| Modular HDPE Cube Dock | Rotomolded high-density polyethylene cubes with molded connection points and internal flotation. | Approximately 500 × 500 × 400 mm per cube; sections are assembled into larger platforms. | About 300–400 mm, depending on loading. | Approximately 100–250 kg/m² when properly assembled and supported. | Residential waterfront access, swimming areas, small boat boarding, marinas and event platforms. | Tool-assisted or pin-connected assembly; usually installed by a small crew. | Good resistance to fresh water, salt water, ultraviolet exposure and corrosion; anchoring is required in waves or currents. | $120–$300 per square metre for basic modules; accessories and anchoring are additional. | Lightweight, modular, low-maintenance and easy to reconfigure or expand. | Can feel less rigid than concrete systems and may require additional bracing in exposed locations. |
| Aluminium-Framed Floating Dock | Marine-grade aluminium frame with foam-filled or rotationally molded flotation units and composite or timber decking. | Common panel lengths of 2–6 m and widths of 1.5–3 m. | Approximately 350–600 mm. | Approximately 150–300 kg/m², depending on frame and flotation design. | Private pontoons, yacht berths, marina fingers, access walkways and commercial waterfronts. | Bolted or pinned sections; typically requires moderate installation equipment. | Well suited to marine conditions when fittings are corrosion-resistant and dissimilar-metal contact is controlled. | $350–$900 per square metre, excluding transport, anchoring and utility services. | Strong-to-weight ratio, clean appearance, good corrosion performance and customizable layout. | Higher purchase cost than basic plastic modules; damaged frames may require specialist repair. |
| Concrete Pontoon Dock | Reinforced concrete shell or deck with polystyrene, polyurethane or other buoyant core. | Typical pontoon lengths of 6–15 m and widths of 2–4 m. | Approximately 500–900 mm. | Approximately 250–500 kg/m², subject to engineering design. | Permanent marinas, commercial berths, public piers, heavy-use access and utility corridors. | Usually delivered by barge, crane or heavy transport; professional installation is normally required. | Very stable in wave action and suitable for long-term marine exposure when properly designed and maintained. | $1,000–$3,000 per square metre for the pontoon structure, with site works priced separately. | High mass, excellent stability, long service life and strong resistance to impact and vibration. | High transport and installation costs; difficult to relocate and less suitable for shallow or soft shorelines. |
| Steel-Framed Pontoon | Galvanized or coated steel frame with sealed floats, foam-filled pontoons or steel buoyancy tanks. | Typical sections of 3–12 m in length and 1.5–4 m in width. | Approximately 400–800 mm. | Approximately 200–450 kg/m², depending on the flotation and deck design. | Work platforms, construction access, temporary bridges, industrial sites and heavy-duty marina applications. | Bolted or welded sections; lifting equipment and qualified installers may be necessary. | Suitable for many climates, but coating quality, galvanizing and corrosion inspection are critical in salt water. | $500–$1,500 per square metre, excluding specialized coatings, transport and installation. | High structural strength, adaptable design and good performance under concentrated loads. | Heavier than aluminium or plastic systems and vulnerable to corrosion if protective coatings are damaged. |
| Timber-Framed Floating Dock | Pressure-treated or naturally durable timber frame with enclosed floats and timber, composite or metal decking. | Typical sections of 2–6 m in length and 1.5–3 m in width. | Approximately 300–600 mm. | Approximately 100–250 kg/m², depending on flotation and framing. | Lake homes, rivers, private docks, recreational boating and projects requiring a traditional appearance. | Can be assembled on site using common carpentry tools; anchoring and seasonal adjustment are often needed. | Suitable for fresh water and sheltered marine locations; timber requires regular inspection and maintenance. | $250–$700 per square metre, depending on timber species, decking and flotation components. | Natural appearance, straightforward repair and broad availability of construction materials. | Greater maintenance requirements and shorter service life if moisture, insects or biological decay are not controlled. |
| Inflatable Floating Dock | High-strength reinforced PVC or similar fabric with air chambers, drop-stitch panels or inflatable pontoons. | Common individual platforms of approximately 2–6 m in length and 1–3 m in width. | Approximately 150–300 mm. | Approximately 75–200 kg/m², subject to air pressure and platform design. | Seasonal use, swimming platforms, paddle sports, temporary events and lightweight boat access. | Portable; inflation, securing points and routine pressure checks are required. | Works best in sheltered water; ultraviolet exposure, sharp objects, abrasion and extreme temperatures must be considered. | $100–$500 per square metre, depending on fabric, air chambers and accessories. | Very portable, compact for storage, quick to deploy and relatively easy to transport. | Lower rigidity and load capacity than framed docks; puncture protection and regular inspection are essential. |
| Drive-On Personal Watercraft Dock | Modular polyethylene or aluminum structure with rollers, bunks or a sloped entry system. | Usually 3–6 m long and 1.5–3 m wide per watercraft position. | Approximately 200–500 mm above the water when unloaded. | Designed for one personal watercraft; commonly rated for approximately 350–600 kg total craft weight. | Personal watercraft storage, small tender boats and compact residential waterfronts. | Modular connection and shoreline anchoring; installation is generally faster than a full marina berth. | Suitable for sheltered freshwater and coastal sites; wave exposure should be checked before purchase. | $1,500–$5,000 per watercraft position, excluding anchoring and shoreline hardware. | Convenient launching, reduced hull contact with the water and efficient use of limited waterfront space. | Limited to compatible craft sizes and weights; not a substitute for a full walk-on dock system. |
| Floating Work Platform | Heavy-duty steel, aluminium or modular polyethylene flotation with reinforced deck and optional railings. | Typical platforms of 3–12 m in length and 2–6 m in width. | Approximately 400–900 mm. | Approximately 250–750 kg/m², subject to engineered flotation and stability calculations. | Bridge maintenance, dredging support, water-quality monitoring, construction and temporary industrial access. | Requires engineered assembly, lifting equipment and a site-specific mooring or spud system. | Can be designed for rivers, lakes, sheltered coastal areas and moderate currents; site conditions must be assessed. | $800–$2,500 per square metre, excluding equipment, engineering, transport and mooring. | High load capacity, configurable layout and suitability for specialized equipment. | Higher procurement and operating costs; stability, freeboard and occupational safety require professional review. |
