Is your lake front on an angle? Is your dock running into your neighbor’s dock? It’s always best to get along with your neighbors, but many lake sites are not in line with the neighboring properties, which can cause issues with docks running into each other. To keep everyone on their property, Alumi-Span can put an angle across the first section of your dock. In many cases, this can bring everything back in line with the dock next to yours. This can help save you from neighborly disputes, and in the worst cases, legal action. Cutting an angle on an aluminum dock is a little more involved t ..read more

Do you feel like your dock looks a little plain? Do you dream of a fun, stylish dock for the spring? If you live on lakefront property or have a vacation home on the water, you know how important it is to have the right design and accessories to fully transform and enhance your outdoor space. A large, rectangular dock shape is easy to build and functional, but does it really serve your needs? Or could you have something more unique that will not only impress your friends and neighbors, but also include your outdoor hobbies? Here are some dock design options that can enhance your outdoor exp ..read more

Do you own waterfront property? Are you thinking about investing in a boat dock? If your home is on a waterfront, installing a boat dock is one of the best ways to take advantage of the extra space! Whether you use a dock for boating, swimming, lounging, entertaining, or all of the above, a custom dock can bring the whole property together. Here are three reasons to invest in a custom boat dock: Customize the appearance to fit your home We love to customize the appearance of our homes, so why not do the same with boat docks? Investing in a custom dock means you can build it to look how yo ..read more

Have you been waiting for the right time to build your boat dock? Unsure what dock option is best for you? As the summer heat starts to wind down, we’re moving into great weather for dock building! With all the different types of boat docks, how do you know which one is right for you? Take a look at our quick guide to dock options! Before You Choose, Consider… Shorelines. What does the shoreline look like where you live? Grassy? A steep descent? Rocky? This will also influence the type of dock you construct. Water Levels and Currents. Is there a lot of boat traffic and strong currents wher ..read more

Are you concerned about the safety of your boat dock? Have you ever had a dock mishap? If you own a boat, you know better than anyone how unpredictable the water and weather can be. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure the safety and security of your boat dock. Go slow when docking. It’s easier to control your boat when going slow. Sharp turns are easier with less water flowing past the rudders. Cruising up to your dock gives you less control, making you more likely to hit it. Hitting your dock with your boat can cause damage to both, and the damage gets worse the fas ..read more

Have you recently invested in a brand-new boat dock? Are you noticing signs of wear and tear on your existing boat dock? Owning a lake-front property can be a lot of work, and you need to maintain your aluminum boat dock just like you take care of your home and car. Here are the top three things you need to do as a boat dock owner: Get a pressure washer and learn how to use it: Regular, thorough cleaning can extend the longevity of your boat dock. Before you use a pressure washer, make sure you know how to use it the right way. Never hold the washer any closer than one inch away from the ..read more

Getting ready for another summer at the lake? Does your dock need repairs, or do you need to replace it? Rather than dreading this chore, take this as an opportunity to build a boat dock that meets all your family’s needs and as an investment in your property. Building a new dock is exciting! You’re probably already looking forward to swimming, boating, or entertaining on your dream dock. If you’ve thought about it for a long time, you may already have design ideas, but there are some important factors to consider before you put your bank account behind your dream dock design. Budget: Ma ..read more

It’s finally spring! Are you already dreaming about being out on the water in the summer breezes? What’s better than being out on the lake with friends and family? Do you need a boat dock that can provide years of fun and function for your family? Aluminum boat docks are very low maintenance. Even though they’ll rarely need your attention, the sturdiest docks still require a lot of work to stand up to intense storms, heat, and high winds here in the Midwest. Protect your investment with regular inspections and maintenance! Here’s what we recommend: If you leave your dock in year-round, y ..read more

Summer is quickly approaching! After a long Midwestern winter, imagine how great the warm sun and cool water will feel after all the gray, icy days for the last three months. With summer on the way, making sure your boat dock is in peak condition is important. Nobody wants to spend the summer fixing their dock when they could be enjoying it instead! There are a few parts of your dock that should be inspected at the beginning of boating season: Clamps and brackets: make sure all pieces are there, along with necessary hardware Nuts and bolts: check that you have all necessary nuts and bolts ..read more

Dock installation has a reputation for being the most hated chore a cottage owner has to tackle each year. Those who hate it are usually in the same situation – they own a heavy all-pine dock that requires 100% augering. We talk to dozens of customers each year who, in frustration, decide they’ll do or pay almost anything to eliminate this back-breaking work. They look at rolling docks and many other fancy options, only to find out that they’re mega-expensive and most of them don't work nearly as well as advertised. Did you know a properly designed conventional dock can be installed in about ..read more