Frequently asked questions
My dock is sagging in the middle. Can it be leveled?
Usually, and the important part is finding out why it sagged. A pile that has settled, lost capacity, or deteriorated at the mudline is a different problem from framing that has deflected or connections that have loosened. Leveling without addressing the cause means doing it again. We establish the cause first.
How do I know if my dock pilings are bad?
The damage concentrates where you cannot easily see it — in the tidal zone and just below the waterline. Look for section loss, softness, borer holes in timber, and spalling or exposed steel on concrete piles. A pile that looks fine above water can be substantially reduced below it, which is why inspection includes the underwater portion.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a dock?
Repair, usually by a wide margin — provided the piles are sound or restorable. Piles are the expensive part of a dock, and when they can be jacketed and restored, everything above them is comparatively straightforward to renew. When the piles are gone, the economics flip.
How often should a dock be stained or sealed?
It depends on the material, the product, and how much sun and traffic the surface takes. Rather than quote an interval that will not fit your dock, we will tell you what your decking needs when we look at it — and the honest answer is sometimes that the surface is past the point where staining helps.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Barefoot Marine Construction. Permit requirements and agency rules change — confirm current requirements with the reviewing agency before you plan work.