When it comes to DIY floating docks, most of the attention usually goes to frames, floats, and decking. But no matter how solid your build is, it won’t do much good if it doesn’t stay put. That’s where anchoring comes in.
Anchoring isn’t just for big commercial marinas—every floating dock needs some way to stay in place against wind, waves, and changing water levels. And because every shoreline is different, there’s no single “best” solution. But there are a few common approaches that tend to work well for DIY builds, and understanding your options is key.
Most Common DIY Anchoring Methods
Here are some of the go-to choices for DIYers building floating docks:
1. Concrete Deadweight Anchors with Chain
This is the most popular method for small to mid-size floating docks, especially in lakes and calm backwaters. It’s simple: heavy concrete blocks are dropped to the bottom and connected to the dock with chain or rope.
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Great for soft-bottom lakes
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Easy to scale up or down based on dock size
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Be sure to calculate the right weight for your conditions
2. Piling Anchors (Guide Poles)
Another common DIY-friendly method, especially in shallow water. Pilings—often galvanized steel or treated wood—are driven into the lakebed and the dock is built with sleeves or brackets that allow it to move vertically with changing water levels.
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Excellent lateral stability
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Low maintenance once installed
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Ideal for fixed locations or tight coves
Other Anchoring Options to Know
Depending on your shoreline and water conditions, these might be worth exploring too:
Screw or Helix Anchors
These twist into the lakebed like giant corkscrews and are often used in softer, sandy, or muddy bottoms.
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Strong hold in the right conditions
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Requires installation tools or a bit of muscle
Auger Anchors with Braced Posts
A hybrid between piling and screw anchor setups. Poles are augered into the bottom and connected to the dock frame with brackets.
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Good for shallower setups
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Useful for temporary or seasonal docks
Shore Tethers
A simple setup using cable or rope tied to trees, rocks, or buried anchors onshore.
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Works best as a supplement, not a main anchor
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Helps prevent spinning or drifting
Every Shoreline’s a Little Different
The best anchoring method for your dock depends on a few key factors:
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Water depth and bottom type (mud, sand, rock?)
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Wind and current exposure
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How often your water level changes
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Whether your dock needs to move seasonally
If you’re still planning your layout, our DIY Dock Building Guide is a great place to start. It breaks down all the fundamentals of dock building, including some general thoughts on anchoring strategy.
And while we don’t sell anchoring systems directly, we do offer all the floats and hardware you need to build a dock that’s ready for one. Check out our DIY Dock Kits, or reach out to our team if you’ve got questions while planning your build.
Anchoring might not be the flashiest part of dock construction—but it’s what keeps your hard work right where it belongs.