For saltwater docks, Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC standardizes on pressure-treated pine because it delivers proven protection against decay in a constantly wet, high-exposure environment—while keeping materials consistent, serviceable, and cost-effective over the life of the dock.

• Built-in decay resistance for marine      exposure:     Docks see frequent wet/dry cycling, splash zone saturation, and trapped      moisture at joints. Pressure treatment helps protect framing and decking      where rot typically starts.
• Insect resistance: Treated lumber provides added defense      against termites and other wood-damaging insects common in coastal areas.
• Consistent strength and availability: Pressure-treated pine is widely available      in predictable sizes and grades, allowing us to match spans, replace      components quickly, and keep repairs consistent with the original build.
• Better lifecycle value: In saltwater environments, untreated      lumber can deteriorate rapidly. Pressure-treated pine provides a strong      balance of performance and cost for both new construction and restoration      work.
• Compatibility with our fastener standard: We pair pressure-treated pine with 316      stainless steel screws to reduce corrosion risk and help ensure the      wood-to-fastener connection stays reliable over time.

We still recommend routine inspections and timely board replacement as needed, but starting with pressure-treated lumber helps the dock structure stand up to the marine environment from day one. 

Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC builds saltwater docks using pressure-treated pine fastened with 316 stainless steel screws—not nails—because the environment is harsh, the lumber moves, and long-term strength and serviceability matter.

• Saltwater corrosion resistance: 316 stainless is chosen for its superior      resistance to corrosion in marine/salt exposure compared with typical      nails or lower-grade fasteners—helping prevent premature fastener failure      and black streaking around fasteners.
• Better long-term holding power in moving      lumber:     Pressure-treated pine repeatedly swells, shrinks, and cups as it cycles      wet/dry. Screws resist “backing out” far better than nails, so deck boards      stay tight and flush.
• Reduced popped fasteners and trip hazards: Nails can gradually work up under      vibration and board movement. Screws are less likely to rise, keeping      walking surfaces safer and cleaner-looking.
• Stronger clamping of deck boards to      framing:     Screws pull boards down to the joists and keep them seated, which reduces      bounce, squeaks, and board edge lift—especially important on docks exposed      to waves and wakes.

Bottom line: In saltwater, we don’t gamble on fasteners. Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC uses 316 stainless steel screws with pressure-treated pine to keep connections tight, reduce corrosion-related failures, and make future maintenance straightforward.

When we brace dock framing to pilings, Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC installs two supports (knee braces) on opposite sides of the piling rather than placing both supports on the same side. This creates a balanced load path that reduces leverage on the connection and helps the dock resist movement from tide, wave action, and boat wakes.

• Balanced leverage and load distribution: Opposite-side bracing shares forces      through the piling more evenly, reducing the tendency for the dock frame      to pry or hinge at a single point.
• Better resistance to racking and sway: With braces on both sides, the frame is      restrained in more than one direction, helping the dock stay square and      stable under lateral loads.
• Reduces twisting (torsion) around the      piling:     Two braces on the same side can allow the structure to twist around the      piling under wake and wind loads. Opposite-side bracing counteracts that      rotation.
• Improved performance in real-world dock      loads:     Docks see changing loads—people moving, carts, shifting boats, and      repetitive wakes. Balanced bracing helps connections stay tighter and      reduces long-term loosening.

Using opposite-side supports is part of our build standard because it improves stiffness and durability without adding unnecessary complexity—helping the dock feel solid today and stay that way longer in a saltwater environment.

To secure main supports to pilings, Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC uses stainless steel all-thread that is drilled completely through the piling and fastened with nuts and washers. We avoid relying on galvanized lag bolts driven into the piling because a through-bolted connection provides a stronger, more secure clamp—especially in a saltwater environment.

• Stronger, true through-bolt connection: All-thread passes through the entire      piling, so the support is clamped between washers/nuts on both sides. This      spreads load, reduces pullout risk, and provides more reliable strength      than threads biting only into wood.
• Better resistance to loosening over time: Pilings and framing move under waves,      wakes, and seasonal wet/dry cycles. A through-bolted assembly can be      re-checked and re-tightened as needed, helping the dock stay rigid.
• Saltwater corrosion control: In marine exposure, galvanized hardware      can deteriorate as coatings wear. Using stainless all-thread helps reduce      corrosion-related weakening at critical structural connections.
• Reduced reliance on wood condition alone: Lag bolts depend heavily on the quality      and holding of the wood fibers they bite into. Through-bolting is less      sensitive to surface checking and weathering at the piling face.
• Improved inspection and serviceability: With nuts and washers accessible,      connections are easier to inspect, maintain, and replace without damaging      the piling.

Just like our 316 stainless screw standard for decking and framing connections, stainless all-thread through-bolting is one more way we build for long-term strength and reliability in saltwater conditions.

Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC hurricane-straps each support to the runners to help keep the dock system tied together under uplift and side-loading from storm surge, high tides, waves, and boat wakes. While the hurricane straps themselves are galvanized, we install them using stainless steel fasteners to improve corrosion resistance at the connection points.

• Helps prevent “float” and uplift      separation:     Straps add a mechanical tie between the supports and runners so components      are less likely to separate when water lifts the structure.
• Reduces shifting off the main supports: In changing tide and wave conditions,      straps help keep framing aligned so the dock is less likely to walk, rack,      or slide relative to its support points.
• Adds redundancy at critical joints: If one connection starts to loosen over      time, the strap helps share load and maintain integrity until maintenance      can be performed.
• Improves performance in storm conditions: Strapping is a practical way to add      resistance to dynamic loads from surge and repeated wave impact.
• Stainless fasteners at the strap      connection:     Even though the strap is galvanized, using stainless fasteners helps      reduce fastener corrosion and helps keep the strap-to-wood connection      secure longer in a saltwater environment.

This is another example of our “build it to stay put” approach—connecting the system so it’s better equipped to handle the marine environment and easier to keep secure with routine inspections.

 Many restoration projects require us to build on existing pilings that are crooked, leaning, or not perfectly lined up. We work with what’s there structurally—then we finish the dock for a clean, professional look by installing boards to fully cover the deck surface first and trimming the final dock perimeter at the end so the edges are straight and uniform.

• Works around misaligned supports without a      “crooked” finished edge:     Even when pilings are out of line, trimming the perimeter after decking      lets the finished outline look straight and intentional.
• Creates consistent overhangs and clean      lines:     Installing full coverage first allows us to establish a uniform reveal at      the edge, then cut everything to match for a crisp, consistent border.
• Delivers a finished look that matches the      craftsmanship:     The structure has to function around the pilings, but the final appearance      should still look clean, straight, and professional.

This is one of the ways we restore older docks without making them look “patched”—we account for real-world piling conditions during framing and layout, then finish with precise cuts so the completed dock presents straight lines and a uniform appearance.

Even when we build on existing pilings, we’re not locked into the original dock layout. Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC can often rework the framing, elevations, and attachments to improve function and access—while still leveraging the existing support system when it’s structurally suitable.

• Lower kayak dock / launch area: Add a lower section designed for easier      kayak access and loading.
• Steps and transitions: Build steps between elevations or to      improve access from seawalls, bulkheads, or higher main decks.
• Added finger piers: Add finger piers to improve slip      usability, tie-up options, and boat access.
• Layout improvements: Adjust the dock width, re-square      sections, shift landings, or reconfigure the approach to better match how      you use the dock.
• Accessory framing provisions: Frame for benches, bump-out platforms,      swim access points, or other add-ons as needed.

What’s possible depends on piling condition, spacing, and site constraints, and may also be influenced by local requirements. We’ll review your existing structure and talk through options so you can upgrade the design—not just replace what was there. 

Dockside Marine Restoration, LLC cares about your safety—and the safety of your children and animals. One of the most overlooked dock features is a reliable way to get out of the water. Whether it’s a planned swim, a slip, or a pet that ends up in the water, having a ladder available can make a critical difference.

• Faster, safer exits: Provides a clear, stable way back onto      the dock instead of pulling up on framing or slick edges.
• Helps prevent panic and exhaustion: Makes it easier for kids, guests, and      pets to get out quickly—especially in current, waves, or cold water.
• Improves everyday usability: Makes swimming, kayak re-entry, and      on-the-water activities safer and more convenient.

Ladder installation offer: Dockside installs assembled ladders to the dock at no charge at the time of your dock build.