Tommy Docks Blog

You’ve just installed your brand-new dock and are delighted with it. Then the first time you bring your boat back, the worst happens. You slightly misjudge the distance, and bam! The side of your boat is scratched, and it’s taken a piece out of your dock. If this is a scenario you’d rather avoid, then dock bumpers are the solution. These cushioned accessories protect both your boat and your dock from minor collisions and from moored boats jostling the dock during inclement weather. Let’s explore how to use them and look at how easy they are to install. Types of...

Types of Composite "Fake Wood" Decking Options And How They Stack up to Real Wood Just as most of us love the natural tones of hardwood floors inside our homes, there’s an undoubted appeal to real wood for decked areas. The idea of installing “fake wood” can be a little off-putting. But with advanced types of “fake wood” now available, could it be time to reevaluate how we feel about that? Composite decking, AKA fake wood, is not one thing. Several options are available, and some compare more favorably with wood than others. Let’s take a look at these options...

How to Build a Floating Dock Yourself Building a DIY floating dock takes careful planning, elbow grease, a little help from your friends, and a good measure of determination. It may sound intimidating, but a successful floating dock build is within reach of any handy homeowner!  Let’s take a look at the process of building a floating dock.  10 Steps to Building a DIY Floating Dock Here is a ten-step guide to building a floating dock yourself: Step 1: Choose Your Floating Dock Layout First, choose the style of dock you want (square, straight, U-shaped, T-shaped, etc.), decide on what...

Which Are Better: Stationary Docks or Floating Docks? A quality dock makes all the difference in your boating experience. The trouble is deciding what kind of dock you want to build on your property. Stationary docks vs. floating docks are distinctly different, each with pros and cons.  To help you decide what dock style is best for your waterfront property, we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of both stationary and floating docks, so you’re equipped to make the right decision.  Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Stationary Dock and a Floating Dock Don’t expect us just to come out and...

If you own property right off the water, installing a dock is an easy decision. Docks are incredibly convenient for having a launching point for your boats and other watercraft, and they provide a great hangout spot for your friends and family.  The cost of building a dock, though, depends on several factors. Docks can vary from simple, straightforward designs that cost a few grand to extravagant structures that can be very expensive. How you construct your dock depends on your skill with building and experience, the type of shoreline and lake bottom you have — and your budget.  We...