Boat Dock Decking in Oregon – Aluminum vs. Wood

Wood and aluminum dock

Boat docks come in all shapes and sizes and can be constructed using many different boat dock decking materials.  Whether you decide to build an aluminum dock or a wood dock depends on many factors.  There are many pros and cons about both options, so it makes sense to research the two choices before making a final decision.

Boat Dock Decking in Oregon:  Materials

Aluminum:  Aluminum is a strong material that is well suited for the outdoors and exposure to water.  It is durable, plentiful, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and strong.  Unlike most materials, steel included, aluminum actually becomes more weather-resistant when it oxidizes.  This happens because aluminum oxide forms on the surface when it is exposed to oxygen, which protects the metal from decay.  Aluminum oxide is one of the hardest substances on earth and is highly resistant to corrosion.  This is where they have an advantage over wood docks.

Although stronger than wood, steel can rust and corrode over time.  You have to maintain aluminum to keep it looking good over the years.  Although aluminum is strong, if you install a dock that has not been welded properly, it may break.  For many people, the look of aluminum is also an advantage.  If you want to have a dock that looks different than traditional wood docks, aluminum is the way to go.

One drawback of aluminum is that it costs more than wood initially.  Aluminum docks are usually pre-built in a factory, in sections.  Once they arrive for installation, they are assembled on site.  This type of dock is more expensive upfront, but because it requires less maintenance than a wooden dock, it may actually be less expensive overall.

Wood dock

Wood:  Many people prefer wood docks because of the natural beauty and strength they offer.  Wood docks are also affordable to install and last for many years.  The only problem is that over time, wood has a tendency to rot, warp, splinter, crack and become damaged by insects.  These are problems that don’t affect aluminum docks.  Of course, wood is more vulnerable to water than aluminum.

Wood is rather soft and gets easily damaged by boats ramming into the side of the dock, as well as extreme weather.  Another drawback of wood is that it needs to be repaired on a regular basis.  Wood docks are usually built with treated lumber and needs to be maintained with preservatives to prevent problems associated with constant submersion in water.

One of the pros of wood docks is that they are very affordable because wood is a material that is readily available.

They type of dock you decide to build for your home depends on a variety of different factors.  It’s important to weigh cost, durability and safety when making such a large purchase decision.  No matter what type of dock you choose, make sure it’s one you’ll enjoy for many years to come.

Boat Dock Decking in Oregon – Local areas we serve

Oregon:  Beaverton, Bend, Canby, Central Oregon, Clackamas, Dayton, Dundee, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Hood River, Keizer, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Newberg, Oregon City, Portland, Sherwood, St. Paul, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Woodburn and more.

Washington:  Bellingham, Bremerton, Camas, Centralia, Chehalis, Edmonds, Everett, Federal Way, Fife, Kalama, Kelso, Kent, Kirkland, Long Beach, Olympia, Pasco, Port Townsend, Ridgefield, Seattle, Vancouver, Woodland and more.

Champion Property Improvement is a preferred boat dock builder in Oregon and Washington.  Call us today for a free consultation at 503-969-6613.  We’d love to earn your business!