Here's what matters: Articulating (Standard) Connections are great for most DIY applications. They allow sections to move up and down with waves, live load, and other force fluctuations. Non-articulating Connections are better when you need rigid connections or for docks with heavy structures like boat houses.
When people hear “articulating connection,” it can sound overly technical. But in dock-builder language, articulating simply means flexibility. With articulating hardware, dock sections are joined in a way that allows just enough give to handle changes in buoyancy and water movement. Non-articulating hardware, on the other hand, locks everything together so your dock behaves like one rigid unit.
Both styles exist for a reason—but for most builds, articulating is the safer and smarter way to go.
Why Articulating Connections are the Go-To
Articulating connections are like shock absorbers for your dock. Instead of forcing every section to act as one stiff frame, they let each section adjust with its own buoyancy. That flexibility pays off big when:
- Your dock layout includes sections of very different sizes or shapes.
- You’re in water with waves, wakes, or fluctuating levels.
- You want your dock to last longer by reducing stress on lumber and hardware.
Think of a 12×12 platform tied to the side of a 4×20 walkway. The bigger section naturally carries more weight, while the walkway floats lighter. If those pieces are locked rigidly, the imbalance could cause the entire system to sit at an angle. With articulating hardware, both sections flex with their own buoyancy—staying balanced and stable.
When Non-Articulating Still Makes Sense
Non-articulating connections aren’t “wrong”—they’re just a more specialized option. You’ll want them if:
- You’re adding a rigid structure, that spans multiple dock sections.
- You’re building a marina-style dock that’s meant to feel like one single unit.
- You specifically want minimal “give” underfoot.
Outside of those situations, most DIY dock builders benefit from the forgiveness and durability of articulating connections.
The Bottom Line
- Choose articulating for most floating dock builds—especially if you want long-term durability, flexibility, and less stress on your dock.
- Choose non-articulating only when you need everything locked into a single rigid frame.
At the end of the day, a dock that can flex with the water is usually a dock that lasts longer and feels better underfoot.
Need help figuring out the right connections for your design? Reach out anytime through our contact page and we’ll point you toward the best setup for your build.