Some cottage traditions are just more pleasurable than others. That first swim, s’mores by the campfire: bring it on. But hauling the dock in and re-installing it again come spring can be a royal pain. Wood docks are classic, but they’re also heavy and prey to water damage and splinters. As technology improves, it’s no longer your only option.
“Our docks are virtually maintenance free. They look fantastic and are a modern solution for the traditional dock,” says CanadaDocks President Paul Koziorowski. “They weigh the same at season’s end as the day you put it in, whereas wooden docks become waterlogged over time and become much heavier. They also require a lot more maintenance.”
The company motto is “Where fun on the water begins!” and it shines through in conversation with Paul and his Brand Manager Alex DeFrancesco. Lightweight, yet durable and eco-friendly, the easy-to-assemble designs – based on automotive manufacturing techniques – have been produced and packaged in Canada since 2006.
“It’s a source of pride for us that we manufacture everything here in Canada,” Paul says with a smile.
Offering the only formed aluminum, complete bolt-together Dock Kit on the market, they have an extensive network of dealers across Canada, in Iceland, and more recently, in the USA.
You can use the fun and easy Dock Builder tool on their website to design the dock you dream of and get a general estimate. Docks are pre-packaged in common 4×8 and 8×8 sizes and are always in stock because CanadaDocks manufactures them in house.
Easy to install
Whether you opt for a standing or floating model, assembly is a breeze. Dealers can deliver and assemble your dock in under a day, often in less than half that time. Ease and efficiency of installation are key. Says Paul, “Unlike bulkier dock designs, you won’t need a crane to load it onto your property. You don’t need a transport truck that can’t navigate cottage back roads.”
“Dock kits are packaged in such a way that transport and delivery are made easy: the heaviest of the boxes weighs in at 50 pounds,” Alex explains. “The entire kit can be loaded into the back of a minivan, pickup or trailer if need be.” So, if you really feel the need to assemble it yourself to have the “I built this!” feeling, it’s entirely doable.
The flowthrough structure of the docks allows for wind movement and storm surges. Water moves through instead of lifting the dock up, a motion that can cause damage. And ThruFlow dock panels allow 43 percent of sunlight to pass through the dock, protecting delicate aquatic life below.
“We stand behind our product and therefore offer a 25-year warranty on the frame and decking,” says Paul. These docks are built to last.
A look to love
Aesthetics have not been sacrificed in the name of durability. CanadaDocks have a modern, sleek style and a colour palette that complements the cottage vibe of today’s families.
Functioning as the sturdy hub it needs to be for diving, boating, tanning, and all kinds of gathering, these docks still manage to create the welcoming feel of being an added piece of furniture, an extension of your property. The smooth, rounded edges integrate perfectly with natural settings. An added bonus: these docks are cooler on the feet (and paws) on hot summer days.
Flexible configuration
While a new dock is a longer-term investment, the accessories and flexible modular design allow you to create the dock configuration you need from one season to the next. Docks can be changed from a T to an L layout, for example, and more dock sections can be added as family needs change.
“We create new designs for our accessory lines every year, based on what people ask for. These include kayak holders, access platforms, ladders, fishing accessories and more. Aesthetics and functionality are always big considerations.”
Accessories can be added and moved easily. A 1×8-foot drop-down access platform, for example, allows smoother access to the water for kids, seniors, and all members of the family.
Whether working with customers new to cottage living or with more seasoned pros, there’s a palpable commitment to customer satisfaction. Working with trusted dealers in communities means knowing that from first contact to installation and after, the experience has been positive for all.
“Any time one of our docks is introduced on a lake, the customer comes back saying ‘I had all this traffic asking where our dock came from!’ and we love it,” Paul says.
TEXT MARNIE WOODROW | PHOTOS CANADADOCKS
