Standard vs. Connecting Outside Corners: Choosing the Right Dock Hardware for Your DIY Dock Build

When you’re working on a DIY dock building project, selecting the right hardware can make your build smoother, faster, and more cost-effective. One key choice is between standard outside corners and connecting outside corners. While they serve similar framing roles, they differ in how they help you join dock sections together.

What Are Standard Outside Corners?

Standard outside corners are used to frame the edge of a dock section. They don’t include any built-in connection feature—they're purely structural. Use them when you don’t need to connect another dock section at that specific corner.

• Great for standalone dock sections
• Perfect for corners where no connection is planned
• Helps create a clean, finished perimeter

What Are Connecting Outside Corners?

Connecting outside corners serve two purposes: they frame the dock section and act as a connection point. These corners have sleeves or pin slots built in, so you can link two dock sections together without a separate connection kit.

• Ideal when connecting two dock sections of the same width
• Streamlines your hardware—no need for a separate connection kit
• Makes assembly quicker and cleaner

One thing to keep in mind: when you use connecting corners, you’re locked into those exact attachment points. You lose the flexibility of positioning your connection wherever it works best for your layout.

When to Use a Standard Connection Kit Instead

If your dock layout is more complex—or you’re connecting dock sections of different widths—a standard connection kit gives you more flexibility. You’re not tied to corner-only connections, which makes it easier to align, center, or offset your build as needed.

• Useful for T- or L-shaped dock designs
• Best for linking different-sized dock sections
• Allows custom placement of your connection points

Combining Both for the Best of Both Worlds

Many DIY dock builders use a combination of both options. For example, if you’re connecting a 4x8 walkway into the middle of a 12x12 dock platform, you might use connecting corners on the 4x8 section and then use half of a standard connection kit to link into those corners from the center of the 12x12. This gives you both a clean connection and flexible alignment.

Summary: Which Should You Choose?

• Standard Outside Corners: Great for framing and when no connection is needed
• Connecting Outside Corners: Best for quick, clean connections between same-width dock sections
• Connection Kits: Offer maximum flexibility for complex or uneven dock layouts
• Combination: Often the smartest approach for modular dock designs

Need help selecting the right components for your DIY dock build? Contact our team here—we’re happy to help. Or, browse our full range of dock hardware selection here.