American Marine, Cape Coral, Florida - Uses only the strongest boat dock materials


	Wood Pilings We use Southern Yellow Pine wood pilings, pressure-treated to 2.5pcf, from 8" to 12"+ in diameter. The single most important aspect of dock construction is the installation of the pilings. This is where we really excel. We understand that it is both an art and a science. Before we start each dock we visit the site and determine the important factors which affect proper piling installation such as water depth, characteristics of the waterway bottom, amount of potential piling penetration and more. We use the proper equipment to install pilings correctly, ensuring maximum stability of the dock. We know how to drive a piling and keep it straight. All of your dock pilings will line up neatly and give your dock a clean appearance. Why gamble on a builder who leaves this to chance? Pressure-treated wood pilings are all quite similar... it is the people installing them that make the difference!
	Wood Framework We use the strongest rough-sawn 2" x 8" lumber available in the industry. If you have ever checked lumber with a ruler or a measuring tape, you know that most lumber does not "measure up" to its advertised dimensions. A normal rough-sawn 2" x 8" pressure-treated board measures 1-3/4" x 7-1/2". Ours is a full 2-1/4" x 8"+. We obtain it from a mill known for using only the finest Southern Yellow Pine and it is pressure-treated to .60pcf. It is more expensive, but worth every penny.
	Wood Decking Our wood decking is premium grade eased-edge pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine 2” x 6”. It is superior to #1 grade lumber because it has fewer and smaller knots, has been sanded smooth, and has been passed through a router to ease the edges. This gives our wood decking high strength, an exceptional appearance, and reduced splintering.

	Decking Fasteners We use #10 stainless steel screws to fasten the decking to the framework. Screws hold decking better than nails and prevent the lifting and twisting of deck boards.
	Framework Fasteners We use 20d stainless steel ring-shank nails to fasten the framework together. The ring-shank provides more resistance than a smooth-shank nail to prevent the separation of framing members.
	Concrete Fasteners We use stainless steel wedge anchors wherever wood is permanently attached to concrete. They offer the most corrosion-resistance available, which is crucial for fasteners that are embedded in concrete, which holds moisture for long periods of time.
	Piling Fasteners (Carriage Bolts) We use either stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized steel carriage bolts, depending on the location of the dock and the preference of the customer. Stainless steel carriage bolts offer more corrosion-resistance resulting in a longer service life, while hot-dipped galvanized steel carriage bolts are more economical while still offering protection from corrosion. All pilings supporting our docks are through-bolted. This means that we bore the proper diameter hole through each of the dock support pilings and the adjoining framework members. Then, we drive a bolt completely through the piling and adjoining member where it is fastened using a large washer and nut. Through-bolting is much stronger than any other type of fastening. We consider all other important factors such as directing the bolts so there is little or no chance the bolt presents a sharp edge capable of causing injury to people or their boats.