Walk on Water: How to Select the Right Decking for Your Dock
When you imagine your perfect day at the Lake of the Ozarks, you aren’t just thinking about the boat slips or the structure of the frame—you’re thinking about the experience. You are standing on the dock with your morning coffee, or watching the kids jump off the swim platform, or hosting friends for a sunset cocktail.
The surface you choose for your dock isn't just about aesthetics; it is the physical foundation of your lakefront lifestyle. It dictates the maintenance you'll perform, the way your dock feels underfoot, and your overall investment strategy.
At Top Notch Dock Company, we don’t believe in "one-size-fits-all" builds. We believe in helping you make an informed decision based on your long-term goals. Here is how we help our clients weigh the pros and cons of the two industry standards: Wood vs. Concrete.
Option 1: Wood Decking
The Classic Lake Aesthetic
For many, wood is the quintessential "lake dock" look. It offers a warm, natural texture that blends beautifully with the surrounding shoreline and forest.
The Pros:
Cost-Effective: Wood provides a lower upfront investment, which can allow you to put more of your budget into other custom features, like upgraded boat lifts or extended swim platforms.
Aesthetic Appeal: It offers a timeless, organic look that many homeowners feel is more "at home" on the water.
The Cons:
Maintenance: Wood requires consistent care. To keep it looking pristine and protected from the harsh sun and lake water, you will need to plan for regular staining, sealing, and potential board replacements over time.
We don't just build; we navigate. By integrating the permitting strategy into our design phase, we ensure that your vision aligns with regulatory reality from day one. We handle the technical coordination required by Ameren, preventing costly delays or design changes later in the process.
Option 2: Concrete Decking
The Low-Maintenance Luxury
The Top Notch Difference: We Consult, We Don’t Just Quote
We know that price is often the biggest determining factor when choosing between wood and concrete. However, a dock is a long-term investment in your property and your happiness.
When you choose to work with Top Notch Dock Company, you aren't just getting a contractor; you are getting a design consultant. We don't just ask "What do you want?"—we ask "How do you want to live?"
During our initial design session, we dig deeper to understand your vision:
Are you throwing large parties or looking for a quiet retreat?
Do you have kids or grandkids jumping off the dock frequently?
Are you looking to optimize for immediate budget, or long-term, low-maintenance value?
Whether you choose wood or concrete, we ensure that your decking is supported by our signature, over-engineered superstructure—built with heavy-gauge angle iron and reinforced bracing every two feet.
Ready to Start the Design Process?
Let’s discuss your vision. We’ll help you analyze your budget, your lifestyle, and your property to determine exactly which decking material will make your dock the pride of your cove for years to come.