How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Boat Dock?

Boat docks typically cost between $715 and $4,062 to repair, although they can cost as little as $200 or as much as $9,000, depending on the project’s scope. The national average cost to repair a boat dock is $2,380.

If only one or two parts require light repair, expect to pay closer to the lower end of this range. But for extensive damage, complex repairs and situations where multiple parts require work.

On This Page

1. Dock Repair Cost Calculator

2. Cost of Materials to Repair a Dock

3. Labor Cost to Repair a Dock

4. Dock Repair Cost by Material

5. Dock Repair Cost by Dock Type

6. Dock Repair Cost by Part

7. Dock Repair Cost by Problem

8. Dock Repair Cost by Solution

9. Dock Parts Replacement Cost

10. Factors That Influence Dock Repair Cost

11. Dock Inspection

12. Dock Maintenance

13. DIY vs. Hiring a Dock Repair Pro

14. FAQs

Cost of Materials to Repair a Dock

The cost of materials for dock repair varies hugely because the parts and materials you need depend on the type of repair. Pine dock boards, for example, cost from $3 per square foot, whereas you can pay up to $2,000 for the materials to fix a dock foundation.

Labor Cost to Repair a Dock

Hiring a specialist to repair a dock costs $50 to $100 per hour. Your chosen professional may charge by the hour or by project for both repairs and installation, so be sure to get quotes from multiple companies. Remember that most dock repair services have a minimum project fee, so even if you only need a couple of deck boards repaired, you'll likely pay for at least a couple of hours of labor to make the job worthwhile. Urgent repairs will also likely carry a higher fee or an emergency call charge, which increases the project’s overall price.

Dock Repair Cost by Material

The dock’s materials directly impact repair costs; some base materials are less costly, more readily available and easier to work with, which helps to keep costs down.

Dock Repair Cost by Dock Type

The type of boat dock you have affects the repair cost, as the parts, materials, and complexity of the repairs vary considerably. Simple algae buildup on a crib dock located in a still pond, for example, costs significantly less to repair than replacing cables on a suspension dock located in a fast-flowing river. Take a look at the typical cost ranges and average costs for dock repairs by dock type for an average 400-square-foot dock.

Dock Repair Cost by Part

Even simple docks are reasonably complex structures, with many separate parts that may need repair individually or together at any given time. A light repair on a dock bumper may only cost you around $85, but repairing a dock roof may run you $1,000.

Dock Repair Cost by Problem

Getting rid of algae buildup or replacing corroded nails, for example, typically costs only $100 to $250, and you'll pay less than that if you can do the job yourself. However, if the dock foundation needs repair, you'll need to hire a local dock repair pro and can expect to pay up to $3,000. Ultimately, some problems requiring dock repair are easy to remedy with or without professional help.

Dock Repair Cost by Service

There are several common problems and associated repair services common to docks. Take a look at some of the most common repair services and their average cost for a standard 400-square-foot dock.

Dock Parts Replacement Cost

Replacement usually costs more than repair, but replacing an old part for a new one does extend the dock’s lifespan and should reduce the frequency with which that particular part of the structure requires maintenance or more repair.

Factors That Influence Dock Repair Cost

The type of dock you choose, the climate, and the day-to-day maintenance and wear-and-tear a dock receives all determine how much and how often you'll pay for dock repair.

Dock Inspection

Having a professional dock inspection every year and after major storms can save you money long-term. A dock inspection costs $50 to $100. The pro undertakes a visual inspection of the dock, including pilings, frames, boat lifts, the foundation and more. They look for established problems or signs of developing issues and provide you with a full report. This lets you take care of highlighted issues before they become more serious and more costly to fix.

Dock Maintenance

Regular maintenance costs far less than extensive repair. Perform routine cleaning, make sure to suitably treat metalwork to prevent rust, keep an eye out for rusty nails or cracked boards and treat wood with oils or sealant every year to prevent rotting.

DIY vs. Hiring a Dock Repair Pro

There are definitely some tasks you can do yourself to save money when it comes to dock repair. Pressure washing, sealing and replacing rusted nails, for example, all require minimal skills and equipment. If you have the time and the tools, doing these tasks can save you a few hundred dollars.

However, for more extensive repairs, you can easily make the problem worse instead of better and can end up paying more to fix the mess you made than if you'd hired a pro to begin with. Plus, if you get it wrong, the repair can be dangerous. So if you're in any doubt about your skill or what you need to do to fix the problem, call a local dock builder instead. For some tasks, you may even need to factor in the cost to hire an engineer.

FAQs

How often do docks need repair?

How often docks need repair depends on how much maintenance you provide, the type of dock you have, and how much wear and tear it gets. If you live in an area prone to violent storms, your dock will most likely need more frequent repairs.

How long do docks last?

On average, a dock lasts between 10 and 20 years. However, with regular care and maintenance, and timely repairs, many docks can last for decades.

Should you pressure wash a dock?

In most cases, yes, pressure washing a dock is a great idea. It removes algae buildup, stains, and ground-in debris. However, some materials, such as vinyl and some composites are not suitable for pressure washing.