Build Your Own Floating Dock

Build your own floating dock. It can be done in an afternoon.
Are you dreaming of peaceful mornings on your own waterfront dock? Whether you’re an avid boater, fisherman, or just love the idea of a private lakeside escape, building your own floating dock is easier than you think—especially with the right tools, plans, and guidance.
Can You Build Your Own Floating Dock from Scratch?
Yes, building your own floating dock is easier than ever.
With today’s modular dock float systems—like AquaMax Floating Dock Kits—you don’t need to be a contractor to create a durable, professional-grade dock. Our kits give you everything you need except the lumber:
- Heavy-duty, commercial-grade rotomolded floats
- Marine-grade galvanized steel hardware
- Step-by-step instructions, diagram and cut list
Building from scratch is totally achievable. Whether you’re on a lake, pond, river, or ocean, your custom dock can be assembled with basic tools and a little planning.
📝 Pro Tip: Start with a 4’x16′ or 6’x16′ base and add sections as needed. Many of our customers build their dock in phases, adding gangways, T-sections, or slips over time. We always recommend using 16′ lumber to make 16′ long sections as there is no waste.

In order to build a floating dock, you just a few basic tools
How Do You Attach Floats to a Dock?
At AquaMax, we took all the guesswork out of building a floating dock! It’s simpler than you’d expect.
Each AquaMax float is specially designed to build your dock right-side-up. It includes pre-molded mounting slots designed for standard dock framing. Simply bolt the floats directly to your wood or aluminum frame using the supplied galvanized carriage bolts and lateral brackets.
Here’s how it works:
- Build your dock frame rightside-up.
- Bolt the floats to the frame through pre-set mounting flanges.
- Directions included! Top it off with your favorite wood or composite decking!
💡 AquaMax floats are engineered to allow right-side-up construction for easier handling and safer building. This makes them ideal for DIYers or weekend builders.
🔐 Don’t forget to anchor your dock for safety—mooring screw anchors, pipe sleeves, or pilings are the most reliable methods, and we offer full kits for each.

Free Floating Boat Dock Plans Make Dock Building Even Easier!
Looking for inspiration? We’ve got you covered.
At AquaMax, we offer over 20 free downloadable dock layouts and design ideas to help you get started. Whether you’re building:
- A simple swim platform
- A U-shaped dock with boat slips
- A river dock with high fluctuation anchors
…you can find plans that match your space, budget, and vision.
Our plans are:
✅ Time-tested
✅ Easy to modify
✅ Compatible with all AquaMax floats and hardware
Why Use AquaMax Floating Dock Kits to Build My Dock?
Since 1978, we’ve been helping waterfront owners build smarter, stronger, and safer docks. Our kits ship factory-direct across Canada and the U.S., and we stand behind every product we mold.
👉 DIY doesn’t have to mean risky. With AquaMax, you’re building with professional-grade components trusted by parks, marinas, and waterfront communities for nearly 50 years.
Are You Ready to Build?
Check out our kits, browse dock hardware, or chat with our support team for planning help.
Click here to see all of the dock plans we have available: Floating Dock Plans for Free ~ Check it Out!
Want More?
Read Our Article: “DIY Floating Dock Plans”
Click here for PDF downloadable instructions on How to Build Your Own Dock.