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What did this Vero Beach project include?
Dockside Builders replaced the worn decking and handrails on a community dock in Vero Beach with low-maintenance premium capped composite decking.
- Removed the existing decking and handrails
- Installed new 2x8 pressure-treated stringers at 16 inches on center or less to support composite decking
- Installed gray 1x6 premium capped composite decking with stainless steel fasteners
- Built new 2x6 pressure-treated handrails and intermediate rails with a premium capped composite cap
Where is this project?
Vero Beach, Florida. Dockside Builders is based in Sebastian and builds across the Treasure Coast and Space Coast, including docks and decks in Vero Beach.
Why does premium capped composite suit a Florida waterfront re-deck?
Florida waterfronts along the Treasure Coast take hard sun and UV, salt air, moisture and seasonal weather that can include hurricanes, storm surge and king tides. Those conditions are tough on traditional wood decking, which can swell, splinter, gray and invite rot if regular sealing and staining fall behind. Premium capped composite decking is made with a protective cap over the board, so it is better suited to sun, salt and moisture and typically needs less day-to-day upkeep than wood.
Dockside Builders uses only superior materials on customer projects. We work with only the best distributors, our partners. On this community dock, the new boards and rail caps are premium capped composite, fastened with stainless steel hardware that holds up better than ordinary fasteners in salt air and moisture.
How do wood and composite decking compare?
Wood can look beautiful when it is new, but a Florida waterfront usually means repeated finishing and more repairs over time. Capped composite typically costs more at installation and can get warm in direct sun, but it resists rot and splintering and usually does not need sanding, staining or sealing, just occasional cleaning. Closer stringer spacing (16 inches or less) gives composite decking the support it needs, which is why new 2x8 pressure-treated stringers were installed on this re-deck. For a fuller comparison, see our guide to wood vs. composite decking for a Florida waterfront.
What does a composite dock re-deck involve?
A re-deck is not the same as building a new dock. The existing structure stays in place. The work typically starts by inspecting the existing pilings and framing to confirm they can support new boards, then removing worn decking and handrails, adding or replacing framing where needed and installing new decking and rails with the right fasteners.
On this Vero Beach community dock, that work included removing the existing decking and handrails, installing new 2x8 pressure-treated stringers at 16 inches on center or less, installing gray 1x6 premium capped composite decking with stainless steel fasteners and building new 2x6 pressure-treated handrails and intermediate rails with a premium capped composite cap.
Frequently asked questions
Why use composite decking on a dock?
Premium capped composite boards resist rot and splintering and need less upkeep than wood. Closer stringer spacing (16 inches or less) gives composite decking the support it needs. That combination is a strong fit for a Florida waterfront, where sun, salt and moisture wear on exposed boards.
Why are stainless steel fasteners used on a waterfront re-deck?
Salt air and moisture can corrode ordinary fasteners. This project used stainless steel fasteners on the new composite decking, a better choice than ordinary hardware in a marine setting.
How do you maintain premium capped composite decking?
Capped composite typically does not need sanding, staining or sealing. Occasional cleaning, sweeping or rinsing off salt, sand and debris and washing with a manufacturer-approved cleaner, is usually enough. That is a large part of why composite is often chosen for a low-maintenance Florida waterfront re-deck.
Is a re-deck the same as building a new dock?
No. A re-deck replaces worn boards and often the handrails on an existing structure after the pilings and framing have been inspected. A new dock is a full build, including new pilings and framing. This Vero Beach project was a composite re-deck and new handrails on a community dock.
Which Dockside service covers this work?
Learn more about our docks and decks, read about wood vs. composite decking for a Florida waterfront and all of our marine construction services or request a free estimate.
Already have a dock? Book a free dock inspection and we will check its condition and let you know what it needs.
