Gibson Marine Construction

  • Services
    • Seawalls
    • Landscaping
    • Docks
    • Dock Accessories
    • Boat Lifts
  • Gallery
  • Resources
    • Seawalls 101
    • Seawall FAQs
  • About
    • Blog
  • News
  • Leave a Review
    • Testimonials
  • Contact

Why We Use Pressure-Treated Lumber for Our Decks

February 19, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Particularly in the marine industry, we are accustomed to fiberglass and synthetic materials. Their flexibility and cost efficiency make these typically the go-to materials for everything from speed boats to docks. The use of extruded PVC for residential docks in Florida is oftentimes sought-after as they are accompanied by attractive extended warranties.

Wooden docks, however, are stunning. If kept in good condition, really “look like they belong” as a natural element integrated against the backdrop of their surroundings.

Therefore, although there are several caveats about the care and maintenance of organic or wooden docks, including gentle power washings and protection with a high caliber sealer, one thing is certain: the lumber needs to be pressure treated. This is not the place to skimp.

Still, even with pressure treated wood, because of the wood’s natural “instability” it is certainly predisposed to split and even of course warp making preventative inspections a must.

The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) offers the best perspective on why pressure treated lumber should be used for decks:

  •  Treated wood, sold in nearly every lumber outlet in North America, is favored for a variety of reasons: it has a natural appearance, its resistance to termites and rot is well established, wood is a plentiful and renewable resource, and treated wood is usually the most economical choice.
  • Longevity. Preserved wood resists damage from termites and fungal decay for decades; some producers offer warranties that extend for the life of the purchaser.
  • More than 80% of all U.S. decks are built entirely or partially with preserved wood, according to national surveys. Even when redwood or composite decking is used for the deck platform, preserved wood is usually used for posts, beams, and joists because of its structural strength and ability to withstand deterioration in ground contact.
  • Appearance. Treated wood can be found in a variety of lumber grades — from knot-free, close-grained grades to grades with more knots, splits, and wane (missing corners where bark once existed). Other than imparting a greenish or brownish hue, pressure-treatment has little effect on the appearance of wood; the treating process makes wood last longer regardless of its appearance.

A final interesting point disclosed by the NADRA is the environmental consciousness promoted by using preserved wood.

First of all, the trees are grown on managed timberlands which is reassuring, but additionally, “Treated wood requires less energy to produce than alternative building products. The preservatives are manufactured, in large part, from recycled materials. Most important for homeowners and the environment, the treatment extends the life of wood. This enables a deck to last longer, and it reduces demands on forests and other resources.”

Conscious decisions about building marine structures are solid decisions. This is one of the reasons at Gibson Marine that we carefully consult with our clients to determine the things that are most important to them to give them firm assurance of their dock solution. Fortunately, the material alternatives are plentiful and the design options, limitless.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: building a dock, deck, pressure treated lumber

How to Soak Up Life at the Water’s Edge

October 29, 2015 by gibson Leave a Comment

If you have the good fortune of living on the water, you want to enjoy every scenic aspect. By bringing the “inside, out” your backyard design can reflect an extension of your home with an outdoor kitchen, dining table, umbrella, and perhaps a hammock or two!

Whether or not you own a boat, your boat dock can also add some precious outdoor estate to your backyard oasis.

If your property doesn’t have one, consider building a dock – it will add to your home’s value while providing a space to host year-round Florida BBQs or relax with a chaise lounge and a good book.

  1. Every design plan begins with a wish list. How do you want to use the dock? If not as a boat launch, should it be floating or free standing? What materials suit the purpose and your style? A wooden dock or one made from composite decking? Pressure treated lumber? Extruded PVC? As part of this inspiration phase, take a look at sites like Pinterest for innovative uses of outdoor living space.
  2. What is your budget? With the deck materials and construction methods available, anything is essentially possible. But those materials and project scope including extras like dock lighting, fencing, railings, benches, plumbing, power pedestals, ladders, and pilings are all components which add functionality. These also increase the number at your budget’s bottom line. By comparing your budget against your wish list, you can decide what items are the most important depending on utility.
  3. What is your waterfront? Is your property on an inlet, a lake, the Gulf of Mexico? Your design must also be practical to suit the water conditions and its depth. Part of the evaluation phase with your dock contractor will include this type of survey which takes these into consideration as well as weather variations throughout the seasons and tidal patterns.
  4. Permitting and construction – while we take care of all these arrangements on your behalf, it is good to be acquainted with local regulations. Additionally, if your property is governed by an HOA (Homeowners Association) there may be compliances to which construction of any kind must conform, as well as prior authorization from the community board. Bear in mind that some of these boards convene sporadically, so it is not a bad idea to obtain the paperwork and their meeting schedule ahead of time. You’d hate to submit the application only to find they have adjourned for the summer.

Be certain to follow your HOA’s specifications about posting permits/proper authorization notices, and the hours when work can be in progress. (There’s always that one neighbor who is likely to report every infraction!)

When working with dock construction specialists like Gibson Marine, we will step you through every phase while making sure you are happy, and of course compliant with your county and your HOA. We think it is just a great idea to be prepared with all questions and considerations so you are absolutely thrilled with the final result! Call us at 727-942-3111 if you have any questions at all! We look forward to hearing from you.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: building a dock, life on the water, waterfront living

Recent Posts

  • The Official End of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season
  • Which Seawall Material Is Right for You?
  • How to Prepare Your Boat and Boat Lift for a Hurricane or Major Storm
  • The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season
  • Springtime Landscaping Tips

Tags

Atlantic Hurricane Season boat dock boating boat lift boat lifts boat owners building a dock composite decking custom florida docks deck decks dock dock cleaning dock maintenance dock repair dock repair and maintenance dock repairs docks floating dock florida homes florida seawalls hurricane hurricane damage hurricane preparedness hurricane season marine construction marine construction structures outdoor space palm harbor retaining walls rip rap rip rap seawalls safety seawall seawall construction seawall failure seawall maintenance seawall materials seawall repairs seawalls summer vinyl construction materials vinyl seawalls waterfront living wood seawalls


Gibson Marine Construction © 2021
2131 Range Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-942-3111 | gibson-marine.com Florida Certified General Contractor: CGC1514396