Do floating docks need pilings?

Floating docks rest on the water's surface. To keep floating docks in place, builders can install anchoring systems or attach floating docks to preexisting structures. By contrast, stationary docks sit on pilings rather than the water's surface.

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Should you build a stationary or floating dock? At WearDeck , we want your new dock to fulfill all your needs and last a lifetime. Both stationary and floating docks include distinctive benefits and disadvantages that will impact the success of your project. As you decide which type of dock to build, you should consider the location and desired use of your dock.

Floating vs Fixed Docks

Floating docks rest on the water’s surface. To keep floating docks in place, builders can install anchoring systems or attach floating docks to preexisting structures. By contrast, stationary docks sit on pilings rather than the water’s surface. Builders drive the column-like structures into the ground to hold fixed docks above the water ( source ).

Benefits of Floating Docks

Is your project located in deep waters? Will it experience vast changes in water levels? If you answered yes to either question, you may want to invest in a floating dock. You can avoid the expense of lengthy pilings and substructure if you install a floating dock in deep waters. In areas where water levels fluctuate often, floating docks adjust to current conditions. Their elasticity allows continual, safe access to your boat and provides superior protection for your boat during extreme weather.

Problems with Floating Docks

While floating docks provide an ideal solution for certain projects, they come with disadvantages. Floating docks may experience damage if water levels drop too low and expose them to the ground. Because they adjust to water conditions, floating docks rock and sway in areas with high boat traffic or rough waters ( source ). The constant motion can produce undesirable noise.

Benefits of Stationary Docks

Fixed docks ensure stability in areas with high boat traffic and low water levels. Unlike floating docks, stationary docks stay in position as boats pass by and water conditions change. Stationary docks act as a solid extension of your outdoor living space and can provide a secure setting for gatherings. Despite sizeable wakes, shallow waters, and low tides, fixed docks remain secure and functional.

Disadvantages of Stationary Docks

Stationary docks may present problems for projects in deep waters or in areas with substantial shifts in water levels. In deeper bodies of water, fixed docks require longer, expensive pilings that bend and warp over time. In locations where water levels can drop too far below a fixed dock, you can experience difficulty when boarding your boat. Fixed docks may also face submersion if water levels rise too high.

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How long should a wheelchair ramp be?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope ratio for commercial ramps (ramps used in public spaces). This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long.

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How Long Should a Wheelchair Ramp Be?

Posted on 10/5/2017 by John Burfield

If you plan to add a wheelchair ramp to your entryway, you may be wondering how long it needs to be. Some people might think a shorter ramp is better because it takes up less space and may cost less money. However, if you add a ramp that is too short for the rise of the entryway being ramped, it can be both hard to use and a safety hazard. This often results in a very steep ramp that may resemble a ski jump! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope ratio for commercial ramps (ramps used in public spaces). This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long. The 1:12 slope ratio reduces the steepness of a ramp to 5 degrees of incline and makes it both easier and safer to traverse. While the ADA requirements only apply to commercial ramps, many home access professionals adhere to the 1:12 slope ratio for residential ramps as well. However, a slope ratio of 2:12 is also acceptable for residential ramps if space is limited. This means 12-inches of ramp for every 2-inches of rise and 9.5 degrees of incline. If you have limited space, you may think that a ramp that meets the proper slope guidelines will not fit on your property. However, a modular aluminum ramp can be configured in many ways to maximize your space. A qualified ramp or home access provider will be able to evaluate your space and determine what configuration and length of ramp will work best.

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