How to build a dock with your own hands

For people living next to a river or pond, convenient access to water was always a pressing issue. Previously, for these purposes, bridges were built along which it was possible to pass to the tied boat, but now such a device is rarely used. Basically, more serious structures are being erected, requiring great strength and ingenuity, especially when the question is how to build a dock with your own hands quickly and inexpensively. We are not in vain talking about ingenuity, because this is exactly what many craftsmen resort to when creating the pier. Consider several different designs for home-made moorings.

Pontoon type from bottles

Berths of pontoon type from bottles

Such a device make the easiest thing. The basis will be ordinary two-liter plastic bottles, the number of which depends on the planned size of the pier. In order to start work, prepare 300-350 bottles (when using one and a half liter bottles they may need more, since they are narrower). It is desirable that the bottles be the same, not straight, but with a notch, on which the fasteners are securely fixed.

Plastic pier

Be sure to check that the plugs are tightly screwed and there are no holes in the bottle . To do this, prepared to install the bottle, try to squeeze, and if it remains elastic, then everything is in order. Do not make the base of the pier not solid, but from three blocks, 60 to 80 bottles in one section each. Also on the sides you need to make limiters from the bottles.

Now you can make flooring for a pontoon from light boards or foam plastic. This floating structure must be securely fastened, otherwise a strong wind can simply carry it. To do this, drive two piles onto the shore, and securely attach this pontoon to them.

Such a structure is not heavy and the pier can be removed in winter.

Pontoon berth type from metal drums

Berth from metal drums

A Now let's see how to build a dock with our own hands from barrels. Immediately it should be said that it is better to assemble such a structure not far from the water, since its weight is too big and to go with

And now let's see how to build a pier with your own hands from barrels. It should immediately be said that it is better to assemble such a structure not far from the water, since its weight is too large, and going with it on a long journey will not be very convenient. In order to make such a pier, you will need:

1. Planed boards.
2. Wooden beam.
3. 200-liter barrel - 4 pcs.
4. Nails (or screws).
5. Rope.

The first stage of work will be the manufacture of a skeleton from a timber, size 2. 5 * 2. 5 m, having a cross section of 100 * 50 mm. Fasteners can serve as long enough nails in order to pierce the bars together, they can be bent and make the connection more durable. It would not be superfluous to reinforce the structure by inserting wooden bars into the corners of the frame. To the main frame add additional supports from six wooden bars 50 * 50 mm. They must be installed so that the edges of the barrel lean on them.

Modular berth

Now we need to inspect the drums. Pay attention to tight plugs. To make sure that the connection is not depressurized in this place, coat the thread and rubber seal with silicone and then screw it tightly into the barrel.

Do not forget that the metal is susceptible to corrosion, and if you want your pier to serve you as long as possible, then paint the entire barrel, or at least in those places where your paint is torn off. This should be done every year!

Prepared barrels place the corners of the frame parallel to each other, and, having drilled 6 holes for each barrel, secure them with ropes. While the design is not very heavy, take it to the water, setting the barrels down. Having securely fastened near the shore, continue to sheathe. The final stage will be the manufacture of the bridge so that you can get from the shore to the pier.

Fixed pier

If you need a more powerful structure, make a fixed pier for which you will need screw piles.

In order to make such a pier, you will need:

• Screw piles - 6 or 8 pcs.
• A corner of sufficient strength, the amount of which depends on the size of the structure, since with a large span of spans, additional jumpers will be required to weld;
• Planed boards (25-30 mm);
• Nails , screws or screws with nuts;
• Drill;
• Welding machine.

Work is best done in the winter when there is ice on the river, because in order to tighten the piles to a great depth it will take a lot of effort. You will agree that it will not be easy to do this from a boat, since at first it will need to be securely fastened and then deal with piles.Weld the corner to the piles, and with a small gap, which will ensure water running off and good ventilation, fasten the boards with nails or screws, but better with a screw and nut, placing the washers. If you are not afraid of theft, you can use brass fasteners.

Berth of the original form

In the event that the screws are steel, then to prevent rust , after clamping, tighten on each protruding tail of the screw a piece of hose moistened with nigrol; otherwise, after the board dries out, you can pull it up. Otherwise, everything will rust, and after a year the boards will roar. Do not forget to treat the wood with antiseptic. Now you will be able to enjoy the quality pier for a long time.

We advise you to read:

• a bath from a bar with your own hands (drawings);
• how to dig a well with your own hands.

Video

We offer to watch a video about self-building of the pier from metal barrels.