How long do concrete floating docks last? With proper design and maintenance, concrete floating docks typically last more than 50 years. That service life comes from how the floats are built: solid concrete on all six sides around a closed-cell foam core, joined into one continuous structure.
What gives a concrete dock its service life
- Six-sided concrete floats. Each Unifloat module is a single-pour concrete unit with concrete on all six sides, which protects the core.
- High-strength concrete. Unifloat floats use 5,000 psi concrete.
- A closed-cell foam core. The core is Type I closed-cell expanded polystyrene with a maximum water absorption of 3% by volume.
- Corrosion-resistant reinforcement. Floats are reinforced with fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or with galvanized or epoxy-coated steel.
- A material that does not burn or rot. Concrete is fire and rot resistant.
Why the connection system matters
A dock is only as durable as the joints between its floats. Bellingham Marine builds two concrete floating dock systems: waler-connected and bolted. In the Unifloat system, structural walers and thru-rods join the modules into one continuous dock. Because the system is modular, a single section can be replaced or reconfigured later without rebuilding the whole dock.
What shortens or extends the life of a dock
- Design for the site. Wave exposure, water depth and boat sizes should decide the system and its anchoring.
- Maintenance. Regular inspections catch worn hardware and connections before they affect the structure.
- Timely repairs and retrofits. After-market care such as condition surveys and phased retrofits extends the life of an aging marina.
How concrete compares with other dock materials
Engineered timber docks are built for 20+ years of service and suit protected water and smaller boats. Concrete is the choice when the longest service life matters most. See our comparison of concrete vs. aluminum vs. timber floating docks.
Frequently asked questions
How long do concrete floating docks last?
With proper design and maintenance, concrete floating docks typically last more than 50 years.
Do concrete floating docks rot or burn?
No. Concrete is fire and rot resistant.
Can one section of a concrete dock be replaced?
Yes. Unifloat docks are modular, so individual modules can be replaced or the dock reconfigured later.
What maintenance does a concrete floating dock need?
Regular inspections of connections, hardware and utilities, with repairs made before small problems spread.
What is inside a concrete float?
A closed-cell expanded polystyrene foam core, fully enclosed by concrete on all six sides.
Planning docks for the long term? See our concrete floating docks or contact Bellingham Marine.
