Floating docks are safe, easy to install, and have a longer lifespan than wood decks, making them an excellent choice for dock construction. When building your dock, you’ll need it to endure a demanding marine environment, withstand extreme temperature changes, and resist deterioration and UV rays.

The dock floats you choose are vital to your dock’s basic foundation; they should boost its structural integrity. The two main dock float designs are foam-filled and air-filled. While both types have pros and cons, let’s weigh foam-filled dock floats vs. air-filled options to determine which one is better for your dock project.

When Should I Use Air-Filled Dock Floats?

If you only need to replace part of your dock, extend it, or add more stability, air-filled dock floats will do the trick. They’re generally more lightweight than foam-filled to deliver flexibility on installation for a project like extending an existing dock. They also tend to be cost-effective.

Advantages of Air-filled Dock Floats

• They’re lightweight: Air-filled dock floats are typically lighter than foam-filled floats, making them convenient to handle during installation and maintenance.
• Ease of buoyancy control: Air-filled floats can be adjusted for buoyancy by adding or releasing air, allowing for some level of customization to accommodate varying loads or water conditions.
• They’re budget-friendly: Generally, air-filled dock floats tend to be less expensive than foam-filled floats, making them a more budget-friendly option for some applications.
• Minor repairs are straightforward: If damaged, air-filled floats can often be repaired relatively easily by patching small holes or leaks.

Disadvantages of Air-filled Dock Floats

• Vulnerability to punctures: Air-filled floats are susceptible to punctures from sharp objects or impacts, leading to deflation and compromised buoyancy.
• Less stability: Air-filled floats may provide less stability compared to foam-filled floats, especially in rough water conditions, as they can be more prone to tipping or rocking.
• More maintenance requirements: Air-filled floats may require more frequent maintenance to ensure they remain properly inflated and functional over time.

When Should I Use Foam-Filled Dock Floats?

If you are building an entirely new structure, you’ll likely want to start with foam-filled floats.

Polyurethane, a closed-cell foam used for flotation, is strong, water-resistant, puncture-resilient, and doesn’t leach chemicals. While air-filled dock floats are lighter and cost less than foam, with air-filled components, you’ll need to ensure that what you’re buying stands the test of time and the impact of the elements.

Carolina Waterworks, Inc. is proud to offer top-of-the-line installed dock floats made of a thick-walled rotationally molded polyethylene shell that encapsulates expanded polystyrene. The thick polyethylene shell is impact-resistant and will also resist damage from marine life. The thick-walled plastic float case is packed with EPS (Empire Foam Solutions brand foam that is environmentally approved and exceeds all new government regulations. 

Our dock floats have maximum lift capacity for the waterfront, boaters, and marinas.

Advantages of Foam-Filled Dock Floats:

• Durability: Foam-filled dock floats are generally more durable and resistant to punctures than air-filled floats, as they do not rely on air for buoyancy.
• Ease of assembly: Foam-filled floats are easy to construct and transition from land to water.
• Stability: Foam-filled floats often provide better stability, particularly in rough water conditions, as they have a more solid construction that helps to minimize rocking or tipping.
• Low maintenance: Foam-filled floats typically require minimal maintenance since there is no need to monitor or adjust air levels.
• Greater longevity: Foam-filled floats can have a longer lifespan compared to air-filled floats, as they are less susceptible to degradation from exposure to sunlight or fluctuating temperatures.

Cons of Foam-Filled

• Heavier weight: Foam-filled dock floats are generally heavier than air-filled floats, making them more challenging to transport and install.
• Limited buoyancy adjustment: Unlike air-filled floats, foam-filled floats do not offer the flexibility to adjust buoyancy levels according to specific requirements.
• Higher initial investment: Foam-filled dock floats are often more expensive than air-filled floats, which may deter some budget-conscious buyers.

Comparing Foam Filled and Air Filled Dock Floats

If you have an existing structure to which you need to add buoyancy, consider adding air-filled floats to your current dock.

However, while they cost a little more, foam-filled dock floats are a better long-term investment in building an unsinkable dock with a sturdy, long-lasting base. They’re easy to assemble, UV and damage-resistant, and eco-friendly with no harmful chemicals.

Which Dock Float is Right for Me?

Selecting the ideal dock floats for your waterfront involves considering a variety of key factors to ensure durability, safety, and suitability to your specific needs, including:

• Location and climate: extreme weather requires more durable and resilient foam-filled dock floats for harsh conditions
• Water conditions: air-filled dock floats work best for calm freshwater, whereas foam-filled floats shine in rougher saltwater due to their robustness and better puncture resistance.
• Dock usage: foam-filled floats, with higher buoyancy and stability, are ideal for docks expected to support heavy loads or high foot traffic, whether for personal recreation or commercial operations.

Dock Float Sizes Available at Carolina Waterworks:

• 12″ Dock Floats: Perfect for smaller, personal docks with light to moderate usage.
• 16″ Dock Floats: Ideal for medium-sized docks that accommodate recreational boats.
• 18″ Dock Floats: Suitable for larger recreational areas or small commercial docks.
• 20″ Dock Floats: Designed for heavy-duty usage, supporting larger boats or commercial operations.
• 24″ Dock Floats: The best choice for the most demanding applications, offering the highest buoyancy and stability.

Let Carolina Waterworks, Inc. Help You Choose the Right Dock Float for Your Needs

Whether replacing an existing dock that’s breaking down and dangerous or building a floating dock for the first time, you’ll need dock floats you can trust. Foam-filled dock floats stand out because they do more than just float; they’re crafted to last through storms and still waters alike.

Carolina Waterworks, Inc. is your seasoned and trusted brand partner, helping you maximize your time on the water and minimize the related effort and expense. We are a privately owned manufacturing company with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. We bring you the best in dock floats, commercial/residential gangways, floating docks, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts.

As innovators with the highest quality standards, we provide marine products that are safe and easy to use with minimal upkeep. Call us today for quality marine products and expert water life guidance.  

Tags: floating dock, dock floats, decking

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