5 Reasons to Buy Plastic Docks vs Wooden Docks
Deciding what type of dock to purchase for your waterfront property can be a difficult task. Here are 5 key areas to look at when deciding between a plastic floating dock such as EZ Dock vs a wooden floating dock.
1. Cost:
Wooden docks, in the short term, may appear to be the cheaper option. Depending on the type of wood you choose to use, such as cedars and hardwoods, you could be in the range of $3.50 to as much as $7.50 per square foot. Plus, synthetic woods can even be more expensive, with some being in the range of $35 per square foot. If you have an existing wooden dock, you may want to inspect your system to see if there is the need to invest in greater upkeep to maintain the system you have. However, if you are looking to build a wooden dock, keep in mind you will have to continually update and upkeep your system which can greatly increase the overall cost.
Whether it is residential or for commercial use, you want a dock that is reliable and enjoyable any day of the dock season. EZ Dock doesn’t require constant upkeep and updating for its systems, allowing for your dock to remain as functional as when you first bought it. In short, EZ Dock is vastly cheaper in the long-term compared to wooden docks.
2. Safety:
Whether you are using your wooden dock for residential or commercial use, you have to be aware of the safety risks. Problems such as loose nails and splinters can become a safety hazard on wooden dock systems.
EZ Dock products have no risk of nails and splintering, and they are also slip-resistant! EZ Dock has slip-resistant textures molded right on the top of the dock sections, allowing for safer mobility especially when barefoot.
When considering the amount of usage you will be getting out of your dock during the summer season, it is important to take into account the overall safety of your floating dock system.
3. Maintenance:
Maintenance on a dock system is necessary to keep the dock in the best condition it can be in. However the amount of maintenance required for different dock styles is important to review.
For wooden docks, you are constantly looking for components that need replacing. Whether the repairs are loose nails, or even insect damage, wooden docks are notorious for needing constant upkeep. Rotting wood and damaged planks are the backbone of maintenance for any wooden dock system.
EZ Dock products are the exact opposite, as they are designed to make maintenance minimal and minute. Simple soap and water solutions can be used to clean the dock, and household degreasing solutions can also be used to help get algae off of components such as a swim ladder. In short, EZ Dock is built to keep you less stressed about upkeeping your dock and more focused on enjoying it.
4. Value:
Wooden dock systems, though they fulfill the basic purpose they are set to achieve, they hardly deliver on bringing your waterfront, business, etc. any added value. Wooden docks, in many facets, can turn into big headaches as time goes on. Headaches that you don’t want to be experiencing when you are supposed to be enjoying time by the water! In circumstances when problems with your wooden dock do occur, sometimes it isn’t possible to fix the problem without fixing the entire dock system! This can lead to constantly being stuck having to repair the whole dock as opposed to dealing with the one problem at hand.
EZ Dock provides value in more ways than one. For starters, you are getting a dock that is meant to last, and one that won’t cause frustration. Not only that, but EZ Docks are modular, and can be reconfigured and redesigned however you like! Being able to reconnect and reconstruct your dock is something wooden docks can’t compete with, as once you have your wooden dock you are married to that system. EZ Docks are able to adapt to change, and are built to last through change. Wooden docks, can’t make that same promise.
5. Environmental Concerns:
Wooden docks have both pros and cons when it comes to their impact on the environment. Being a 100% renewable resource, wooden docks are a great option for trying to be environmentally cautious. However, the chemicals used for pressure-treated wood can potentially contaminate the water.
EZ Dock products are made from polyethylene and molded rubber couplers that are recyclable and do not harm the environment. EZ Dock products are 90% made with pre- or post-consumer water recycled rubber, not releasing any contaminants even when damaged.
Conclusion:
Overall, when it comes to cost, safety, maintenance, value, and environmental concerns, EZ Dock products tend outperform wooden dock comparisons. When thinking about which dock system to go with, make sure its assets align with what YOU want out of your dock. Hopefully this helps you decide how you want to get yourself out on the water for the year!
