand harsh weather and rough handling, and will never become waterlogged and sink your floating dock.

In addition, they offer advantages that aren’t possible with barrels:

• Environmentally Friendly: Made with recyclable materials and free from harmful chemicals, you can rest easy knowing they won’t pollute the waterways.
• Uniformity: All floats are identical in size and shape, so you can be sure your dock will be stable and sit evenly at water level. This makes for easy installation and eliminates the headaches of uneven weight distribution.
• Aesthetics: Let’s be honest, appearance matters. Dock floats create a clean, professional-looking dock that enhances your waterfront property.
• Durability: Dock floats are made from robust materials that withstand harsh marine environments. They resist punctures, UV degradation, and chemical damage, ensuring a long lifespan.
• Ease of Installation: Many dock floats come with pre-drilled mounting holes and hardware, making them easy to attach to dock frames. This simplifies the installation process and saves time.

Disadvantages of Dock Floats

Their biggest disadvantage? The price tag. They cost considerably more upfront compared to other DIY solutions. However, the upfront investment pays off in the end. Also, depending on the location of your floating dock, sourcing specific types or sizes of dock floats might be challenging, potentially causing delays in your project.

Plastic Barrels For Floating Docks

If the cost of commercially available dock floats has you rethinking your plans for your floating dock, you might be considering 55-gallon plastic drums instead. While they make sense in some situations, using barrels involves important considerations to determine if this budget-friendly solution is right for you.

A plastic barrel, particularly a 55-gallon drum, is an alternative buoyancy solution for floating docks. These barrels are typically made from polyethylene and are repurposed from industrial or commercial use. They offer a cost-effective option for achieving buoyancy. However, they come with their own set of challenges.

Advantages of Using 55-Gallon Drums

The most attractive feature? The affordability. Used plastic drums are even cheaper. Some sources estimate you can cut your costs in half compared to commercial dock floats.

• Cost: One of the most significant advantages of using 55-gallon drums is their low investment. They are often available for a fraction of the price of commercial dock floats, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious builders.
• Availability: Plastic barrels are widely available and can often be sourced locally. This can expedite the procurement process and allow for quicker project completion.
• DIY-Friendly: For those who enjoy do-it-yourself projects, using barrels can be a fun and rewarding experience. They offer a level of customization and creativity that commercial floats may not.

Plastic barrels can be tempting, especially if you’re working with a limited budget for a floating dock build.

Disadvantages of Using Plastic Drums

But are the savings of plastic barrels worth the potential drawbacks? Using 55-gallon drums requires careful planning:

• Sourcing Challenges: Unlike commercially manufactured dock floats, which you can readily order from dealers, tracking down affordable, used plastic barrels in good condition takes time, effort, and networking. Depending on your location and the time of year, you may need to expand your search radius, potentially adding significant travel expenses.
• Unknown History and Potential Contamination: You don’t always know the history of used barrels. Be wary of barrels that contain chemicals or hazardous materials, which may leach into the water over time. While thorough cleaning might help, the risks associated with contamination and its environmental impact can be a major concern.
• Lack of Uniformity and Stability: Unlike manufactured floats with standardized sizes, drums can vary significantly, making installation more complex and requiring adjustments to keep your dock level stable.
• Susceptibility to Damage and Leaks: Over time, plastic barrels can crack, puncture, or rust, leading to leaks and reduced buoyancy. Repairing damaged barrels is ongoing, potentially costing you more in the long run.
• Limited Lifespan and Increased Maintenance: Barrels simply don’t have the same lifespan as purpose-built dock floats. They are not specifically designed for marine use. Over time, they can be prone to UV degradation, punctures, and leaks, requiring more frequent repairs or replacements, leading to more work and costs down the line.
• Aesthetics: While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a dock supported by mismatched barrels won’t have the same visual appeal as one using purpose-made floats.
• Installation Challenges: Barrels can be bulky and may not integrate as seamlessly into dock designs. They can pose practical challenges during installation, such as ensuring they are securely attached and evenly spaced.

Comparing Dock Floats and Plastic Barrels For Floating Dock Construction

When choosing between dock floats and plastic barrels, consider the following factors. If cost is a primary concern, plastic barrels offer a more affordable option. However, if you have the budget, dock floats provide superior durability and ease of installation. They’re designed for long-term marine use and require less maintenance than plastic barrels, which may need more frequent checks and repairs.

Dock floats typically offer a more polished and professional look, while plastic barrels may look more utilitarian. If aesthetics are important to you, dock floats are the way to go.

For DIY enthusiasts, those who simply can’t make the investment or don’t mind doing lots of maintenance, plastic barrels provide access to greater customization and creativity in design.

One other thing to consider: project scale and complexity. For larger, more complex docks, the uniformity and reliability of dock floats may be advantageous.

Quality Dock Floats From Carolina Waterworks, Inc.

Carolina Waterworks, Inc. offers the most advanced line of easy-to-install dock floats with the maximum lift capacity for waterfront residents, boaters, and marinas. Our floats are constructed of thick-walled rotationally molded polyethylene shell that encapsulates expanded polystyrene; the impact-resistant shell resists damage from marine life. The expanded polystyrene has 1–1.5 lb. density and will pass a 5% maximum absorption test, and the durable plastic float case is packed with EPS that is environmentally approved and exceeds all new government regulations.

We offer a diverse range of lift capacities and sizes to perfectly fit any boat, platform, or dock, from small to large. Additionally, our dock floats exceed the industry standard wall thickness of .150″ and boast the top buoyancy ratings on the market.

The standard features include:

• Polyethylene Shell
• Encapsulated Polystyrene Center
• Impact Resistant
• Full 12-Year Warranty

Shop Quality Marine Products From Carolina Waterworks, Inc.

Deciding between dock floats and plastic barrels comes down to balancing cost, durability, and long-term value. Dock floats, though pricier, offer peace of mind in terms of environmental impact, ease of installation, and lasting performance.

Need expert guidance? Give us a call. At Carolina Waterworks, Inc., we live and breathe marine life. We would love to help you find the perfect waterfront solution, whether it’s a dock float, commercial/residential gangway, floating dock, buoy, or drive-on boat and jet ski lift.

Tags: plastic barrels, floating dock, dock floats

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