A floating walkway is a platform or a dock that is deployed on the shore and used as a walking path for people making their way from the land to a ship or vice versa. It is made of different blocks and is attached to an anchor on the shore with the help of a gangway. For additional stability purposes, the platform is held in place with the use of pipes underwater.
Types of Floating Walkways
There are three different types of floating walkways that you will need to be aware of. These include:
- Plastic Floating Walkway: This is the cheapest option and one which shows the least wear and tear over the years. Depending on the manufacturing material, the plastic is pretty durable and will require minimal cleaning and maintenance.
- Wooden Floating Walkway: These walkways resemble actual docks and are chosen because of their aesthetic appeal as well as stability. They are more prone to damage from moisture and show staining and fading over time. Regular repair and maintenance are essential to keep these platforms sturdy.
- Aluminum Floating Walkway: This is the most expensive type of floating walkway that you can invest in. It has greater durability but is prone to rust and hence needs to be maintained properly.
What Are the Possible Uses of Floating Walkways?
For Personal Use
If you are using a floating dock for recreational purposes, then make sure you take into consideration the weight it can hold. Since it will be used primarily during the summer or spring season, you will be spending time sunbathing on it. It should be able to easily carry all the people on it without feeling like it will submerge underwater.
Restaurants and hotels use floating docks for recreational purposes by offering their guests the option to dine on the water body. The experience is very surreal and highly preferable for many people.
As A Bridge for the Public
Suppose a construction company undertakes the process of constructing a bridge on a water body to make commuting more manageable. In that case, they can make the job easier by option for a floating walkway. A bridge for a community opens up many pathways and offers all the people different opportunities which they could not previously access because of their geographical location. It also acts as a welcoming area for people who want to travel into secluded locations.
As a Boat Docking or Related Work Platform
A floating platform is most commonly and effectively used as a dock. If all you want access to are canoes and boats, go for a plastic platform. Wooden and aluminum platforms are best for bigger watercraft and cruises.
Private Swimming Options
If you own a lake house or live by the ocean, then you understand the importance of having a dock. Most of these homes are used as seasonal getaways and are used for a limited period of the year.
Rather than constructing a permanent dock, a portable option like a floating platform will prove to be more cost effective and efficient. If you have no other purpose than swimming in mind, then we recommend obtaining a plastic dock which you can expand as per your requirement. It is also the most portable option and so will be perfect for personal use.
Using Floating Platforms Commercially
If you have any commercial job that needs to be done, a floating platform will be better than carrying out construction for a permanent one. Whether you need to use it as a floating work platform or as a stable surface to get some creative work done, a floating dock will check all the boxes.
How Much Area Do You Want Covered?
If you buy a floating dock, you have several different options when it comes to covering space. Floating docks can easily be expanded based on the charges in your needs. If you are opting for wooden docks, they support construction on the surface and are highly preferable for recreational purposes.
You can even add plumbing to the platform with the use of an industrial gate valve to maintain a steady water supply on the platform. Plastic docks are the more affordable option when it comes to expansion and installation.
The Takeaway
We hope that you are not clear about what a floating walkway is and its range of functions. All the three different types of floating docks have their own advantages and drawbacks. One thing that they share in common is that all of them require regular maintenance to keep functioning well.
To buy a good floating dock, you will have to consider the type of purpose you have in mind and then make your purchase accordingly. There are many additional factors like affordability, durability, and adaptability that you will need to factor in before you finalize your purchase.
