Everything You Need To Know About Maintaining Wooden Docks

Your dock is the door that leads to some of the best that lake life has to offer. From storing your boat until it’s time to go tubing to where your kids hold their yearly diving contest, what’s on your dock is just as important as what’s going on around it. 

Proper wooden dock maintenance can prevent the need for costly repairs and minimize the risk of injury or other safety concerns. If dock maintenance has dropped off your radar during this off-season, don’t worry! We put together a guide of everything you need to know about dock maintenance to help you prepare for a new year of endless lake memories.

Clean Your Dock Yearly

Think of this as part of your regular “spring cleaning” routine. It’s a best practice to do a deep cleaning of your wooden dock roughly once a year, and we suggest tidying everything up before peak season. 

As you clean your dock, check for gaps, stains, mildew, dirt build-up, and other signs of wear and tear. Some people may recommend going over your dock with a power washer, but that can chip and splinter the wood if done incorrectly. We suggest using a garden hose and a good dock cleaner to get the best results.

Just this simple exercise can enhance the durability of your dock. 

Protect Your Wood

Wood can wear and rot quickly when exposed to the elements. While wood is bound to show signs of aging over the years, you can prolong its life when you take action early. 

Always use pressure-treated timber. Replace rotten boards with new lumber as soon as you spot them and regularly reseal them. Even treated lumber needs routine applications of sealant. 

Read some of our other “Lake Smart” safety tips here! 

Warping planks is a common problem with wooden docks. There are tools to flatten warped boards, but replacing the affected panel is the best solution. 

Protect Your Dock From Bugs and Other Microorganisms

Your dock is your favorite space for a little R&R, but you may not be the only one. Microorganisms and wood-loving insects can make a home in wooden docks, creating holes or eating certain wood parts. 

Regular cleaning addresses most of these problems. If you use chemical insecticides, make sure they are safe for use on the water. These chemicals can pose a threat to natural marine life. 

If carpenter bees are boring into your dock, try painting or varnishing wooden surfaces because they prefer unfinished surfaces.

Invest In Dock Covers

Weather conditions affect your dock too. Heavy rain, snow, frost, or even the scorching sun can damage items stored on the dock, including boats and other items stored under a roof. Dock covers provide more comprehensive protection and are a wise way to protect your investment when you aren't at the lake. 

Ensure You Have Everything You Need to Leave Worries Behind

Once your dock is secure, it's important to make sure the water around your dock is secure as well. WaveLink uses patented technology to monitor your dock and the surrounding water for dangerous electricity. Undetected electrical currents in the water can lead to electric shock drowning (ESD). 

The WaveLink Hub can detect these hazardous conditions and alert everyone on your dock. It also sends notifications to your phone to be alerted wherever you are and take action to keep your friends and family safe. 

The WaveLink Hub is now available for pre-order! Fill out this form to find out how you can get WaveLink for your dock today!