Dock decking replacement
If the frame and floats are solid, new decking can make an old dock feel new without a full rebuild.
Decking takes the most wear on a Hartwell dock: bare feet, wet coolers, fishing tackle and long summer afternoons in full sun. Boards crack, cup, splinter and loosen long before a sound frame gives out.
Is my dock worth re-decking?
Have the builder check the frame, floats and walkway first. New boards on a dock with failing floats or a rusted frame is money spent twice. If the structure is sound, decking is one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make.
Which decking material?
| Material | What to know |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | Familiar and easy to repair; needs regular cleaning and sealing and can splinter as it ages |
| Composite | Little upkeep and no splinters; heavier than wood, and some colors run hot in direct sun |
| Aluminum or grated | Light and long-lasting; grated panels let light through to the water below |
Weight matters on a floating dock. Heavier decking lowers the dock in the water, so ask the builder whether your floats can carry it.
Does color matter?
For a Hartwell dock, it can. The Corps' 2020 assessment lists dark brown, green and black as the approved dock and roof colors, with all-aluminum docks exempt, and says docks that are repainted or get a new roof must meet current color requirements. Ask the project office if you're unsure whether your decking choice triggers that rule.
Other upgrades while you're at it
- New cleats, bumpers and ladders
- Handrails on walkways
- Down-shielded lighting, which the Corps requires on authorized light poles
- Solar lights along the walkway, which the plan limits to 10 inches tall and at least 10 feet apart
What affects the price?
- Deck area, including walkways and any upper deck
- Material choice
- Frame repairs found once old boards come up
- Removal and disposal of old decking
The builder prices the job once they've walked your lot and seen the water in front of it. We don't quote prices, and a figure given over the phone before a site visit is only a rough guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can new decking be installed with the dock in the water?
Usually, yes. Decking is often replaced in place on a floating dock, though it depends on the dock's design and condition.
Will composite decking sink my dock lower?
It can, because composite is heavier than most wood. A builder can tell you whether your floats have enough reserve buoyancy.
Related services
More background: Lake Hartwell dock permit guide.
Waterlogged floats, a tired lift or a dock you've outgrown?
Call and we'll put you in touch with a builder who works your part of the lake.