How to Build a Dock Foundation

This sketchcast is an overview of the basic components required to build a dock or pier foundation and how they fit together.



The main components are:

1. Pilings
2. Pile Caps/Beams
3. Stringers

You will also need the appropriate hardware and surface deck materials for your pier or dock. The sketchcast does not cover spans or what sizes of materials you should use. There are a lot of variable to take into consideration for that stuff. So, if you want my advice I will go for the mega overbuild. Check with your local building codes and consult an engineer to be safe.

Make sure you use properly treated wood when building your dock or pier. For fresh water, use wood treated to at least .60 pcf and use 2.5 pcf for saltwater. Marine environments are really tough on wood.

Along the same vein, use the best hardware you can get. The price difference will be next-to-nothing and you will always know that your dock or pier is really strong. Use hot dipped galvanized or even stainless steel hardware.

If you have any questions about the components, where to get them, or how to build a dock or pier foundation, post a comment here.