I need to make some repairs to our dock... The dock extends over fresh-water (not salt) and I suspect I should use something more than just generic 2x4's or even pressure treated wood from home depot.

But I'm not nearly an expert at this stuff, so if you have suggestions of what I should look for, I'd appreciate the input not just on what to buy but who is a good retailer?

Thx!

I'd go synthetic. Or even metal. Wood doesn't like water.
Plastic Dock Material

Ipe, how much are you needing? 5/4x6 or 2x6?

Pressure treated pine will last the longest if you maintain it well. I'd go to Dunn Lumber and check out what they have or can get you.
Then get someone who has a level 2 or 3 discount to buy it

There are different grades of pressure treating. buy a minimum of .40 pressure treatment. do'nt use the cheapo .25 grade. Buy 60 if you can find it and afford it for your project.

Depending on the type of wood you may need to pinch the boards together or gap them. Then seal with a good sealant after they have sat out and dried for 20-30 days.

Are you doing the whole dock surface?

GOOD QUESTION I'm replacing about a dozen boards, and the facing on one end, NOT a total refit.

In that case, I would remove a board, and bring it to Dunn, and ask them what it is, and buy 12 of those. Otherwise you'll end up with a patchwork of different looking stuff, and I dont want your dock looking all Ghetto when I park my boat there

Is this a project you want to hire someone for (it is Salmon season and you should be fishing after all)? I know a guy. He even has a boat and can deliver the material right to the dock, and do the work. . . .He has worked on a couple of docks on Hunts Point as well. . . . . . As far as the material, unless you are ready to resurface the entire dock, get the same dimension lumber you have in the higher grade PT. I can get you a bit of a discount at Dunn if you like.

If you are looking to reface the whole thing, I would go with a Trex type material, long lasting, no sealing, no SPLINTERS. Downside is the dock may need some extra framing for the reduced span capabilities of Composites, same issue with Ipe (unless you go with the 2x6= $$$$).

As a good little liberal robot I hope you apply for the required permits and submit to the arse reaming environmental reviews by the WDFW and the Muckleshoot tribes required for any dock repairs or modifications for those living on lake Washington. It will take the better part of a year and cost you $3500 for the permit and they will most likely require shoreline restoration of native speices as a buffer to protect salmon.

Hey Wanker,

No, I hadn't planned on applying for a permit, because it's changing out a dozen boards. But interestingly, with your prod, I did check up on it and happily (and as expected) you're wrong. Three words:

"Shoreline Exemption Permit".

Now go crawl back under the bridge you came from, you f'n troll.

Wait to crow until after you review the exemption process and the determination of your current dock meeting code. I am within $100 and the time frame is dependant on you paying overtime.

Pay me to do it an it will cost you much less .. . and I shoot f'n trolls on sight . ... . .plus you get deniability.