The Aluminum Frame Advantage

Why Choose Our Aluminum-Framed Docks over Wood-Framed

Wood-framed docks attract many buyers because of their lower upfront cost and DIY-friendly construction. Materials are widely available and simple to assemble for small projects. However, property owners who value long-term performance, durability, and minimal maintenance will benefit more from aluminum-framed docks.

When it comes to building a dock that lasts, choosing the right frame material is critical. Many traditional docks are built with wood frames, but wood comes with inevitable challenges: rot, warping, and splitting over time, especially when using lumber on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Another considerable factor is the higher strength-to-weight ratio that aluminum provides. That’s why more and more waterfront property owners are switching to our aluminum docks—designed to outperform wood in strength, longevity, portability, and ease of use.

Built with Portability and Longevity in Mind

When building a dock that lasts, the frame material matters. We use marine-grade aluminum with a 6″ closed tube extrusion welded inside and out. This design resists sagging and twisting, keeping your dock solid for decades. Unlike wood, aluminum never rots, splits, or warps. That means fewer repairs and lower lifetime costs.

Key Features of Our Dura-LITE Extrusion:

• Non-slip top edge for safety underfoot.
• Snap-on accessory compatible for easy installation of ladders, benches, bumpers, and railing.
• Reposition bolt-on stairs using the track that is built into the frame.

With a wood dock, upgrades often mean drilling through lumber, permanently altering the frame, and will leave unsightly holes if the accessories ever get moved.

Versatility: Stationary or Floating

Our Dura-LITE line of aluminum docks can be configured as either stationary (fixed leg) or floating systems:

• Stationary Docks use welded corner extrusions and 1.5″ galvanized pipe legs, locked with dual set screws rated at 500 lbs. each. Adjustable feet keep the dock stable even on soft lakebeds.
• Floating Docks connect with heavy-duty hinges and allow anchor chain holders and cleats to attach directly to the frame.

Both designs also use the bottom track of the extrusion for attaching braces, floats, or adjoining sections—a level of flexibility wood cannot match.

A Superior Look That Lasts

Wood docks fade, weather, and need regular staining or sealing. Eventually, they become an eyesore. Aluminum docks paired with synthetic lumber, perforated, or real cedar decking maintain clean lines and a modern look with little more than an occasional rinse.

Benefits at a glance:

• Maintenance-Free – No painting, sealing, or replacing rotted boards when you choose synthetic decking.
• Lightweight & Strong – Easy to handle but stronger than wood.
• Customizable – Tracks and grooves make upgrades simple.
• Cost-Effective – Lower lifetime costs compared to wood.

Sustainable by Design

Pressure-treated wood contains chemicals that can leach into the water and eventually end up in landfills. In contrast, our aluminum-framed docks last for decades and are fully recyclable, creating a lower-waste product. According to the Aluminum Association, aluminum is infinitely recyclable, and nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today—a testament to its long-term value and material efficiency.

Bottom Line

If you want a dock that’s as durable as it is functional—and one that looks great season after season—invest in an aluminum-framed dock from Great Northern Docks. You’ll enjoy lasting performance, easier maintenance, and a cleaner waterfront experience, knowing your dock is built to endure, adapt, and perform season after season.