When is a timber floating dock the right choice? Timber floating docks fit protected basins, small to mid-sized boats and shallow water where floats may ground out at low tide. They give a marina the natural look of wood, and an engineered timber system adds the strength that traditional wood docks lack.
Where timber docks work best
- Protected basins with limited wave exposure
- Marinas mooring small to mid-sized boats
- Shallow sites where the floats may sit on the bottom at low tide
- Waterfronts where the natural look of wood matters
For exposed sites and larger vessels, a concrete floating dock is usually the better fit.
How an engineered timber dock is built
Bellingham Marine’s Unideck Timber system uses a structural waler with steel-reinforced timber connections. This gives the dock a strong structural core and prevents twisting, which results in a high load capacity and a longer service life than a conventional wood dock. The heavy-duty timber frame sits on roto-molded floats, with internal utility routing.
Decking and finish options
- Southern Yellow Pine
- Exotic hardwood
- Composite decking
- Concrete panels
- Light-penetrating grated decking
- Rounded fingers, breadboard finish and encapsulated end grain
- Concrete-ballasted float tubs
Service life and maintenance
Unideck Timber docks are built for 20+ years of service with minimal maintenance. Concrete floating docks are engineered for a longer service life, so the choice comes down to the site, the boats and the look you want. Our comparison of concrete vs. aluminum vs. timber floating docks covers the trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
Are timber floating docks durable?
An engineered timber dock is. Unideck Timber docks use a structural waler and steel-reinforced timber connections and are built for 20+ years of service.
Where should timber floating docks be used?
In protected basins, for small to mid-sized boats, and in shallow water where floats may ground out during low tide.
What decking can a timber dock have?
Options include Southern Yellow Pine, exotic hardwood, composite decking, concrete panels and light-penetrating grated decking.
Timber or concrete floating docks: which is better?
It depends on the site. Timber suits protected water and smaller boats and offers a natural look. Concrete is the choice for exposed sites, larger vessels and the longest service life.
Can timber docks be customized?
Yes. Size, configuration and special features are designed around each project.
Want to know if timber fits your site? See the Unideck Timber dock system or contact Bellingham Marine.
