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Docks For Sale Call Us 705 849 8933

Are you looking to buy a Dock?

We have docks for sale! At Richardson Docks we design and build floating pontoon docks for Ontario’s lakes and rivers. A pontoon dock has continuious floatation down each side. This gives the unit more weight capacity. On our docks we put two pontoon floats on 6 foot wide docks and 3 floats on 8 foot wide docks. A 10 foot wide dock would have 4 floats.

Docks For sale in Ontario

Normally the decking material on our docks is pressure treated lumber or cedar. We also can use composite materials if that is what the customer wants.

Docks for sale
Custom Built Pontoon Docks For Sale

We have a process we like to follow when talking to potential customers. Most people are focused on the actual docks themselves however it is very important for us to understand how they are going to be attached to shore and what the environment around them will be. (water depth, water levels, shoreline conditions etc.)

Please go to our Dock Design Page for more information on our process.

Docks For Sale We Deliver and Install

One of the big challenges people have is actually getting new docks to their location. Our pontoon docks are designed to be used with barges. We simply put an outboard motor on the end and drive it to their location. We can stack another dock or ramp on top quite easily.

Anchoring

When we price out our docks for sale we always include anchoring. Anchors come in various weights depending on the amount of wind and wave exposure they will face.

Peripherals Docks For Sale

Normally when we price out our docks for sale we also include peripherals such as bumpers, dock cleats, solar lights and swim ladder.

Hitch Hinges

All of our docks connect to each other using the “hitch Hinge” technology. They are quiet, strong and best of all pinless. They are easy to connect and disconnect for winter storage.

For more information on Hitch Hinges visit www.hitchinge.ca

Winger Storage

Our docks are designed to be left in the water for the winter. Please visit our winter storage page.

Visit our Home Page for more Photos, Information and offers.

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Do it yourself Dock Kit

Do it Yourself Dock Kit (DIY Kits)

At Richardson Docks we offer an exclusive Do it Yourself dock kit. The Kit includes the correct number of floats for the size you want to build with all the attaching nuts and bolts to complete the project. Don’t forget to watch the video and read the steps required to complete your dock or raft. We can also supply all the other peripherals you may need depending on the scope of the job.

If you would like some hints and tips on how to build your Dock or Raft always feel free to call us.

The Do it Yourself Dock Kit Includes

  • Pontoon Floats (2 floats for 6ft wide, 3 floats for 8ft wide, 4 floats for 10ft wide
  • Corner Brackets & Back Plates ( four 8″ x 8″ x 5″ x1/4″ steel corner brackets and eight 5″ x 5″ x 1/4″ back plates
  • 1/2″ x 3″ Galvanized Carriage Bolts, Nuts and Lock Washers
  • Anchor Chain Brackets (Two)
  • Dock Cleats ( Four)

Optional Peripherals

The optional peripherals include

  • Swim Ladder ( Three or Four Step Angled Ladder)
  • Solar Lights. (A flat Deck light)
  • Side Bumpers ( Reinforced P Style)
  • Corner Bumpers
  • Deck Screws (We use a structural 3 1/16 number 9 screw with a Torx Head)
  • Hinge Set We Recommend “Hitch Hinge” See the link below.

What is not included in our Do it Yourself Dock Kit

What we do not provide in the Do it Yourself Dock Kit.

  • Dock Decking Materials
  • Framing Materials.
6ft x 12ft ( 2 Pontoon Floats)$1,610
6ft x 16ft ( 2 Pontoon Floats)$2,065
6ft x 20ft ( 2 Pontoon Floats)$2,520
6ft x 22ft ( 2 Pontoon Floats)$2,746
8ft x 12ft (3 Pontoon Floats)$2.294
8ft x 16ft (3 Pontoon Floats)$2,976
8ft x 20ft (3 Pontoon Floats)$3.657
8ft x 22ft (3 Pontoon Floats)$3,985
10ft x 12ft (4 Pontoon Floats)$2,977
10ft x 16ft (4 Pontoon Floats)$3,887
10ft x 20ft (4 Pontoon Floats)$4,797
10ft x 22ft (4 Pontoon Floats)$5,252
Updated Jan 2021
do it yourself kit
Richardson Docks Do-It-Yourself Kit

How To Build A Dock | Hitch Hinge

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Building A Dock

Below are the Steps Required when Building a Dock using our Pontoon Floats

Time needed: 6 hours

Building a Dock 6ft. x 16ft. Using Our Pontoon Floats

  1. Assembling the First Pontoon Float Frame

    With the two 16ft boards sitting parallel imagine you are assembling a regular building ladder. Securely screw four (ladder rungs) 2″x6″x 20 3/4″ PT boards at the previously marked locations. Before you put in all the screws or nails check to ensure your frame is perfectly square by measuring the diagonal distances.

    Step 1

  2. Laying Out the First Pontoon Float Frame (Ladder)

    The first step in in building a dock is to layout two 16ft 2″x6″ PT Boards on edge on a flat surface. Mark a line at the 2ft, 6ft, 10ft and 14ft mark on each board.

  3. Assembling the Second Pontoon Float Frame

    Build the second Pontoon Float Frame the same way only on top of the first one. This way no measuring is required. Leave one on top of the other for the next step in building a dock !

  4. Attaching the Pontoon Float to the Frames

    Place the Pontoon float upside down onto the upper frame. Space it lengthwise evenly. Drill a 1/4″ pilot hole through the flange of the float into the frame approximately every two feet. Drill an additional hole on each side of the nose joint.
    Bore out each hole in the float only with a 3/8″ drill bit.
    Screw a 3/8″ x 3″ galvanized lag bolt with a 3/8 washer into each predrilled hole. Just snug the lag bolt don’t squeeze the pontoon float flange.
    Flip the the attached float and frame off the bottom frame and attach the second float in the same way.
    Note the 1/2″ attachment holes in the nose of each float can be used to pull the weight of the dock.

  5. Attaching the Face Boards

    Lay the two floats out parallel to each other and six feet apart outside to outside. Take a 2″x 6″x 6′ PT board and screw it to the face of the pontoon frames on each end with a single screw. Measure the diagonals from corner to corner and adjust the frames until the diagonal measurements are the same. Finish nailing or screwing down the two Face Plates.

  6. Square the Deck

    With a measuring tape, measure diagonally corner to corner and adjust the floats to ensue the deck is square. Finish attaching the two face boards and recheck your diagonal. Temporally screw one of the deck boards across the centre and two feet in from each end. Make sure the ends are flush to the outside of the frame. Start with the centre board and use a long clamp or ratchet strap to pull them flush if necessary.

  7. Installing The Corner Brackets

    Place the corner brackets on the inside corners and and mark out the eight holes for drilling. Drill each hole with a 5/8″ drill bit. Take your time and drill each hole as true as possible. Use 3″ x 1/2″ galvanized carriage bolts and lock washers. Put a backing plate on the opposite side of the bracket unless you are installing a hinge plate. You can also install the Anchor Chain plates normally on the front end on the inside of the bracket.

  8. Building a Dock and Putting on the Deck Boards

    Start laying the deck boards from the back end. You will need to leave an over hang to compensate for the 3″ gap created by your hinges (assuming it is attached to a ramp or another dock section). If you are using our Hitch Hinge product you should leave an overhang of 1 3/4″ so you can drill a 1 1/8″ hole over the hinge locking bolt. If the front of the dock does not attach to anything you should put a deck board on flush to the faceplate. If you are using pressure treated lumber your deck boards can be laid tight to each other. If you are using kiln dried cedar you should leave a space to allow for moisture expansion. Ensure your boards are going in straight by periodically taking a measurement from the face plate to each side of the deck boards. Make slight adjustments if necessary. Remove the three cross boards in step 6 as you get them. You may have to rip a board to complete the deck however it is possible to come out perfectly if you lay your boards out and adjust them to fit. You can also take a measurement of the remaining opening and divide that by 5.5 inches as you go. By leaving a slight crack it doesn’t take long to come out just right.

    Putting on Dock Deck Boards

  9. Adding Peripherals

    Now that your basic 6 x16 foot dock is complete, it is time to make it functional.
    If you are putting on a swim ladder install it as per the instructions.
    Next install the two corner bumpers on the anchor end of the dock using 1” stainless steel self-tapping screws. We normally use 6 or 8 screws for this.
    Next, starting from the corner bumper, put the side bumper lengths on. Secure the bumpers on top and along the bottom using Truss head ¾” SS screws. Place them every second board. Put the next length on cutting off any excess using a sharp wet utility knife. You can also mark it and cut it with your chop or sliding saw if you have one. Cut and install the last bumper section across the end between the corner bumpers. Do not install bumpers on the shore end or between dock sections.
    RD Dock Tip: If you are putting on solar lights consider putting them between the corner bumpers on the end piece. The light can be hard to see if it is hidden behind the corner bumper.
    Dock Cleats. Screw down your dock cleats as per the instructions. We now normally use good quality structual screws or actually bolt them through the deck board before we install the board.

    Adding Bumpers

Building a Dock Video

Designing and Building a Dock | Do it Yourself Dock Kit

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Winterizing Docks Ice Resistant Pontoon Floats

Winterizing Docks

Winterizing docks can be a very difficult task if you have to remove them for the winter. Our ice resistant pontoon floats are designed to be left in the water all year including winter. When winterizing docks you must disconnect them especially if the shore connection is a deck or other solid structure. Generally we simply “beach” them and tie them off however in conditions where that isn’t possible you have to develop a different strategy. While the obvious concern is the ice, you must keep in mind the potential for a bad fall storm. Generally we recommend leaving the docks installed as long as possible since that could be the safest place for them.

  • Ice resistant pontoon floats Richardson Docks St Marys River Sault Ste Marie
    Ice resistant pontoon floats that can be left in the ice
  • Ice resistant pontoon floats Richardson Docks St Marys River Sault Ste Marie
    Secured for winter

Winterizing Docks Consider Relocating

If the shoreline is too rough or rocky or you are in a situation where you get pack ice, you may be want to relocate them to another shore location that is better protected. Some lakes have small creeks coming in that never really freeze over. These can be excellent places to park your docks for the winter.

  • Richardson Docks and Barges
    Richardson Pontoon Docks and Barges
  • Preparing Docks for Winter
    Docks set For Winter

Free Floating Docks

Another option many people use is to disconnect the docks and leave them free floating. In most places where the water simply freezes over and thaws in the spring without a lot of pack ice, this works well. You have to ensure you have heavy duty anchoring to keep them in place. If you got a bad storm a dock can drag a lot of weight!
You also want to ensure multiple sections are not going to bang up against each other. Tying off the docks in multiple directions is always a good idea.

  • Preparing Docks for Winter
    St. Mary’s River Sault Ste Marie
  • Preparing Docks for Winter
    Ready for winter

Chain vs Rope

Always use chain where possible. If you do have to use rope use quality marine grade nylon rope with a high breaking strength. If necessary drill and set high strength eye bolts into bed rock or very large boulders.

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Project Ideas

MATERIAL lIST For A 6 X16 FOOT DOCK

Material List

Material List (6 x16 foot dock)

  • Two – 24” x 12” x 16’ pontoon floats
  • Four pieces – 2” x 6” x 16’ PTL (ladders)
  • Eight pieces – 2” x 6” x 20 ¾” PTL (ladders)
  • Thirty Five – 2″ x 6″ x 6′ PTL ( Deck Boards)
  • Thirty Eight – 3” x 3/8” galvanized lag bolts and flat washers
  • Fifty 3” galvanized spiral nails
  • Four hundred 3” No. 8 – 10 deck screws
Richardson Docks material list for building a 6ft x 16ft pontoon dock

RD Dock Tip

To ensure multiple pieces are the same lenth, set up a stop block and use a chop saw. This will guarantee consistancy while being a huge time saver.

Peripherals Material list

  • Two sets hinge connectors
  • Two Anchor Plates
  • Five Lengths of reinforced P Bumpers
  • One hundred ¾”SS pan head self-tapping screws
  • Sixteen 1” SS self-tapping screws
  • Solar Deck Light
  • Four Deck Cleats
  • Swim ladder

Tools Required to Make a 6 x16 foot Dock

  • Saw for cutting 2” x 6” lumber (ideally 12” radial arm or sliding saw)
  • 25’ Measuring Tape
  • Drill for deck screws and drilling boltholes (ideally cordless drill)
  • 3/4 “ wrench and socket wrench (ideally cordless impact wrench with socket adapter)
  • 9/16 “ wrench and socket wrench (ideally cordless impact wrench with socket adapter)
  • Wood bits for Deck Screws
  • 9/16” wood bit
  • 3/8” steel bit
  • 1/4” steel bit
  •   Hammer
  • Square
  • Pencil/marker

Other Links

Cutting Materials for a 6 x16 foot dock
  • Check to make sure all the 12′ lengths of PTL are the same length. If they are all the same length, simply cut them in half. If they are not the same length, set up a stop block to make repetitive 6′ cuts. You may have to make three cuts per board.
  • Cut eight pieces 20 3/4” long from one of the 16 foot pieces of PTL
  • Measure the remaining four 16 foot pieces to ensure they are the same length. They could vary in length by up to ½”.
    Note:  If all the pieces are equal in length you do not have to trim them to exactly 16′.
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Pontoon Docks and Barges

Pontoon Docks and Barges

Richardson Docks builds Pontoon Docks and Barges . We custom build our docks to your specifications. Our floats are the most stable dock floats on the market.They are 100% ice resistant and have a 25 years warranty.
We build floating decks for cabins and boathouses using the larger of our two pontoon float sizes.
Our pontoon docks come in any size and configuration. We normally use cedar, pressure treated lumber or composite materials on the deck. Our docks come with bumpers where required, ladder, dock cleats and solar lights.

Deliver and Installation

We design, build and deliver our docks to Ontario’s waterways. Because our docks use pontoon floats we simply install an outboard motor and drive it your location.

Hitch Hinge

We fabricate most of our hardware in house and use pinless. Hitch Hinge dock connectors on all our installations.

Richardson Docks and Barges
Richardson Docks and Barges

If you would like to get a design for your project on paper made simply call or text us at 705-849-8933. Some of the basic questions we would need to know are:

  • Shore Conditions (sandy, rocky bed rock etc.)
  • water depth
  • what will the dock be used for? (boating swimming sitting out on)
  • location of nearest boat launch
  • existing structures. (deck another dock)

This last year 2020 has been difficult for everyone. At Richardson Docks we have continued working on projects with social distancing rules always in mind. Fortunately most of our work is outside and in locations where there are very few people. We have been and continue to be very busy. Our hearts do go out to those less fortunate that are feeling the full force of this corona virus both physically
and financially. This last year will be one we will never forget. I look forward to meeting you this spring and summer and do hope you stay safe.
Jack Richardson

 

 

Custom Design and Built

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Buy Pontoon Floats Any Length

Buy Pontoon Floats

If you are looking to buy pontoon floats visit the Richardson Docks Website.
At Richardson Docks we sell complete dock systems that can be put into the water, anchored and ready to use. Every situation is a bit different so we take care to understand the clients needs before offering a solution. Of course not all folks want an “out-of-the-box” solution and would prefer to gather the bits and pieces needed and build their dock themselves. At Richardson Docks we recognize this fact and indeed support those wanting to take on the project themselves.

DIY Pontoon Floats For Sale

Besides the completed dock system we also offer a semi-assembled (do-it-yourself) package that has the framing installed on the floats with the cross and end pieces ready to go. Simply square up the floats and bolt together the frame. Add your decking and you are ready to go.

Buy Pontoon Floats

Want to buy pontoon floats by them selves? In the spring we get requests everyday from people that are just wanting to buy pontoon floats. Whether it is a boat house or a raft many people want the satisfaction of designing and building everything from scratch. For that reason we offer pontoon floats for sale. Built to a requested length you can buy pontoon floats 12″ x 24″ and a 22″ x 24″. In addition to this we can also supply hardware.

Buy Pontoon Floats Considerations

What everyone wants to know weight is how much does a float support. There are some basic calculations you can use to determine what any air or foam filled device devices will support. The general rule of thumb is 55 pounds per cubic foot. In determining your need do not forget to take into account the weight of the dock and all its materials. We like to error on the side of caution and suggest using a 50% factor when applying this calculation. In other words if the math suggests a floating device will support 1500 pounds we would suggest using for 750 pounds. 1500 pounds would indicate the float would be pushed completely down, and that should be avoided.
Buy Pontoon Floats

Buy Pontoon Floats Composition

Read more about Buy Pontoon Floats Composition

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Pontoon Floats For Sale

Pontoon Floats For Sale

At Richardson Docks we sell complete dock systems that can be put into the water, anchored and ready to use. Every situation is a bit different so we take care to understand the clients needs before offering a solution. Of course not all folks want an “out-of-the-box” solution and would prefer to gather the bits and pieces needed and build their dock themselves. At Richardson Docks we recognize this fact and indeed support those wanting to take on the project themselves.

DIY Pontoon Floats For Sale

Besides the completed dock system we also offer a semi-assembled (do-it-yourself) package that has the framing installed on the floats with the cross and end pieces ready to go. Simply square up the floats and bolt together the frame. Add your decking and you are ready to go.

Pontoon Floats For Sale

Want just Floats? In the spring we get requests everyday from people that are just wanting floats. Whether it is a boat house or a raft many people want the satisfaction of designing and building everything from scratch. For that reason we offer pontoon floats for sale. Built to a requested length we offer 12″ x 24″ and a 22″ x 24″ pontoon floats for sale. In addition to this if you also want hardware we supply that also if requested.

Pontoon Floats For Sale Considerations

What everyone wants to know weight is how much does a float support. There are some basic calculations you can use to determine what any air or foam filled device devices will support. The general rule of thumb is 55 pounds per cubic foot. In determining your need do not forget to take into account the weight of the dock and all its materials. We like to error on the side of caution and suggest using a 50% factor when applying this calculation. In other words if the math suggests a floating device will support 1500 pounds we would suggest using for 750 pounds. 1500 pounds would indicate the float would be pushed completely down, and that should be avoided.
Pontoon Floats For Sale

Pontoon Floats For Sale Composition

Read more about Pontoon Floats For Sale Composition

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Sudbury Dock Builders

Sudbury Dock Builders

If you are looking to upgrade or add new docks to your home or cottage, please consider Richardson Docks. We can provide you with a complete dock system, do-it-yourself package or just floats. In addition to this, we provide a full line of dock building accessories that can make building your project easier and safer.

Sudbury Dock Builders Using Pontoon Floats

AS Sudbury dock builders we use pontoon floats made from a heavy duty polyethylene material that is specifically designed to resist ice pressures when left in the water. Encased in the shell is a high density foam with an industry leading 3% by volume absorption rate.

Sudbury Dock Builders pontoon docks and floats image

Sudbury Dock Builders Outdoor Show Room

Richardson Docks has an outdoor showroom that will be open once the ice is out. We are conveniently located west of the city on Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway) on beautiful Lake Lauzon in Algoma Mills. Come see us and a step on the docks that will adorn your waterfront. In addition to this we have rafts and other floating platforms including a floating boat house and ATV raft on display.

Sudbury Dock Builders on Local Lakes

As Sudbury Dock Builders we will deliver your new system to your property as long as we can launch a boat. Once in the water we can literally drive them to up to your property. Once in place and anchored down you will be good to know.

Sudbury Dock Builders image
Pontoon Dock with a view

Here are a few links that might be of interest to you.
Sudbury Dock Builders using Pontoon Floats
Building Docks using Pressure Treated Lumber

Don not forget to visit use on Face Book for more updates and pictures of Richardson Docks Projects. Sudbury Dock Builders Richardson Docks on Face Book

Contact Us

For more information call us at 1-888-356-5495 or visit our outdoor showroom on Lake Lauzon in Algoma Mills.

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Soo Docks in Sault Ste Marie

Soo Docks

Soo Docks
Make Your Floating Dock the Entertainment Centre

Looking for a dock builder in Sault Ste Marie Area? Contact Richardson Docks. We can supply completed docks using our new custom made pontoon floats. All we need is a place to launch. Once in the water your dock is now a mobile platform that can literally be driven into place.

Soo Docks in Michigan

Need a dock in Northern Michigan? No problem, take advantage of our low Canadian Dollar and trailer your new dock home. Our custom built pontoon floats can be manufactured to any length. Use your dock as a raft or ATV Barge. We can build you your own custom platform capable of handling multiple ATV’s.

Sault Ste Marie Docks in Canada

We are located just east of the Sault. Give us a call or email us richardsondocks@gmail.com We are now taking orders for the upcoming season. Order your Sault Ste Marie Docks today.

Soo Docks Do it your self DIY Packages

We can deliver to you one of our do-it-yourself packages. They come at any length or width you require. Give us the size and we will prepare our pontoon floats filled with our 3% absorption rate high density foam. Our do-it-yourself packages are pre-drilled and ready to assemble. All you have to supply is the decking material to complete your project.
Sault Ste Marie Docks Do it your self DIY Packages

Sault Ste Marie Docks Supplies

If you have a unique project that requires superior flotation we can provide you with pontoon floats and associated hardware for your project. Call or email us with your requirements. Our pontoon floats come in two sizes 22″ x 24″ and 12″ x 24″. Since we manufacture them we can make them to any length. For more ideas and information here are a few links that may be of interest.
Planning your Soo Docks Project
Things you should know about pressure treated wook
Building a dock with strength

For your Soo Docks Be sure to follow us on Facebookfor some building project ideas