A better dock starts
with a clearer plan.
A field guide for the decisions between the shoreline and the finished surface. Explore materials, understand exposure, and work through your project.
Wood, composite, PVC
or a modular panel?
Compare seven material categories and eight waterfront product references. Resolve water exposure, frame fit, heat, traction, maintenance and the details that determine a successful retrofit.
From shoreline to surface.
Loading the waterfront study…
View the illustrative waterfront reference
The illustrative reference establishes material and waterfront context. The native study controls geometry; this image is not a surveyed site, product record or assembly detail.
Select a structural concept to compare behavior. A material choice does not resolve the structure.
The same footprint stays in the same waterfront as you change the study. Stripes are optimized visual bands, not a complete board or fastening schedule.
Native geometric study; not a structural design, installation spacing recommendation, performance test or surveyed water level. Appearance is illustrative. No autonomous motion; every change follows a control.
What brings you
to the waterfront?
Seven ways in. Dedicated guides and working tools to help you decide what comes next.
I’m building a new dock
Move from site conditions to a buildable project brief.
Replacing dock decking: scope, condition and interfaces
Assess the existing assembly before selecting its new surface.
I’m comparing materials
Compare wood, composite and PVC against your actual conditions.
Saltwater dock decking and connection exposure
Connect chloride exposure, hardware and the complete assembly.
I need quantities
Calculate area and linear feet with visible assumptions.
I need installation information
Work through spacing, support, fastening and access.
I need material / pricing
Prepare a scoped request for the dock materials team.
Saltwater changes
the questions to ask.
Start with splash and chloride exposure. Then connect the hardware, board selection, spacing and quantities before requesting materials.
Start the saltwater guide →
Look beyond
the surface.
Appearance is one part of the decision. Compare board formats, repair access, exposure and the care you want to take on.
Build your material shortlist →Leave with something
you can use.
A project brief
Record your site, intended use and decisions still to resolve.
Open planner →Transparent quantities
Explore straight, L-shaped and T-shaped layouts, borders and board direction.
Open calculator →An observation record
Organize visible conditions and professional follow-up before replacement work.
Open checklist →Resolve the details
before you build.
Check framing, fasteners, spacing and water exposure together. Keep unresolved product and permitting questions with your project brief.
Bring your project to the dock materials team.
Ipe Woods USA handles material inquiries. Include your measurements, conditions and unanswered questions for a useful response.