Thread: Aluminum Docks
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Old 01-29-2010, 11:37 AM   #3
LIforrelaxin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Thunder View Post
The original post asked about 6 foot wide sections. That alone, from a weight perspective, makes a big difference.
Missed the 6' wide part there.... well once again an option is to make smaller sections now we will move onto 6 X 6 sections.... To lighten them up once again you make the floor boards removable... and then you make the 2 center supports removable....using joist hangers I have found works excellent for this... once you have the frame in place you just drop the center supports in. I have done it even on my 4 X 6 sections with one center support. Once again it makes the sections just as light if not lighter then the Aluminum 10' sections, and the cost is considerable lower.

My reasoning for staying with wood is this... Although I know the Aluminum docks are nice, and I am not trying to say they are not worth the money... I don't weld Aluminum, so down the road when something breaks, I will have to find someone to weld it. As opposed to the wood, where I just pick up the supplies and make the quick change out. I of course am also handy and now have extra sections, so when I see one needs to be replaced I take my time over the summer and rebuild a spare section.

I am not try to sway people away from Aluminum, just putting it out there, that if designed right wooden docks are just as good of a solution.
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