Hey all,
My dad has retired and moved to a house on a little lake. There is a little concrete “bay” for his boat, but he would like to add some bumpers to the side of it. The actual bumpers he’s getting from Bass Pro, but we wanted to attach some wood to the concrete first, before the bumpers go on.
My question is, what’s the best material to use? How long will ACQ last, will Trex or some such work, I don’t think it needs to be ipe or anything like that, but if it means the difference between replacing in 15 years instead of 4, then it’s probably worth it.
Of course I plan on using all stainless connectors. The other catch is that at least some of the time in the spring this wood would be completely submerged. I googled marine grade lumber, but didn’t really come up with much. If anyone has any experience with this sort of thing, any advice and knowledge would be much appreciated.
Oh yeah, this is outside St. Louis, Mo. Thanks in advance.
Peace,
Casey
Replies
PTL for boat dock
St. Louis area should have some lumber treatment plants nearby. Check the yellow pages. Here on the coast of Florida I can get marine treated CCA pilings and lumber for use in salt and brackish water. You may be able to get treated lumber for fresh water since you don't have boring worms. I don't know why Google couldn't help.
Trex is a good alternative.
If you can't find marine treated locally, at least get "ground contact" rated treated.
Up the Potomac near wash D.C we use the 2# treatment for stringers or anything that has a chance of being submermerged. These are typically attached to pilings with 5/8 galvanized bolts. At $35.00 Per bolt for stainless, nobody uses them. Joists and other framing get the 1# treatment material, and the copper stuff for decking.
Why the wood?
I'm just curious, but why are you installing wood at all? Seems to me that it instantly becomes the weakest link in your installation.