Floating Dock Help!?
Question:Yes, im trying to build a floating dock in my pond. The specs we have for now (we just picked one) is a dock that is 8ft x 8ft. I will be usuing treated 2x4x8 for the perimiter and treated 2x4x8's for the inside, and I havent found out which flooring im going to use. I created an example in Google Sketch It and took a snapshot of it which you can see here (http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/6219/... the black areas are where the 55 gallon plastic barrels will go. (I can get as many as i need). I just need to know do i need anymore 2x4x6's to make it more secure and sturdy.
Answers:
There isn't going to be any weight bearing on the structure; 2x4's as the interior joists should be sufficient for a platform measuring eight feet square. If you want a little more strength, space your joists at one foot (on centre) than the standard 16" on centre and use deck boards on the surface of the dock. It will mean you'll need to purchase two more eight-foot 2x4s. I would suggest you avoid plywood as the deck's surface. Plywood is constructed of a minimum of three layers of 1/16" layers stripped from logs and pressure-glued together. This glue does breakdown under constant exposure to moisture.
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I lived in Florida 9 years total...and all the old docks there are also treated 1x6 flooring as well..however the state parks etcetera there are now replacing the wood with a vinyl solid board that loks like stained lumber..but does not rot thru the years..gap the treated or vinyl boards with a 1/4 inch gap though for drainage..do not use a plywood of any sort..your asking for headaches there..here are a few products..the first one is wood "impregnated"
http://www.ecoproducts.com/building/buil...
this is what I'm talking about below...many manufacturers..do a price search online...some may be available at your local diy also..
http://www.deckandrailing.com/composite-...
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