Our Process for Commercial and Residential Docks
Rich’s Dock Company is large enough to build and service any size dock. We build small single well docks to large commercial docks.
We enjoy an excellent reputation for quality, design, workmanship, dependability and fairness with our customers.
We build 12" steel, super structure docks. Our docks are completely welded into one piece. We also offer hot dipped galvanized dock, or docks that are primed with red oxide, then painted with acrylic oil enamel. Our dock flotation system is equiped with 20" & 24" thick rhino brand encapsulated foam.
All of our docks come with 2' x 2' steel reinforced concrete decking. Our roof poles are 2½" x 2½" 11 gage.
In 1997 we increased the size of some of the angles in our structure as the lake is getting rougher every year. In many cases we use underwater braces, or a 12" purlin.
We use 14" gage, 8" gage and 10" gage "Z" purlins on all of our docks. (12" upon request)
In 2007 Rich’s Dock Company started offering an all galvanized dock.
Floats Under the Ramp
Many dock builders put a float under the ramp. Instead of a float, we recommend thicker floats under the tie section (24"). This is more practical and less expensive. Also, floats under ramps do not work as well when the lake is a low pool.

Steel Structure
We build a 12" high sub- structure all welded with three 1" x 1" x 1/8" angles diagonally in every 4' section. Rail angles are 2" x 2" x 3/16" continuously. The complete dock is welded into one piece.

Roofing
We use 26 Ga. Sheeting over 14 Ga. Galvanized "Z" purlins. We provide a nice range of roof colors. We recommend a light-colored roof as it will not fade as quickly or dramatically as a darker-colored roof will.

Trim
Our trim is priced separately, as everyone’s wants and needs are different. In most cases we recommend 3 foot post bumpers on all posts that the boat can touch, and vinyl around the entire dock, except for the side by the shore.

Lockers
Steel locker with an all-metal door. It is built on its own structure which is added to the dock instead of built on top of the dock. This looks much nicer and allows for more walking room.

Floatation
We use encapsulated floatation with the best fastening system. We believe this is the best on the market. It also has the best fastening system. We use 4' x 6' x 20", 4' x 8' x 20" and also 24" floats on the tie-section.

Decking
We use a 2' x 2' steel reinforced square concrete decking. Other types of decking are used upon request. Thicker flotation is used to compensate for the extra weight. We highly recommend concrete, especially in rough water.

Lifts
We are an Econo-Lift dealer. This is the least expensive "good" lift you can buy. It will lift more per rating than other lifts. We also offer Poly Lift. Tip: When you remove your boat from the lift (any lift), raise the lift back up, but do not raise the dock out of the water.

Paint or Galvanized
Your Choice We offer a primed and painted dock that is painted light grey. Other colors available upon request. A painted dock will need to be touched up occasionally, and repainted every 10 to 12 years. Galvanized docks never need to be re-galvanized and will last the life of the dock.
De-Icers
We recommend that you keep your dock de-iced because when the lake level drops and freezes, it will pull the dock away from the shore, thus causing damage. On two well docks, we recommend two 1/3 HP Deck Mount De-Icers as opposed to one large de-icer.
Winter Draw Down
Ameren Union Electric Co. is licensed to draw the lake down to 650 feet elevation under normal conditions. It is customary for the lake to reach approximately 653' elevation during February and March. In most cases it is safer to let the dock set on the bottom as opposed to moving it out. As it is moved out the dock is more vulnerable to high winds. Usually when the lake comes back up it does so within a few days. Many times the water comes over the ramp before anyone can get it put back to its original position. Learn more Ameren Union Electric Co. is licensed to draw the lake down to 650 feet elevation under normal conditions. It is customary for the lake to reach approximately 653’ elevation during February and March. In most cases it is safer to let the dock set on the bottom as opposed to moving it out. As it is moved out the dock is more vulnerable to high winds. Usually when the lake comes back up it does so within a few days. Many times the water comes over the ramp before anyone can get it put back to its original position. Learn more
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