Building a private dock on a lake is a rewarding investment, offering a gateway to waterfront fun, boating, and scenic relaxation. But before you choose the right dock building materials, it’s essential to understand each option’s pros and cons and ensure you comply with local regulations. For homeowners on Lake Martin and other lakes managed by Alabama Power, specific shoreline permitting guidelines must be followed for all residential dock construction.
This guide explores the most common building materials for lake docks—pressure-treated wood, composite decking, aluminum, PVC, and concrete—while also folding in Alabama Power’s latest shoreline permitting requirements. Together, this information ensures your new dock is durable and compliant.
Start With Alabama Power’s Shoreline Guidelines
Before reviewing your material choices, you must understand that you do not automatically have the right to build a dock—even if you own lakefront property. Alabama Power owns the land adjoining the lake, and a Residential Shoreline Permit is required to build any structure along the shoreline. Review the General Guidelines for Residential Shoreline Permitting & Permit Terms and Conditions
Key Permit Guidelines Include:
- Minimum Shoreline Length: Lots with less than 100 linear feet of shoreline may be ineligible for structures.
- Setback Requirement: All structures must be set back at least 15 feet from the extension of your property lines into the lake, though Alabama Power can modify this distance at its discretion.
- Maximum Size: The total square footage allowed for a structure is 1,510 square feet, with a maximum length of 62 feet (excluding walkways 6 feet wide or less).
- Non-Habitable Structures Only: No enclosed or habitable structures are permitted (no plumbing, bathrooms, or living quarters).
- Flotation Standards: Floating docks must use encased or closed-cell expanded polystyrene flotation, marine-grade and puncture-resistant.
With those critical rules in mind, let’s explore your best options for dock building materials.
Pressure-Treated Wood: Traditional and Affordable
Pressure-treated wood has long been the go-to material for lake docks due to its availability and cost-effectiveness.
Pros:
- Affordable and accessible at most local lumber yards.
- Natural look that blends beautifully with lake environments.
- DIY friendly, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners.
Cons:
- Requires routine maintenance, including sealing and staining.
- Vulnerable to rot, warping, and insect damage over time.
- It must be monitored to avoid environmental contamination near water.
If you choose wood for your dock, ensure the lumber is rated for freshwater use and is free from debris or remnants that Alabama Power prohibits on Project Lands.
Composite Decking: Durable and Low-Maintenance
Composite decking is a modern material made of wood fibers and recycled plastics, offering an attractive alternative to wood.
Pros:
- Low maintenance—no staining or sealing required.
- Resistant to splinters, rot, and insect damage.
- Eco-friendly options made from recycled materials.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to wood.
- It may become hot in the sun, affecting comfort.
- Some finishes can be slippery when wet.
As a popular building material for lake docks, composite decking satisfies Alabama Power’s guidelines for non-reflective and non-hazardous construction materials.
Aluminum: Lightweight and Long-Lasting
Aluminum is commonly used in modular or floating dock systems and is prized for its strength and corrosion resistance.
Pros:
- Lightweight and strong, ideal for floating docks.
- Resistant to corrosion, perfect for humid and wet lake climates.
- Extremely long lifespan with minimal maintenance.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost.
- It can become uncomfortably hot or cold depending on the season.
- It may lack the natural visual appeal of wood.
Aluminum complies with Alabama Power guidelines when installed with approved anchoring and flotation systems.
PVC and Plastic Docks: Modern and Minimal
PVC and other plastic materials offer modern solutions for floating dock systems, especially on lakes with seasonal water level changes.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant and impervious to mold or mildew.
- Virtually maintenance-free—ideal for vacation homes.
- Available in varied colors and textures.
Cons:
- It may not meet the aesthetic preferences of all homeowners.
- Less structurally robust than aluminum or concrete.
- Environmental considerations for long-term use and disposal.
Ensure the floating components use marine-grade closed-cell foam as Alabama Power requires to prevent waterlogging and pollution.
Concrete: Permanent and Powerful
Concrete is most common in public marinas or permanent installations, but it can also be used for lakefront properties that don’t require dock relocation or seasonal removal.
Pros:
- Exceptionally durable and resistant to wave or ice damage.
- Requires almost no maintenance.
- Excellent for heavy-use or commercial applications.
Cons:
- Very expensive to install.
- Not suitable for floating docks.
- May not comply with flood easement venting or elevation requirements from Alabama Power.
Concrete structures must be engineered to accommodate flood storage capacity by being elevated or properly vented. Certification may be required.
Special Considerations Under Alabama Power Regulations
In addition to choosing the right dock building materials, Alabama Power requires attention to:
- Sensitive Resource Areas: Extra environmental approvals and construction limitations may apply.
- Narrow Sloughs: Docks cannot extend more than one-third across the slough at full pool.
- Storage Restrictions: Structures may not be walled or enclosed except for one wall used for an approved storage area.
- PWC Flotations: You may include up to two personal watercraft lifts or floats without impacting square footage, but any additional units require special approval.
Build Smart, Build to Last
Choosing the right building materials for lake docks is only part of the equation. You must also ensure your design meets Alabama Power’s shoreline permitting standards. By doing so, you’ll avoid costly delays, ensure the safety of your structure, and protect the beautiful lakefront for years to come.
