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.
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?
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:
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.
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.
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.
Plastic barrels can be tempting, especially if you’re working with a limited budget for a floating dock build.
But are the savings of plastic barrels worth the potential drawbacks? Using 55-gallon drums requires careful planning:
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.
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:
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.
Calculating how many dock floats you actually need to keep your dock afloat can be tricky–it’s not as simple as just tossing a few underneath and calling it a day.
At Carolina Waterworks, Inc., we’ve supplied numerous water and boat enthusiasts with the right supplies to build premium boat docks over the years. Keep reading to get our guidance on that crucial floatation calculation!
What goes into determining the magic number of dock floats for your project? It’s not just about the dock size, although that’s definitely a significant component.
Think about the weight of your decking materials, any permanently attached equipment or accessories you plan to add, and even the foot traffic you think your dock will get.
You will also want to consider usage type and environmental conditions. What are you using your dock for? Recreational activities? Heavy-duty commercial use? Also, a high-wave area vs. a calm freshwater lake, for example, demands a more robust dock float.
It’s a good idea to overestimate your needs to get the weight you need your dock to support.
What exactly is dead load? In simple terms, it’s the weight of the dock structure itself, including the decking, framing, and any permanent fixtures like benches or cleats. This weight remains constant and doesn’t change based on how the dock is used.
Live load, on the other hand, refers to the weight of anything that’s not permanently attached to the dock, like people, furniture, or equipment. This load can vary depending on how many people are on the dock and what they’re doing.
To figure out exactly how much flotation you’ll need, you’ll want to calculate the dead load of your dock based on the materials you’re using.
That means taking into account the dead weight of your decking, framing, and any permanent fixtures like benches or cleats.
Estimating the live load is a bit trickier, as it depends on how you plan to use your dock. A good rule of thumb is allowing 30-50 pounds per square foot of live load, depending on the intended use.
For example, a residential dock mainly used for lounging and fishing might only need a 30-pound per square foot live load estimate. But if you plan on hosting large gatherings or using heavy-duty equipment on your swim dock, you’ll want to bump that estimate up to 50 pounds per square foot.
In simple terms, buoyant force is the upward force exerted by water on an object that’s partially or fully submerged. For your dock to float, the buoyant force provided by the boat dock floats needs to be equal to or greater than the total weight or load of the dock.
The buoyant force is determined by the volume of water displaced by the dock floats, which is why choosing the right size and number of floats is essential.
Alright, it’s time to put all this information together and figure out exactly how many dock floats you need to build a dock that’s safe, stable, and ready for all your waterfront adventures. We’ve got a simplified dock float calculation process you can use to figure out what you need!
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to calculating the number and quantity of dock floats you’ll need:
Let’s walk through an example calculation for a 10′ x 12′ dock with composite decking. We assume a live load estimate of 40 lbs per square foot and a 470 lb lift capacity.
And there you have it!
After determining your flotation needs, the next step is to determine what type of dock float is best for your environment.
The two main types of dock floats are air-filled and foam-filled.
If you decide 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 lighter than foam-filled, so they offer flexibility in installation for projects like extending an existing dock. They also tend to be cost-effective.
If you are building an entirely new structure, you’ll likely want to start with foam-filled floats. They may be slightly more of an investment upfront, but they are sturdier.
Selecting the ideal dock floats for your waterfront involves considering a variety of key factors designed to ensure durability, safety, and suitability to your specific needs, including:
The dock floats from Carolina Waterworks, Inc., are designed for easy installation and offer the highest lift capacity in the industry, making them perfect for avid boaters, marina operators, and waterfront residents alike. Made with a durable, thick-walled polyethylene shell and encapsulating high-density expanded polystyrene, our floats are impact-resistant, marine-life proof, and environmentally friendly. We offer a diverse range of lift capacities and sizes to perfectly fit any boat or dock, from small to large. Additionally, our dock floats exceed the industry standard wall thickness of .150″, boasting the top buoyancy ratings on the market.
Remember, proper support and stability are critical to a successful dock, so don’t skimp on the floats. With the correct number and size of floats in place, you can rest easy knowing your dock will be safe, sturdy, and ready for all your waterfront adventures.
Give us a call today, and our capable team will assist you with all your waterfront needs, from dock ramps to marine hardware to flotation, buoys, and so much more!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Dock Float Sizes Available at Carolina Waterworks:
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.
Floating docks are flexible, highly configurable, and lightweight. Compared to fixed docks, they are often less expensive and easier to construct, with fewer red tape hassles.
However, that convenience often comes with an important “But…” Floating docks are less stable than their fixed cousins. Floating docks can drift from their desired location and can be washed away in a storm. Even when they stay put, waves can toss them around, stressing and weakening the dock’s structure.
Adding stability becomes critically important to your dock’s safe use and longevity. Today, Carolina Waterworks presents six common ways to stabilize your floating dock.
Introducing extra weight to your floating dock will enhance its stability. Attach weights – typically concrete or metal – along the length of your dock platform with chains or cables and lower them into the water. Determining the amount of weight required – often hundreds of pounds – and ensuring even weight distribution is key to optimal stability. Too little weight will be ineffective, too much weight could drag your dock below the surface, and uneven distribution could cause your dock to tilt or lean.
In other words, there’s some math involved. Suspending weights safely and effectively may be beyond the skill level of the typical DIYer. Not to worry – your Carolina Waterworks consultant is here to help!
Another common dock stabilizing method is the use of pilings. Pilings are metal or wooden anchoring posts that are forced deep into the lake, river, or seabed.
Pilings then attach loosely to the floating dock platform. One popular attachment method employs horizontal hoops that slip over the piling posts and then bolt to the dock. The loose fit allows the dock to rise and fall with the water level while allowing very little side-to-side movement.
To reiterate, stabilizing your floating dock with pilings may be the best bet when your water levels rise and fall considerably.
Anchoring your floating dock to the shore is another reliable method of preventing your dock from drifting out of position or washing away. Two common materials used in this application are metal pillars and wooden posts.
To prevent rot, wooden piling posts, often made of southern yellow pine, must be treated for use in your local water conditions, whether your floating dock is in fresh, brackish, or salt water.
Similarly, metal poles and pillars should be constructed of heavy-duty, non-rusting metal to prevent corrosion. Zinc-coated galvanized steel has been determined best for freshwater docks, while saltwater docks perform best with stainless steel. Keep these requirements in mind for all your metal dock accessories such as fasteners, hinges, and cleats.
Follow these guidelines, and you can enjoy your floating dock for many seasons of safety, ease of use, and reliability!
There are times that your floating dock must be situated at a certain distance from the shore, to meet various depth requirements. In these instances, a gangway can help stabilize your floating dock.
A gangway is a type of ramp that extends from the shore to the dock. Gangways, typically constructed of sturdy metal or wood, often include handrails to provide extra balance and safety for you and your guests. A gangway brings additional benefits, including a reliable attachment to the shore and extra weight to help stabilize your floating dock.
Another method of introducing extra weight for added stability is to erect a roof over your floating dock. This may be particularly useful if your water is too deep for suspended weights to be effective.
Floating docks typically employ two styles of roof: the Gable roof and the Hip roof. Very basically, the Gable roof features two angled side planes that meet at a peak, with open ends. The Hip roof features four angled planes – two sides and two ends – with no opening. Generally, Gable roofs are less expensive, but Hip roofs offer a more refined look, better protection from the elements, and more of the stabilizing weight you are seeking.
Adding a roof to your dock is typically more expensive compared to suspended weights and other options. However, a well-constructed, attractive roof can add appeal and value to your deck and your property. Consider it an investment!
At this point, you may be overwhelmed by your floating dock stabilization options. You may be wishing for an all-inclusive kit to simplify the process. Carolina Waterworks is happy to oblige! Our floating dock stabilizer contains all the components and accessories you will need to successfully complete this very DIY-friendly process, including:
Of course, there are several stabilizer kit options based on your specific floating dock, as well as other considerations such as:
These components and accessories, along with our expert dock installation advice, are all you will need to successfully complete what is often a very DIY-friendly process.
Stabilizing your floating dock is a key step that will help keep your dock safe and useful for many years to come. Whether you choose to stabilize your floating dock with pilings or gangways, by adding weight or attaching a roof, or by tethering it to the shore, you are sure to have questions. How much stabilization is enough? What do my local conditions demand? How much will it cost, and how much of it can I do by myself? To answer these and other floating dock stabilization questions, look to your reliable resource: Carolina Waterworks. Contact us today!
Which is the better choice – a floating dock or a stationary dock? Carolina Waterworks believes that only YOU have the answer, based on your individual boating needs and environment. To find that answer, and to make a smart buying decision, it is helpful to consider the features of each dock style and see how they align with your priorities. Carolina Waterworks is here to help!
Boat docks, made of various materials such as aluminum, wood, or composites, are placed along banks or shores to help boaters and swimmers make the transition from water to land, and vice versa.
Docks are constructed in two modes: floating and stationary. Stationary docks rest on vertical pilings driven into the lake, river, or ocean floor. Floating docks are buoyed by airtight cubes or drums below the decking, called dock floats. Floating docks are held in place by lines or cables that connect the dock to the shore or the floor or bed of the body of water.
Boaters must choose between constructing a floating dock or a stationary dock on their property. Boating professionals, enthusiasts, and your neighbors along the lake will all offer their opinions, but the decision should be based on your real-world considerations, such as the following.
Is your body of water shallow or deep? Or does it fluctuate between the two? A stationary dock can be installed to meet shallow or deep conditions. Water that is too deep can present a problem, however, in that the pilings required begin to get pricey in terms of materials and labor. Water of fluctuating depth can also bring challenges for a stationary dock. When the water level drops, a stationary dock can necessitate a longer climb for boaters and swimmers. When the water rises your dock may be submerged, which results in muddy cleanup and potential damage to any electrical components.
High, low, or in between, a floating dock will adjust with the changing water level. This offers convenient and consistent ingress and egress for the boater and swimmer. However, if the water level drops low enough, the weight of your floating dock could cause stress on your floats if they contact the lake or riverbed. Water that rises too high may cause excess tension on the lines securing your floating dock in place.
Finally, consider the boating traffic. How busy is your waterway? More boats mean more wake, even if they obey the speed limit. The floating dock may pitch and rock, while the stationary dock will barely feel the effect. The same caution also applies in the case of storms and other bad weather.
In short, you may find that a stationary deck is better suited to shallower and more consistent water levels and is less affected by boating traffic. A floating deck may be better for deeper or fluctuating water levels with lighter traffic.
In deeper water, a floating dock could be the less costly option because you will forgo the expense of installing pilings in favor of buoyant dock floats. However, dock floats carry their own costs. Deck size (square footage), materials used, and your expected load will determine the size and number of floats you must purchase for optimum safety.
A stationary dock requires the installation of pilings. These can be costly (especially the deeper you go), typically require professional installation, and sometimes entail environmental red tape due to their more permanent nature.
Another advantage of a floating dock is that installation and maintenance can be much more DIY-friendly than the stationary dock. On the other hand, a stationary dock can last longer with fewer maintenance issues. In fact, some estimates place the lifespan of a floating dock at around 20-30 years, while a stationary dock may last 25-35 years.
Finally, think about the ways you and your family interact with the water. Are you a retired couple mainly interested in fishing or an easy circuit around the lake? Or will your dock be full of kids and grandkids, swimming and riding jet skis? Will your boat be in the water all season, or will you haul it out from time to time?
Some less experienced boaters, or people with balance issues, can find it difficult to ingress and egress from a bobbing boat to a bobbing floating dock, and vice versa. As noted previously, a low water level can make your stationary dock harder to reach for younger and older swimmers. As for putting in and hauling out boats and toys, many boaters prefer to drive their craft up onto a boat lift. Most stationary docks can accommodate the addition of a boat lift, while some floating docks cannot.
Are you considering adding a dock to your property, but aren’t sure if a floating dock or stationary dock is the way to go? Begin by making an honest assessment of your location, your budget, and your boating lifestyle. Figure out how a dock will fit your family, not the other way around. Then take your questions and concerns to a qualified dock professional.
Carolina Waterworks is a quality manufacturer of dock floats, commercial and residential gangways, floating docks, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts. We have over 30 years of experience in the marine industry and our docks have been the answer to countless questions raised by boaters looking to enhance their boating experience. We can do the same for you, so contact us today!
Carolina Waterworks, Inc. (CWi) fabricates and sells sturdy, low-maintenance, and eye-catching mooring buoys and marker buoys. Available in assorted sizes and configurations, our buoys are always on the job, making boating and dock life safer and easier! Please take a look at our buoy product offering.
Our mooring buoys are built to last! Their impact-resistant high-density polyethylene shells are 3/16” thick and they are filled with expanded polystyrene foam for the most reliable flotation.
Our standard buoy comes in white and is highlighted with a reflective blue strip. You can also order additional colors, graphics, reflective tape, and ballasts. Every sturdy, reliable buoy carries a two-year warranty.
Another important feature that is unique to our line of mooring buoys is the thick, wear-resistant polyethylene tube that is molded directly into the shell of each buoy. Contrast this with competitors who often utilize loosely attached PVC pipe.
A frequent problem that contributes to excessive buoy maintenance is algae growth which can degrade ground tackle. One considerable benefit of Carolina Waterworks’ polyethylene construction is that poly resists marine growth much better than PVC, so our buoy line can help extend the life of your ground tackle.
Exposed tackle on a buoy can lead to hull damage (and angry Skippers!), so CWi mooring buoys are available with an optional rope nest or shackle pocket feature that keeps the exposed metal away from your finish.
Informed boaters are safer boaters and a marker buoy is often the most readily available source of information. What are the conditions, cautions, and hazards in your stretch of the waterway? Let them know with a durable, attention-getting marker buoy from Carolina Waterworks. With superior flotation courtesy of our high-grade expandable polystyrene foam and the rock-steady reliability of twenty pounds of ballast concrete, your Carolina Waterworks marker buoys are always on the job. No wake? Slow? Danger? Swim Area? We have you covered!
Marking or mooring, our reliable buoys bring order to choppy waters. We invite you to peruse our online product catalog to see other great CWi products such as dock floats, ramps, and marine hardware. If you have any questions, contact Carolina Waterworks to learn more!
Greetings from Carolina Waterworks, the premier manufacturer of floating boat docks, ramps, and gangways in the Carolinas – and coming soon to YOUR favorite body of water!
Born among the Carolina shoreline, rivers, swamps, lakes, and channels, Carolina Waterworks is a privately owned company with over 30 years of experience in the Marine industry. We manufacture and sell sturdy and attractive floating docks, ramps, ladders, and marine hardware. Everything the boater needs to make their ingress and egress safe, convenient, and hassle-free!
We invite you to preview our lineup of easy-to-use, low-maintenance dock floats, commercial/residential gangways, floating docks, and buoys, as well as our drive-on boat and jet ski lifts.
Carolina Waterworks offers the most advanced line of easily installed dock floats with the maximum lift capacity for waterfront residents, boaters, and marinas. Our floats are constructed of a thick-walled, rotationally molded polyethylene shell that encapsulates expanded polystyrene (EPS) – the finest flotation material on the water! The thick EPS shell is impact resistant, resistant to damage from marine life, and carries a 12-year guarantee.
We build the finest gangways and ramps available. Our gangways are fabricated from marine-grade aluminum and feature superb engineering, rugged construction, high-quality materials, and a finely sculpted design. Using first-quality deckings such as Aluminum, Brazilian Ipe, Poly, and Composite, our gangways and marine ramps are not only more secure in their footing, but they are quieter. This ideal blending of materials creates an aesthetically pleasing effect guaranteed to delight you for years to come.
Designed specifically for jet skis, Carolina Waterworks’ Jet-T and Jet-T Ultra Ramps feature a non-skid deck, and they float with the tide or water level changes. Foam-filled and unsinkable, they are made of state-of-the-art, linear low-density polyethylene and non-corrosive materials. Jet-T and Jet-T Ultra Ramps are easy to install, require zero maintenance, and carry a three-year limited warranty.
Our products stand the test of time, but should you ever need to change, upgrade, or replace your marine hardware and accessories, we’ve got you covered. Available components include, Piling Attachments, Piling Protection, Pile Guides and Hoops, Buoys, Ladders, Bumpers, Cleats, and more. Check out our comprehensive Product Catalog to learn more!
At Carolina Waterworks we are committed to helping you maximize your time spent on the water and minimize the related effort and expense.
Through continual innovation and high standards of quality, we provide marine products that are safe, easy to use, low maintenance, and long-lasting – guaranteed. For more information about our docks, ramps, and marine hardware and accessories, contact Carolina Waterworks today!
Carolina Waterworks is a quality manufacturer of dock floats, commercial/residential gangways, floating docks, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts.
We are a privately owned company with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry.
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