Common Questions About Custom Docks & Waterfront Solutions

At PM Docks, we don’t just sell “dock kits”—we provide complete project management for your waterfront. As a family-run business, we believe the best client is an educated client.

Here is how we differ from the competition:

• Education First: We take the time to explain water depths, ice movement, and municipal regulations so you understand exactly why we are recommending a specific system.

• True Customization: Every shoreline is unique. We custom-fabricate every system to match your specific location and lifestyle needs.

• Canadian Quality: We source local Canadian materials whenever possible.

• Unmatched Warranty: We stand behind our builds with a Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty on our HDPE flotation frames and premium decking options.

Our primary service region covers the heart of cottage country: Simcoe County, Muskoka, and the Haliburton Highlands.

However, we are equipped to travel for custom projects. We have successfully installed dock systems as far north as North Bay and New Liskeard, and have completed builds into Quebec. If you are unsure if we cover your lake, just give us a call.

For most standard dock systems, the process takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks from quote approval to completion, depending on weather and material availability.

Once your design is approved, fabrication in our shop is efficient. However, during our peak spring and summer seasons, lead times can increase. We strongly recommend booking early to secure your preferred installation date.

We work with pressure-treated lumber, cedar, composite decking, and aluminum framing — all chosen for durability and longevity.

Floating docks are the most versatile solution for Ontario waterways, working beautifully on everything from small ponds and rivers to large lakes.

Here are the three main advantages:

• Adapts to Water Levels: If your water level fluctuates throughout the season, a floating dock moves with it. Your boat and dock remain at the same relative height, making boarding safe and easy all summer long.

• Winter-Ready: Unlike pipe docks that must be removed, our systems are designed to stay in the water year-round. Our round HDPE tubes are guaranteed to handle the freeze-thaw cycle without damage.

• Ice Protection: On large open waters (like Georgian Bay) where massive ice shoves occur, a floating dock offers a distinct advantage: it can be easily disconnected and towed to a protected cove for the winter—saving it from the crushing force of moving ice.

We refuse to use generic “big box” kits. We partner with trusted local manufacturers to source components designed specifically for Ontario lakes.

• HDPE Flotation Frames: We use custom, locally made frames built from High-Density Polyethylene (the same tough material used for underground municipal water lines). Their unique round design allows waves to roll around the tube, absorbing energy. This is far superior to standard square “box” floats, which slam against the water and create a rougher ride.

• HitcHinge Hardware: We exclusively use Pro Series aluminum hinges, custom-made here in Ontario. They provide a silent, gap-free connection that is easy to assemble with no loose parts to lose in the water.

• Hand-Selected Lumber: We don’t just order blind; we hand-pick our lumber from local building centers to ensure every board meets our standards.

• Local Accessories: From our aluminum swim ladders (fabricated in Kirkfield) to our concrete anchors (sourced from Orillia/Newmarket), we keep our supply chain local to ensure quality.

Yes. In fact, we specialize in high-exposure locations that other builders shy away from.

We recently built a system for a property at the end of a lake that faced constant, heavy wave action. The local marine contractor—who handles the seasonal install/removal for that area—actually refused to install several other well-known dock brands at that location because he knew they would break. He would only agree to the job if the client used a PM Dock.

Here is what that client, Gary, sent us after his second season:

“Just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how much we are enjoying our dock. Nearing the end of its second season, it looks as good as new. 

We have come to understand and appreciate the quality and attention to detail of your design and fabrication. It is wonderful to have something that works and looks so good at the same time.”

The foundation of every PM Dock is our HDPE flotation frame, which carries a Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty. Your dock structure is built to last indefinitely; the only variable is the decking material you choose.

• Wood Decking (Pro Series): Like any natural product, wood decking requires regular maintenance (staining/sealing) to stay looking its best.

• WearDeck (Ultra/Ultimate Series): For a truly maintenance-free experience, we use WearDeck synthetic lumber by Owens Corning. It comes with its own Lifetime Warranty, stays cool in the sun, and never splinters.

  • Maintenance Required: None. A quick mop or power wash once a season is all it takes to keep it looking brand new.

To ensure quality and accountability, we perform service, maintenance, and refurbishment on PM Docks builds only. We do not repair third-party docks.

Since our HDPE flotation frames are built to last a lifetime, many of our long-term clients eventually hire us to refresh their system. We can re-deck older frames to give them a brand-new look or upgrade older connection hardware to our modern HitcHinge system. This allows you to modernize your dock without the cost of a full replacement.

Yes. We are committed to supporting our clients long after the build is finished.

• Seasonal Program: We currently offer a “Winterize and Summerize” service exclusively for PM Docks clients, handling the seasonal removal and spring re-installation of your system.

• Troubleshooting & Support: If you ever notice an issue or have a concern about your dock, we are just a phone call away. You can simply snap a few photos of the issue and text or email them to us.

• The Solution: We can often diagnose the problem remotely and offer immediate suggestions. If a hands-on fix is required, we will schedule a service call to get it resolved quickly.

As an authorized dealer for Interco, we supply a wide variety of lift systems, ranging from manual cantilever lifts to hydraulic and vertical lifts.

Choosing the Right Lift
To recommend the perfect system, we analyze three key factors:

1. Your Boat: The specific hull type, length, and wet weight.

2. Your Waterfront: The water depth at the bow and stern.

3. Your Location: Wind exposure and bottom conditions.

⚠️ A Common Misconception
Many boat owners forget that water levels often drop significantly late in the summer. If you aren’t careful, your boat can end up stuck on the lift “high and dry”—meaning the water is too shallow to float the boat off. We help position your lift to minimize this risk, but we always remind clients to remove their boat before the late-season drop.

 No. Unlike traditional pipe docks, PM Docks are designed to stay in the water year-round. Our HDPE flotation frames are engineered to withstand the freeze-thaw cycle without damage.

The Winterization Process is Simple:
We teach every client how to perform this simple seasonal routine:

1. Remove the Ramp: Pop out the deck panels, release the HitcHinge pins, and store the ramp frame on shore.

2. Slacken the Chains: Let out extra slack on the anchor chains to account for high water levels during the spring melt.

3. Tether the Dock: Tie a safety line from the dock to a tree or shoreline anchor so it doesn’t swing freely on the chains.

Exceptions:
In extreme open-water locations (like parts of Georgian Bay) subject to massive moving ice sheets, the dock does not need to be removed from the water, but simply towed to a sheltered bay or behind an island for safety.

DIY or Full Service:
Most clients handle this themselves after our initial training lesson, but we are always just a phone call away for support.

Yes. We guide you through the entire planning process, from the first measurement to the final approval.

• The Site Visit: We prefer to start every project with an on-site meeting. This allows us to discuss your vision, take precise measurements, and assess water depths and shoreline conditions before we design anything.

• Permit Requirements: Most waterfront projects (especially on the Trent-Severn Waterway) require permits. Every municipality has its own specific regulations regarding size and placement.

• Application Support: We make the process easy. We provide the technical drawings, design specs, and material lists required for your application. If needed, we can even work directly with the municipality on your behalf to secure the necessary approvals.

We serve the entire spectrum of the waterfront community.

• Residential: From private island cottages to year-round waterfront homes, we build custom recreational docks designed for family fun.

• Commercial & Municipal: We also partner with marinas and municipalities to design heavy-duty systems capable of handling high public traffic.

Why this matters to you: We don’t have separate standards. We bring that same “commercial-grade” durability and engineering to every residential dock we build.