DIY Renovation Project: Rebuilding a Coastal Dock with Rogue Engineer

DIY Renovation Project: Rebuilding a Coastal Dock with Rogue Engineer

We worked with DIYer Jamison Rantz, also known as Rogue Engineer, on a dock rebuild project. Our Strong-Drive® SDWS Timber SS screw and Titen HD® heavy-duty screw anchor provided strength and durability for his new dock. Learn everything that went into this costal dock rebuild, from replacing the existing structure to expanding the area for an outdoor entertainment space. 

Completed costal dock renovation
Completed costal dock renovation

Jamison’s parents had recently purchased a home in Florida that had a dock that was in need of repair. The existing dock had pressure-treated deck boards that were splintering and unsafe. The layout of the dock was essentially a narrow pier positioned a few feet from the boat, making it difficult for more than one person to fish from or for mobility-impaired individuals to board the boat. Additionally, the piles were covered in oysters and barnacles, so their structural integrity was uncertain.

Removing the dock pilings
Removing the dock pilings

First, he designed a plan to utilize the dock’s existing space and create a design to allow safe entrance onto the boat. Then, he obtained the necessary permits and submitted the required paperwork for approval. Next, Jamison and his team demolished the old decking, joists, and piles and set aside the old boat lift.

Removing the old dock
Removing the old dock

The team then set new piles, installed the beams and ledger board, and installed the joists and hardware. They also installed a new boat lift and replaced the decking with WearDeck in the color Barefoot Sand. Additionally, they expanded the decked area to create a more enjoyable space for hanging out, fishing, and safely boarding the boat.

Laying down the joices for the new dock
Laying down the joices for the new dock

Below is a brief overview of the steps Jamison took for this dock rebuild. You can also learn more details about this build here.

New dock in progress
New dock in progress

Steps to Rebuild a Dock 

  1. Design — figuring out how to utilize the dock’s existing space and create a design to allow safe entrance onto the boat was the first step
  2. Permitting — making sure all papers, including a checklist, survey and plans, were in order to submit to government officials for approval and to receive a permit
  3. Demolition  — removing old decking, joists, and piles, and setting aside old boat lift
  4. Setting new piles
  5. Installing the beams
  6. Installing the ledger board
  7. Installing the joists
  8. Installing the hardware
  9. Installing the boat lift
  10. Decking
  11. Expanding the Deck (optional)

    Laying the new board with Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive® Cordless PRO300SG2 Decking System   
    Laying the new board with Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive® Cordless PRO300SG2 Decking System

Materials for a Dock Rebuild 

In the video below, Jamison goes over the dock rebuild and expansion in more detail.

Author: Jamison Rantz

Jamison Rantz aka Rogue Engineer is a DIYer with an engineering background. He's built multiple projects with us, his largest being a dock for his parents.