If you’re new to dock building, the word “freeboard” might sound like a nautical buzzword—some mysterious measure only boat nerds understand. But if you’re planning a DIY floating dock, understanding freeboard is crucial to building something that feels safe, stable, and suited to your needs.
Let’s break it down and help you choose between our standard 6" and 10" freeboard kits—or even a custom setup—so your dock ends up just right.
What Is Freeboard?
Freeboard is the distance between the waterline and the top of your dock deck. It’s what keeps your feet dry when you step onto the dock and determines how “high” or “low” your dock rides in the water.
Think of it this way:
- Too little freeboard and the dock feels too low in the water or you're worrying about how many people it can hold.
- Too much freeboard and you’ll feel like you’re climbing onto a platform every time you get on and might find it hard to get on and off the dock from the water.
Note: The inches of freeboard listed in our kits are based on standard lumber framing and decking. If you use heavier-than-average materials or add features like planters, benches, or rails, you may see a change in how high the dock rides.
Dead Load vs. Live Load: Why Freeboard Changes
When we say “6 inches of freeboard,” we’re talking about dead load—just the weight of the dock itself with no people or gear on it. Once you start adding live load (like you, your friends, some coolers, or that oversized golden retriever), your freeboard decreases.
That’s totally normal—and expected. A dock that has 6” of freeboard unloaded might sit closer to 3”–4” with a group hanging out. That’s why it’s so important to size your floats based on how you use your dock, not just how it looks when empty.
Our Two Standard Kits: 6" vs. 10" Freeboard
At The Dock Shop, we offer two dialed-in options that fit most residential and light commercial floating dock applications. These options take the guesswork out and simplify larger docks by providing consistent freeboard throughout modular dock sections. We offer two standard freeboard options:
6” Freeboard Kits
These are designed to sit lower to the water, making them a great fit for:
- Kayak launches
- Swim platforms
- Smaller docks on calm ponds or lakes
Pros:
- Easier access to the water—great for launching watercraft or climbing in after a swim
- Lower center of gravity, which means more stability
- Slightly more budget-friendly (less float volume required)
Cons:
- Not ideal for choppy water or areas with wake exposure
- May feel too low for larger people or heavy loads
- Lower capacity for people, furniture, and equipment
10” Freeboard Kits
These are our most popular choice for general-purpose docks:
- Fishing docks
- Party platforms
- Walkways or main dock sections
Pros:
- Provides more flexibility in use case due to increased max load capacity
- Feels more “solid” underfoot
Cons:
- Slightly higher step up from the water (or kayak, or boat)
- Higher profile means slightly more wind/wave interaction
- Can be difficult to climb up from the water without a longer dock ladder
Max Capacity Is About Weight, Not Freeboard
Here’s the key takeaway: freeboard is just the symptom—buoyancy is the cause.
Freeboard height isn’t what determines how much weight your dock can hold. What matters is how much total weight your floats can support. If you want a dock that can carry more people, more gear, or support heavier furniture, we simply add more or larger floats.
You might start with 10” of freeboard, but if you overload the dock, it will sink lower until the floats are at their limit. That’s why planning for your expected live load is so important.
Use our buoyancy charts or reach out for help—we’ll guide you through selecting the right float layout so your dock handles whatever you throw at it.
But What If I Want Something Custom?
Here’s the good news: our modular float systems allow for nearly endless customization. If you need a dock to sit higher—say 20” or even 24” out of the water—we can design around that. And if you’re after a super-low-profile dock for duck hunting or shallow marsh access, we can drop the freeboard even lower than 6".
We’ll work with you to balance:
- Total dock weight
- Number and size of floats
- Desired live load capacity (people, gear, furniture)
- Target freeboard height
Check out our DIY Dock Building Guide if you want to dive into the math or learn how buoyancy charts help size everything properly.
Final Thought: It's All About Use Case
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—your perfect freeboard depends on how you plan to use your dock. A kayak launch? Go 6". Hosting friends for sunset drinks? 10" might be better. Want something in between or totally outside the box? We’ve got you covered.
If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect float setup to match your goals.
Happy dock building—just don’t forget to test it with a lawn chair, cooler, and a good sunset. That’s how you really know if your freeboard is right.