How Much Does Building a Dock Cost in 2025?
On average, building a dock costs $14,949 but can range from $4,054 to $25,970, depending on type, materials, and location.
Homeowners typically spend between $4,054 and $25,970 to build a boat dock, with an average cost of $14,949.
Common dock types are floating, piling, pipe, crib, and suspension, each with different costs and ideal uses.
Factors like size, materials, labor, and add-ons influence the total project cost.
Hiring a pro ensures safe construction and compliance with local regulations.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building a boat dock costs an average of $14,949, with most homeowners spending between $4,054 and $25,970. The type of dock—whether it's a simple floating dock or a high-end permanent structure—significantly impacts the overall cost. Factors like water depth, climate, location, and water type (fresh or saltwater) will influence your choice and budget. This guide breaks down the costs associated with building a dock to help you plan your project effectively.
Boat Dock Prices by Type
The cost of your boat dock depends largely on the type you choose.
| Type of Dock | Cost |
|---|---|
| Floating | $15 – $35 per square foot |
| Piling | $20 – $40 per square foot |
| Pipe | $1,000 – $10,000 total |
| Cribe | $10,000 – $50,000 total |
| Suspended | Varies |
Floating Dock Prices
Floating docks cost between $15 and $35 per square foot, including both materials and labor. The most affordable option is a prefabricated aluminum floating dock, starting around $1,500. These docks are built by placing decking over airtight barrels, drums, or marine floats.
Least expensive
Small ones are easy to remove from the water
Easy to maintain
Less stable, especially in high-traffic water
Flotation may be damaged during low tides
Best for lakes or sheltered coves
Pilings Dock Costs
Piling dock building and installation run $20 to $40 per square foot. Machinery drives or jet pilings, generally 10” to 12” in diameter, into the lakebed. A few benefits include:
More expensive than floating due to complex build and installation labor
Not compatible with some types of terrain
Permanent and durable if maintained properly
Customize it into boathouses, gazebos, and party decks
Pipe Docks
A prefabricated aluminum pipe dock will cost between $1,000 and $10,000 total. A basic straight roll-out runs $1,500 to $3,500. You’ll pay an additional $500 to $5,000 for setup and installation.
Easy to assemble
Not permanently affixed for easy removal
Comes with wheels or stationary posts
Requires an even lakebed or seafloor for installation
Not suitable for mooring larger boats
Good for lakes with calm waters
Crib Docks
Crib docks cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more. They are constructed by filling one or more square wooden “cribs” with large rocks and then capped with a deck. They are essentially small, synthetic islands that you can connect to each other and the shore with decking.
Requires a permit due to environmental concerns. Check with your pro or the local zoning or building permit office for specifics.
Higher installation cost
Good for choppy or cold northern waters
Not suitable for extremely deep water
Can last 50+ years
Suspension or Cantilevered Articulating Docks
Engineering challenges make these unique, uncommon, and expensive. Because of this, you’ll need to contact a local engineer near you to get a project quote. A suspension dock overhangs the water like a suspension bridge with only one side.
Low environmental impact. Good for areas with a fragile underwater ecosystem
High aesthetic value
More costly to install than other dock types
Requires more time to plan and construct
Dock Cost Factors
The average dock runs between $15 to $40 per square foot. However, with high-end materials like exotic hardwoods or concrete, you can easily double that price.
Size
The average dock runs between $15 to $40 per square foot. However, with high-end materials like exotic hardwoods or concrete, you can easily double that price.
| Square Footage | Average Cost Range (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| 120 sq. ft. | $1,800 – $4,200 |
| 150 sq. ft. | $2,250 – $5,300 |
| 180 sq. ft. | $2,700 – $6,300 |
| 210 sq. ft. | $3,150 – $7,400 |
| 240 sq. ft. | $3,600 – $8,400 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $4,500 – $10,500 |
| 360 sq. ft. | $5,400 – $12,600 |
| 420 sq. ft. | $6,300 – $14,700 |
| 480 sq. ft. | $7,200 – $16,800 |
| 540 sq. ft | $8,100 – $18,900 |
Labor
Construction often includes labor in the project quote. According to some homeowner reports, labor accounts for roughly half of the total price. So the average project of $10,000 includes $5,000 in labor or $50 per linear foot.
The primary professionals involved in dock construction include dock builders, carpenters, marine contractors, and sometimes engineers. Their costs can vary based on expertise and regional market rates:
Dock Builders and Marine Contractors: Typically charge between $45 and $75 per hour. They handle the overall construction and installation and ensure the dock meets safety standards.
Carpenters: Charge around $40 to $70 per hour. Responsible for building wooden components of the dock, like decking and framing.
Structural Engineers: If required for complex designs, may charge $100 to $200 per hour. They design specialized docks, like suspension or cantilevered types.
Labor costs can vary regionally due to differences in demand, local regulations, and cost of living. For example, labor rates may be higher in coastal areas with more boating activity or in regions with stringent environmental regulations requiring specialized skills.
Boat Dock Cost Estimator
Your boat dock costs will vary based on type.
| Dock Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Piling | $10 – $15 per foot |
| Drums or Floats | $75 – $400 each |
| Ladder | $100 – $600 each |
| Bumper | $50 – $100 each |
| Ramp | $500 – $1,000+ |
| Mooring Whips | $300 – $500 each |
| Decking | $4 – $40 per square foot |
| Boat Lift | $1,000 – $15,000 each |
| Boathouse | $10,000 – $50,000+ |
Dock Materials Cost
Materials costs vary based on the size of your project.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Cedar | $4 – $8 |
| Redwood | $5 – $14 |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $5 – $12 |
| Exotic Hardwoods (like Ipe, Camaru, and Tigerwood) | $15 – $25 |
| PVC/Plastic | $4 – $10 |
| Composite | $30 – $40 |
| Aluminum | $30 – $40 |
| Concrete | $150 – $300 per linear foot* |
*Includes labor.
Piling
Piling costs $10 to $15 per square foot. A dock piling is the upright posts driven into the lake or seabed. The frame either attaches to these for fixed decks or wraps around them for floating types to allow travel up and down the piling during water level changes.
Drums or Floats
Drums or floats can cost from $75 to $400 each, depending on the size and material you choose. Airtight drums or floats keep a floating dock afloat and usually have decking placed overtop.
Ladder
A dock ladder costs $100 to $600. If you plan to use your dock to get in and out of the water for swimming or other water activities, a ladder is a must-have dock improvement for added safety.
Bumper
Dock bumpers cost $50 to $100 each, depending on size. They protect both the dock and boats during docking by absorbing impact and preventing damage.
Ramp
Installing a dock ramp costs $500 to $1,000+. Ramps are designed for launching boats by backing them into the water using another vehicle. They’re beneficial if you plan on regularly moving watercraft in and out of the water.
Mooring Whips
Mooring whips cost $300 to $500 each. These whips look like fishing poles affixed at certain angles and tensioned to hook boats when they come in. They’re designed to protect the finish on boats in areas with rough wake by holding them a safe distance away from the dock.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Boat Lift?
A boatlift will add between $1,000 and $15,000 to the project. Adding a boat lift canopy adds $500 to $2,000. Various styles, materials, and build qualities can suit different purposes and fit all types.
Freestanding: $1,000–$15,000. Vertical, pontoon, and cantilever
Pile Mount: $1,500–$8,000. Single or 4-pile
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Dock: $1,000–$2,000. Floating or fixed drive-on
Cost to Build a Boathouse or Covered Dock
Boathouses run $10,000 to $50,000+. The price depends on the size, materials, and included options, like a lift.
Considerations When Choosing a Dock
Building a dock requires thorough planning and decision-making. Consider factors like dock type, materials, electrical needs, and your budget before starting construction.
To determine the best type and materials, boat owners should consider:
Regional-specific construction regulations
Climate and location: Is your boat on a frozen lake or hurricane-prone coastline?
Water depth and bed composition: Helps determine the length of piles.
Saltwater or freshwater: Each requires different materials and treatments.
Seasonal Dock Removal and Install
Seasonal dock removal and installation cost between $150 and $500 or more, depending on the dock's length and number of sections. This service is typically for floating or sectional docks that are easy to remove.
Running Electrical to the Dock for Mooring or Lifting
Running electricity runs up to $1,000 depending on the distance. Dockside electricity provides mooring and lifting features and added lighting.
Cost of Building a Dock on a Lake vs. River
Since both are freshwater, the difference comes down to moving versus still water. Floating varieties don’t work on rivers.
Rivers require fixed, permanent docks at $80 to $150 per linear foot.
Lakes can use any type, permanent or floating, for as little as $1,500.
Renting a Slip in a Marina vs. Building a Private Dock
With no waterfront property, it might make more sense to use a marina for $3,500 to $10,000 per year. But for about the same price you can have a private dock installed that will last 15 years or more.
Seawall or Bulkhead Cost
Steel and concrete seawalls run $150 to $600 per linear foot for a basic installation. Engineering, permitting, plumbing, and electrical needs will increase that price. Residential wood bulkheads tend to fall on the lower end.
Hiring a Professional Boat Dock Builder vs. DIY
Boat docks are a maintenance and safety hazard if done incorrectly or with the wrong materials. Building a dock requires specialized knowledge, skills, and experience; it's a big project. Use a professional who specializes in boat dock installation.
To find a qualified professional:
Always get at least three quotes
Find a professional dock builder near you
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Docking your boat or yacht costs between $0.50 and $2 per foot each day or $150 and $1,000 per month. This answer clearly defines the fee structure at marinas with fixed pricing, and it includes a storage cradle option that costs between $1,500 and $4,000. These cost figures reflect established charges for securing your vessel without additional service fees.
EZ Docks cost between a few hundred dollars and a few thousand dollars. This answer details that these modular floating docks are built from plastic or aluminum and are designed for ease of assembly and mobility. The cost depends on the chosen configuration and added features that enhance functionality while providing a flexible docking solution.
Dock repair costs an average of $1,500, but prices can vary based on location, construction type, and materials used. Maintaining your dock's structural integrity is essential. Repair costs cover necessary fixes to ensure your dock remains safe and secure. Unexpected issues may increase the overall repair cost.
Using an aluminum frame with composite decking increases dock build costs by 20% to 50% compared to a wooden frame. This answer emphasizes that the material choice directly impacts the final cost, and that homeowners can blend aluminum with wood, aluminum planks, or plastic to adjust the design without altering the overall pricing range. Such combinations provide both durability and design flexibility.
It is possible to build or repair your own boat dock if you have the required DIY skills and the project is straightforward, such as constructing a small floating dock. This answer explains that for projects requiring the installation of pilings or complex engineering for suspension structures, hiring a professional is essential for safety and quality.
A permit is required to build a permanent boat dock. This answer confirms that you must secure permits from local government agencies before starting construction. It stresses the importance of verifying with county, city, or HOA regulations to ensure your project meets all legal requirements and safety standards, thereby avoiding potential delays or fines during the build process.
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