Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Building a dock (55 gallon Steel or Plastic?)

Hey everyone,

Going down to my property this weekend to build a floating dock. Looking for any opinions on if the steel drums or plastic drums would be best for underneath the platform. Have easy access to the steel ones, however I'm kind of worried about them rusting and starting to leak after a year or two. Can always go buy some used plastic ones if that seems like the better move. Any input is appreciated!

We thought about using barrels for our walkway but ended up using rectangle floats.

Here is the thread: https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=269335

I've never used steel but we do have a dock floating on plastic barrels (the blue ag ones). It's been in the pond for 15? years? Haven't been a problem. I also attached an old pontoon boat to it and absolutely love that thing. Wish I could find another pontoon for cheap to make it even longer.

I used plastic barrels for my pier, I'll never use them again. I will go with the real rectangular floats from Dockbuilders Supply in Florida.

I also learned that the treatment that they give wood now is garbage. I will only use lumber that is treated for wood to water or wood to ground contact not regular grade treated wood. My pier is rotting away after 12 years and that's with re-sealing it every couple of years.

Another thing, if you are using deck screws, use stainless ones. The coated ones rot away after around 10 years.