What is a Floating Dock?

A floating dock is a type of construction where the structure of your dock is supported by foam filled tanks. Being suspended on the waters surface means it will rise and fall with the changes of the water level.

Should I get a Floating Dock?

There are a two things to consider when deciding what kind of dock works best for you How does the water level change throughout the year? If your water level has extreme highs and lows throughout the year it may be best to have a floating dock that changes with the water. What does your shoreline look like? You can use your shoreline as a rough estimator for how the ground under your dock may look– a floating dock is best with a steep shoreline and a waterbed that doesn't have any sharp surface rocks.

What is a Floating Dock?

A floating dock is supported by floatation devices commonly referred to as "floatation', "floats", or "float drums." Being suspended on the water's surface means your dock will rise and fall with the changes of the water level. Current TVA and Army Corps regulations require dock floats to be commercially manufactured for marine use. The floatation must be fully encapsulated and must carry a minimum 8 year warranty by the mfg. We made the decision at Chattanooga Dock Builders to only use "ACE" floats manufactured by Den Hartog Industries for their superior durability and 15 year warranty.

Should I get a Floating Dock?

Here are a few things to consider if you aren't sure what kind of dock would be best for you. If your lake or river experiences extreme & unpredictable changes in water level or the levels vary more than a few feet April through September, then it may be best to choose a floating dock. If your water depth is more than 15 ft and the lake bottom is steep or rocky, a floating dock may be the best option. If your dock sits on a main lake channel with constant heavy wave action, a floating dock may not be the best fit. Continuous movement can make walking unsteady and turn relaxing on the dock into an uncomfortable, almost seasick experience.

Floating Docks

We partner with Hewitt to offer you both standard and custom floating docks solutions—engineered for strength, style, and lasting performance.

Call for Free Consultation

Floating Docks

We partner with Hewitt to offer you both standard and custom floating docks solutions—engineered for strength, style, and lasting performance.

Call for Free Consultation

Floating Docks

We partner with Hewitt to offer you both standard and custom floating docks solutions—engineered for strength, style, and lasting performance.

Call for Free Consultation

FAQs

What is a Floating Dock?
A floating dock is a type of construction where the structure of your dock is supported by foam filled tanks. Being suspended on the waters surface means it will rise and fall with the changes of the water level.
Should I get a Floating Dock?
There are a two things to consider when deciding what kind of dock works best for you

How does the water level change throughout the year? If your water level has extreme highs and lows throughout the year it may be best to have a floating dock that changes with the water.
What does your shoreline look like? You can use your shoreline as a rough estimator for how the ground under your dock may look– a floating dock is best with a steep shoreline and a waterbed that doesn't have any sharp surface rocks.

No Adjustments Needed

Close your eyes and picture a floating dock. Does a flimsy frame that requires costly maintenance and repairs come to mind? Or maybe a cold industrial metal dock that's anchored with cables and winches that needs constant adjustment for changing water levels? When you work with Chattanooga Dock Builders that old image disappears. We offer both standard models and fully custom floating docks engineered for strength, stability, and style– no adjustments needed.

When you work with our team they will help you explore Hewitt’s extensive catalog or design something completely unique to your shoreline. Your dock is then fabricated by Hewitt and installed with care by Chattanooga Dock Builders, giving you the best of both worlds: the quality of a national leader and the service of your local dock experts.

FAQs

What is a Floating Dock?
A floating dock is supported by floatation devices commonly referred to as "floatation', "floats", or "float drums." Being suspended on the water's surface means your dock will rise and fall with the changes of the water level. Current TVA and Army Corps regulations require dock floats to be commercially manufactured for marine use. The floatation must be fully encapsulated and must carry a minimum 8 year warranty by the mfg. We made the decision at Chattanooga Dock Builders to only use "ACE" floats manufactured by Den Hartog Industries for their superior durability and 15 year warranty.
Should I get a Floating Dock?
Here are a few things to consider if you aren't sure what kind of dock would be best for you.

If your lake or river experiences extreme & unpredictable changes in water level or the levels vary more than a few feet April through September, then it may be best to choose a floating dock.
If your water depth is more than 15 ft and the lake bottom is steep or rocky, a floating dock may be the best option.
If your dock sits on a main lake channel with constant heavy wave action, a floating dock may not be the best fit. Continuous movement can make walking unsteady and turn relaxing on the dock into an uncomfortable, almost seasick experience.