DockDIY
All-Welded DIY Dock Frame and Kit.
Available for Curbside Pickup in Naples, ME
Step 1: Choose your frame
Each frame kit includes its own decking option. Each decking option has its advantages when it comes to cost, durability, and maintenance.
What frame size should I choose?
We offer two frame sizes for DIYers. The larger 4’x10′ is the tried-and-true size that offers a good balance between portability and reach, while the 4’x8′ is oriented more towards ease of carrying and transport.
Specification | 4′ x 10′ | 4′ x 8′ |
|---|---|---|
Approximate Frame Weight | 80 lbs | 65 lbs |
Actual Frame Outer Dimensions | 48.625 in. x 120.5 in. | 48.625 in. x 96.5 in. |
5 Inch Frame Height |  | |
Marine Grade Aluminum Frame | | |
What are my decking options?
Use the included plans to build your own panels, or take advantage of perforated panels that allow light penetration for plant-growth, are cool on the feet, and have a grippy surface.
Build-it-yourself
Use the free cedar panel instructions to make your own removable deck panels in a barebones kit.
Install-it-yourself
Install perforated panels yourself using supplied panels and screws!
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4’x8′ DockDIY Frame with Perforated Kit$1,451.00
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4’x10′ DockDIY Frame with Perforated Kit$1,575.00
Ready-to-go
Leave the decking install to our team of skilled craftsmen, and purchase frames with pre-installed perforated decking.
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4’x10′ Feather-LITE Frame | Fully Decked$1,842.00
What will my instructions look like?
Our goal is to make instructions for the DockDIY as easy as possible to use, so that DIYers of many skill levels feel comfortable decking and installing their own aluminum dock. As such, we are always looking for feedback on how to improve. Click the button below to leave suggestions.
Build-your own decking | Install your own decking | Ready-to-go option | |
4′ x 8′ | Variation not offered | ||
4′ x 10′ |
What if I need a “white-glove” or “turn-key” option?
You may be interested in Dura-LITE™, our flagship aluminum dock product. Our knowledgeable sales team can guide you through the process of selecting the options you need with a Dura-LITE™ dock system.
Step 2: Choose your leg size
1.5 in Sch. 40 pipes are what the DockDIY stands on. You have a choice of pipe lengths that will depend on your water depths.
Water Depth: 0 feet to 1 foot
For Non-Driven or Driven Pipes
Water Depth: 1 foot to 3 feet
For Non-Driven Pipes
For Driven Pipes
Water Depth: 3 feet to 5 feet
For Non-Driven Pipes
For Driven Pipes
Water Depth: 5 feet to 7 feet
For Non-Driven Pipes
For Driven Pipes (cut to size)
How do I determine water depths for my pipes?
Measuring for pipe lengths is an important part of building your perfect dock! Follow these steps to get depth measurements.
- Find your ideal dock location. It should be a spot where you can easily step from solid ground to your first section.
- From this point, find your water depths every 10 feet. One way to do this is to tie the end of a measuring tape reel to shore and check the depth every 10 feet with a tape measure. Make sure to account for how much your body of water’s level changes over the course of the season.
- Determine whether you are going to hammer in each pipe, or if you will only rest the dock on pipe feet.
- If hammering pipe in, give yourself an additional 6 feet of length on top of the water depth for each pipe.
- If resting the dock on pipe feet, add 3 feet of length to the water depth you measured for each pipe.
- Repeat this for all pipes!
Why do I need pipes that are taller than my water depth?
There are a few reasons for this. In many cases, you will want your stationary dock to sit 12 to 18 inches above the water so that waves can roll under your dock.
Additionally, having some pipe above the decking of the dock allows you to adapt your dock height in case of water level fluctuations. As a bonus, this extra pipe gives you somewhere to tie a craft.
How many pipes will I need?
The “Main” section is the first one you install. It will need 4 legs so it can stand on its own. Proceeding sections often will only need two legs, but this depends on the configuration. In the image below, the Main section (A) has four legs. Almost every other section in the configuration below only needs two legs, such as section B below. Section C needs three legs because one corner is not supported by a previous dock section.
Step 3: Add pipe feet (Recommended)
Pipe feet keep docks from sinking into soft ground over time. They should be included on each pipe leg in most situations – even when pipe legs are driven.
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Pipe Foot (2 Pack) #4180$99.00
What are pipe feet?
Pipe feet are used to stabilize a stationary aluminum dock by providing support against side-to-side movement and adds protection against pipe leg sinking in certain lakebeds. The need for pipe feet depends on the size and configuration of the dock, as well as the local water conditions.
Do I need pipe feet?
If your stationary aluminum dock is installed in a location with moderate to high wave action or strong water currents, you will likely need to use pipe feet to ensure that the dock remains stable and secure.
Additionally, if your dock is large and/or has multiple sections or levels, pipe feet may be necessary to provide adequate support and stability.
Furthermore, if your dock is installed in a body of water with a sandy or muddy bottom, or any bottom where a pipe might sink through over time, you should use pipe feet.
Pipe feet prevent your dock from sinking into the ground and becoming unlevel over the course of the season.
How do I install pipe feet?
See how a dock leg pipe foot is installed in the video below!
Step 4: Add bracing in deep water
Bracing helps to distribute the weight of the dock more evenly and provides additional support to prevent it from tilting or swaying. Choose your brace option depending on the water depth at the pipe.
Water Depth: 0 feet to 3 feet
No Bracing Required!
Water Depth: 3 feet to 5 feet
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DockDIY Corner Brace 3-5$148.00 -
DockDIY X-Brace 3-5$246.00
Water Depth: 5 feet to 7 feet
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DockDIY Corner Brace 5-7$159.00
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DockDIY X-Brace 5-7$270.00
How do they work?
Our Hook and Lock system provides an easier way to install dock bracing. Simply hook the bottom of the brace on a pipe leg, and use the brace as a lever to clamp down on the pipe. Then, attach the top end of the brace to the track (for Corner Braces) or higher up on a pipe (for X-Braces).
See how they work in the video below!
Step 5: Add J-Brackets if connecting multiple sections
How do they work?
J-Brackets give your next dock section something to attach to instead of needing a pipe at every corner of a dock. They snap in to the first dock section, and then you can bolt in the next section.
The video below shows how to install J-Brackets on our docks!
How many J-Brackets do I need?
On short sides of the DockDIY, use one pair of J-Brackets. When attaching two long sides of a DockDIY, use two pairs of J-Brackets.
Step 6: Add accessories to make it your own
These accessories are specially curated for compatibility with the DockDIY, and can improve safety and function of your dock system.
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ShoreLight #2010$259.00 -
Guardian Bumper with Pipe Attachment Bracket #9254$147.25 -
Guardian Bumper Kit for Feather-LITE$112.00 -
Solar Dock Light 2 Pack #2009$95.50 -
Pipe Safety Cap (6 Pack) #2278G$45.00 -
DockDIY Dock Line$32.00
Step 7: Add to your toolkit
Make dock-install day easier by grabbing some specialized tools for the job.
The Leveling Winch
Use the leveling winch in conjunction with a piece of pipe to give additional support to a dock section that is being installed.
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$183.75
Driving Caps
Keep your pipes from “mushrooming” with a driving cap. The driving cap is lighter duty than the super driving cap, but both are very capable tools.
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Driving Cap #7073$32.75 -
Super Driving Cap #7100$106.25
Installation Float
A float can help make install easier. Use it to float one end of your stationary dock out to get it positioned before attaching legs. Then, remove the float and repeat this process.
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$171.00
It can be hard to find a professional to install or remove a dock system season-after-season. And we know that if you’re a Mainer or Mainer-at-heart, you’ve probably needed to “do-it-yourself” once in a while. We know you are capable and inventive, and can do seemingly impossible things if you have the right tools. Why should putting in the dock be any different?
The DockDIY is our answer to this. Using our durable – but light – Feather-LITE extrusion, we designed a frame that is manageable for most DIYers.
Dock Ladder Aluminum (20º Slanted) # 9079FL (With Feather-LITE™ Bolt Kit) For Feather-LITE™ Dock Frame only
Aluminum Swim Ladder Standard Mounting Bolts and instructions included. Click image for expanded view.
Guardian Bumper Kit for Feather-LITE
Includes: (1) – Guardian Boat Dock Bumper #2254G (3 of each) – Three Truss Head Stainless Steel Bolts, Three Rubber Washers, Three Stainless Steel 3/8 Track Nuts. Track nuts go up, in then down to fit into the track. Rubber washer … Read More
Guardian Bumper with Pipe Attachment Bracket #9254
This bumper and bracket combo offers the following features: 36″ Bumper made to be adjustable on the dock leg. The aluminum bracket fits 1.5″ schedule 40 Pipe and bracket is adjustable on the pipe socket. Pipe socket can be raised … Read More