Step-By-Step Guide to Pier & Dock Repairs & Rebuilds

Whether you’re replacing your coastal dock or pier out of necessity or simply enhancing your property value and shoreline usability, it’s important to follow the correct dock rebuild process. In this blog, we offer step-by-step guidance for successful coastal dock repairs and rebuilds in the southeast North Carolina area.

Step 1: Assess the Current Condition of Your Dock or Pier

Before you jump head-first into planning and demolition, it may be worth requesting a site visit from a marine construction specialist (offered by most dock construction companies). When a specialist comes out to your property, they will:

• Identify signs of deterioration or damage
• Evaluate the full scope of repairs needed
• Evaluate what permits will be needed
• Suggest a simple restoration or full-on replacement

Step 2: Plan Your New Dock or Pier Design

From new builds to minor renovations, there are numerous factors you should consider as you coordinate the design of your new and improved dock or pier:

• Location – Consider safety, accessibility, and water depth.
• Size – This will depend on your specific needs and CAMA regulations.
• Type of dock and/or pier – Ask a specialist about common types in your marine setting.
• Materials – Common options include standard wood, specialty wood, composite decking, and plastic.
• Water depth – This helps determine if you need dredging and whether a fixed or floating dock will work best.
• Local climate – In southeast NC, expect heavy winds and hurricanes.
• Boat traffic – Certain dock and pier types perform better in high-traffic waterways.

Step 3: Obtain the Necessary Permits

Every region has its own unique permitting requirements and processes. Before commencing work on your dock or pier, you’ll need a rock-solid understanding of local, state, and federal regulations. Unfortunately, this process can be a little tricky and time-consuming. But you can save yourself loads of time by recruiting a professional marine construction company to handle the permitting process for you!

Step 4: Prepare the Work Site

With permits and design plans in tow, your contractor will use specialized equipment (like a small barge and a crane) to safely remove your existing dock or pier. After this demolition phase, they can begin construction.

Step 5: Install the New Dock/Pier Foundation

Depending on your soil conditions and the type of dock you’re building, the next step may be to create a secure foundation. This means driving pilings (vertical beams) into the seafloor and/or using other structures to support the new pier or dock.

Step 6: Build the New Dock or Pier Surface

Once the new pilings are in place, contractors will establish a horizontal frame on top of the foundation. Then, they’ll install the decking, using screws or nails to secure the decking material to the frame. During this process, professionals consider everything from long-term durability to water drainage.

NOTE: At this point in the process, floating docks are typically constructed off-site, transported to your property, and secured to poles.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

During this final stage, many people opt to add certain hardware to their docks or piers, such as handrails, cleats, bumpers, lighting, racks, fish-cleaning stations, stairs, ladders, storage, and seating. This is also the time contractors generally do a final inspection to ensure the dock or pier meets all relevant local requirements.

Contact F&S Marine Construction for a Quick, Seamless Pier or Dock Reconstruction

From initial inspection and design to permitting, demolition, and final installation, the pier/dock replacement process can present challenges only a marine construction professional can address.

Searching for a dock or pier construction team in southeast NC? Learn how we can help!