When it comes to building a pier, waterfront property owners have to weigh the benefits of fixed, tip-in systems against floating designs. Knowing each dock system can help you make the best choice for your water conditions, lifestyle, and budget.
Floating piers are dock systems that rest atop buoyant structures such as pontoons, foam blocks, or polyethylene floats. Instead of relying on legs anchored into the lake or river bottom, the entire dock moves up and down with water levels, making them ideal for fluctuating shorelines.
Benefits of a floating pier include adaptability to changing water levels, low seasonal hassle, and versatility. Floating docks stay at the surface, maintaining a consistent deck height relative to the water whether lake levels rise or fall. Because they float, installation and removal can be simpler in some contexts compared to legged systems.
Additionally are tip-in style piers, a legged, sectional dock that doesn’t float but stands on the bottom using sturdy legs that go into the waterbed. What makes tip-in style piers stand apart is their unique installation and adjustment system, designed for ease and performance.
Unlike traditional stationary docks that require heavy equipment or a team to install, tip-in style piers are engineered so that one person can put the dock in place and remove it without power tools, winches, or vehicles, making it ideal for homeowners who want a do-it-yourself install experience without the complexity of traditional docks.
Pier of d’Nort’s tip-in style pier uses an innovative cam mechanism to adjust leg height with minimal effort. A simple 1/8 turn of a wrench lets you raise or lower the dock to just the right height, and the cam holds the leg securely.
Unlike wood or steel docks that can rot or rust, Pier of d’Nort piers are built with high-grade aluminum, giving you a product that’s both strong and corrosion-resistant. This translates to long life, low maintenance, and better performance over time.
This flexible dock configuration can be tailored to your shoreline and needs, including simple walkouts to more complex layouts with multiple sections. You can also add accessories like swim ladders, bumpers, lighting, and more to enhance functionality.
Both tip-in style piers and floating piers are available when adding a dock to your waterfront property. But for many lakefront homeowners, Pier of d’Nort’s tip-in system delivers unmatched convenience, ease of installation, long-lasting durability, and great value, all while giving you a pier that performs beautifully year after year.