Dock repair and dock building in Stuart, FL
Need dock repair or a new dock in Stuart, FL? Get matched with a licensed Martin County marine contractor for repairs, pilings and new docks.
A dock sees sun, salt, rain and boat traffic every day. Boards loosen, pilings rot or get eaten away at the waterline, and hardware rusts. Many problems can be fixed one piece at a time, and some docks are better rebuilt.
Signs your dock needs attention
- Soft, cracked or splintered decking
- Pilings that are thin at the waterline, split or leaning
- Loose or rusted bolts and brackets
- Stringers or framing that sag when you walk on them
- A dock that moves or shakes when a boat comes alongside
Repair jobs
Common repairs are new decking, replacement boards and fasteners, a few new pilings, and new cleats and bumpers. Decking is often the easy part. The framing and pilings under it are what hold the dock up, so a contractor should look at those before replacing boards on a weak frame.
Building a new dock
A new dock starts with the water. Depth at low tide, the width of the waterway, the length of your boat and the shoreline all shape what can be built. Decking can be treated wood, hardwood or composite, and each has trade offs in cost, upkeep and how hot it gets in the sun. Pilings are usually treated timber or concrete, and in salt water the details matter.
Rules on size and placement
There are limits on how far a dock can extend and how close it can sit to a neighbor's property line. These depend on the waterway and the local government, so a contractor needs to check your lot before drawing anything.
Permits
Work on a seawall or dock in Florida usually needs a permit. In Martin County that often means a county or city building permit, and in some towns the local government issues its own. Many projects also need authorization from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and some need the US Army Corps of Engineers as well. What applies depends on the waterway, the size of the job and whether you are replacing in place or building new. A licensed marine contractor knows which ones apply and files them, so you do not have to sort it out alone.
What it costs
Repairs can be small, while a new dock often costs far more. Price depends on the length, the decking and piling material, the water depth, access for equipment and the permits. A contractor who sees the site can give a real number.
Many dock owners also want a lift. See boat lift installation and repair. If the shoreline is washing out, see riprap and erosion control.
Related services
We refer homeowners in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Sewall's Point, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, and the rest of Martin County.