The average cost to repair a boat dock is $3,201, though prices can range between $882 and $5,672. Several factors influence boat dock repair costs, including the type of dock and the broken part(s).
Owning a property with a boat dock in a pond, lake, or river has its perks, but you’ve also got to prioritize maintenance and repairs over the years. Boat dock repair costs an average of $3,201, but prices might range from $882 to $5,672, depending on the type of dock, the materials, its location, the broken parts, and other factors.
In general, prices to repair a dock are consistent no matter the type of dock you have, though there are some fluctuations. For instance, the cost of repairing a piling dock, which usually means replacing rotted pilings, typically tops out at $1,500, while the cost to fix a suspension dock can go as high as $1,800; damaged cables are more expensive to replace.
The table below explores boat dock repair costs by type of dock and includes both material and labor expenses:
| Type of Dock | Average Dock Repair Cost | Typical Boat Dock Repair Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | $940 | $225–$1,650 |
| Floating | $1,025 | $250–$1,800 |
| Lift-up | $950 | $250–$1,800 |
| Piling | $875 | $250–$1,500 |
| Pipe | $875 | $250–$1,500 |
| Roll-in | $875 | $250–$1,500 |
| Suspension | $1,040 | $275–$1,800 |
Material costs have a big impact on how much it costs to repair a boat dock. Hardwood and wood composite are the most expensive types of wood for a dock, but concrete boat dock repairs cost the most. The nice thing about concrete for a boat dock, however, is that it’s not susceptible to rot like wood docks are—so although you’ll spend more to install and repair concrete docks, they last much longer with minimal maintenance and repairs. Vinyl and aluminum dock materials are generally more affordable, as are cheaper qualities of wood, such as cedar and pine.
The table below breaks down the cost per square foot to repair a boat dock by material:
| Material | Average Cost Per Square Foot | Typical Cost Range Per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $12.50 | $5–$20 |
| Cedar | $9.50 | $4–$15 |
| Concrete | $140 | $25–$250 |
| Hardwood | $21.50 | $8–$35 |
| Pine | $7.50 | $3–$12 |
| Plastic | $7.50 | $3–$12 |
| Pressure-treated wood | $12.50 | $5–$20 |
| Vinyl | $9.50 | $4–$15 |
| Wood composite | $30 | $10–$50 |
While there are a number of issues your dock can have (more on that below), there are generally a few types of service that your local boat dock repair companies provide. The type of service warranted can impact the overall cost of fixing the boat dock. For instance, the cost to pressure wash a dock is $150 on average, while dock restoration costs can go as high as $2,000.
The table below explores service costs in more detail (labor and material costs included):
| Boat Dock Repair Service | Average Dock Repair Cost | Typical Repair Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Leveling | $550 | $200–$900 |
| Pressure washing | $150 | $100–$200 |
| Sealing | $375 | $150–$600 |
| Reinforcement | $875 | $250–$1,500 |
| Restoration | $1,250 | $500–$2,000 |
A boat dock contains various parts that can fail over time. Repairing these broken parts is generally more affordable than outright replacing the parts (and definitely more affordable than replacing the entire dock).
Repairing posts and pilings can get expensive ($450 per post or piling, on average), but repairing bumpers or floats is more manageable ($105 and $125, respectively). Decking costs can vary widely depending on the materials, while roof replacement costs for a boat dock are roughly $575, on average.
The table below shows the price to repair various boat dock parts, including labor and materials:
| Boat Dock Component | Average Cost to Fix | Typical Repair Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Board | $19.50 per square foot | $4–$35 per square foot |
| Boat lift | $340 | $175–$500 |
| Bumper | $105 | $85–$125 |
| Decking | $152 per square foot | $4–$300 per square foot |
| Float | $125 | $100–$150 |
| Frame | $325 | $150–$500 |
| Piling | $450 per piling | $200–$700 per piling |
| Post | $450 per post | $200–$700 per post |
| Roof | $575 | $150–$1,000 |
In some instances, boat dock components are not salvageable—or it may not make not make economic sense to repair a part of the dock because it’s so old and susceptible to more damage or rot. In that case, you can consider replacing dock parts (before completing replacing the entire dock).
Note: Decking and board costs are the same as they are for repairing, as repairing damaged decking or boards simply means replacing the broken components.
The table below shows various boat dock part replacement costs, including material and labor prices:
| Replacement Part | Average Cost to Replace | Typical Replacement Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Boards | $19.50 per square foot | $4–$35 per square foot |
| Boat lift cable | $37.50 per linear foot | $25–$50 per linear foot |
| Bumper | $19 per square foot | $8–$30 per square foot |
| Decking | $152 per square foot | $4–$300 per square foot |
| Float | $175 per float | $150–$200 per float |
| Piling | $950 per piling | $300–$1,600 per piling |
| Post | $950 per post | $300–$1,600 per post |
Homeowners with a boat dock know that several different problems can occur with a dock. From algae buildup and rot (or rust on metal docks) to cracking and splintering to major foundation issues, the table below demonstrates boat dock repair costs by the type of problem. All estimates include material and labor prices:
| Boat Dock Problem | Average Boat Dock Repair Cost | Typical Price Range for Repairs |
|---|---|---|
| Algae buildup | $175 | $100–$250 |
| Cracking | $375 | $150–$600 |
| Damaged foundation | $1,875 | $750–$3,000 |
| Rot | $1,100 | $200–$2,000 |
| Rust | $575 | $150–$1,000 |
| Rusty nails | $200 | $150–$250 |
| Sinking | $475 | $150–$800 |
| Splintering | $450 | $150–$750 |
| Storm damage | $1,125 | $250–$2,000 |
As we’ve seen by all the different ways we’ve analyzed the cost to repair a boat dock, there are two main sources of cost: the materials used and the labor.
Materials generally include the wood, metal, or plastic used to construct the dock, as well as cables, bumpers, floaters, and other common dock components. You’ll also have nails and screws (and any tools needed for the repair, if DIYing).
We recommend hiring an experienced dock builder near you to handle major repairs. How much they charge per hour or per project will depend on where you live, as cost of living can result in higher labor rates. Generally speaking, if you live in a coastal area (near a river or beach), you can expect higher-than-average labor rates.
Several additional factors can impact how much you spend on boat dock repair, including the following:
You may need to obtain a permit before you can begin work on major dock repairs. Work with your city and your contractor to understand what permits you need and how much they’ll cost.
Where your dock is located can have a major impact on how much it costs to repair. A small, private pond, for instance, has typically still water. Lakes with tides or flowing rivers present more challenges for repair contractors and thus may result in a higher cost.
Keeping up with dock maintenance can help your dock last longer, with fewer repairs. Get an inspection at the end of each boating season (plan to spend between $150 and $200 for a thorough inspection), and keep up with routine maintenance, such as removing a wooden dock from the water, if possible, during the cold season or when not in use for an extended period of time. You can also treat the wood of the dock to limit water damage and rot.
While there are upfront costs associated with this kind of maintenance, it will be well worth it in the long run.
The cost to build a boat dock ranges from $3,950 to $26,425, depending on the size of the dock and the materials used. This is a huge investment. If your existing dock is at all salvageable, it’s significantly less money to repair the current dock and replace damaged parts as needed.
However, if your dock is completely rotted and has severe foundation issues, it may make more sense to remove the existing dock and start fresh with a new one, using higher-quality materials.
While you may be able to handle minor boat dock repairs—such as removing algae, replacing rusted screws, or removing an old rotted board and installing a new one—on your own, you should leave major repairs to the professionals. We advise calling a boat dock repair contractor to replace pilings and posts, change out the boat lift cable, and repair the foundation, for instance.
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Docks typically last 20 to 30 years, though this can vary significantly depending on the material used and how often routine maintenance is performed. Removing the dock from the water during the off-season can greatly extend the life of a wood dock. Notably, concrete boat docks, though considerably more expensive to install, can last 50 years or longer.
The average cost of a new dock piling is $950, including the labor to install it. Dock piling costs can range from $300 to $1,600. You can save money by trying to repair a damaged piling instead of replacing it. On average, repairing a boat dock piling costs $450, with prices ranging between $200 and $700.
Boat docks need maintenance every year. Get an inspection at the end of each warm weather season, and remove the dock from the water if possible (if it’s made of wood) when not in use. You can also treat the wood to lessen the impact of moisture damage.
