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Sunrise Carpentry - Est. 1994
Boat Docks & Piers
What We Offer
Waterfront properties in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield County deserve structures that can handle the environment — seasonal ice, wake, UV exposure, and humidity year-round. Sunrise Carpentry designs and builds custom boat docks, fixed piers, floating docks, and waterfront deck structures for lakes, reservoirs, and sound-access properties across the region. Every project starts with a site assessment, permit research, and a design that balances function, aesthetics, and longevity. We use composite decking, pressure-treated framing, and marine-grade hardware throughout — nothing that will deteriorate in five years.
- Fixed pier & dock construction
- Floating dock systems
- Gangway & ramp installation
- Composite & pressure-treated decking
- Marine-grade hardware & fasteners
- Boat lifts & PWC lifts
- Waterfront deck extensions
- Permit applications & approvals
- Lake, reservoir & tidal site experience
- Post & pile driving coordination
- Seasonal removal & storage options
- Custom handrail & safety systems
Our Work
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Fixed & Floating Docks
We build both fixed and floating dock systems depending on your waterfront conditions, water depth, and how you use the dock. Fixed piers are anchored with driven posts or helical piles and are the most stable option for consistent-depth lake and reservoir sites. Floating docks rise and fall with water levels — better for tidal sites, reservoirs with seasonal drawdown, or locations where ice heave makes fixed posts impractical.
Fixed Piers & Docks
Framed with pressure-treated lumber on driven posts or helical piles, decked with composite or pressure-treated boards, and finished with marine-grade stainless hardware. We size the framing and post spacing for your load requirements — whether that's a small rowboat or a 25-foot cabin cruiser.
Floating Dock Systems
Floating dock sections use HDPE float drums or foam-filled billets with aluminum or pressure-treated framing. We connect sections with hinged hardware that handles wave action and thermal expansion. Gangways connect the fixed shore structure to the floating dock and adjust automatically with water level changes.
Boat Lifts & PWC Ports
We coordinate the supply and installation of vertical boat lifts, canopy frame systems, and PWC ports as part of a complete dock build. Lift sizing, mounting, and electrical connections are handled in-house.
Waterfront Deck Extensions
Many waterfront properties have a deck that stops well short of the water's edge. We design and build extensions — including grade changes, stair landings, and transitions to dock structures — so the connection from home to water is seamless and safe.
Materials
Material selection on a dock project matters more than almost anywhere else in residential construction. We don't use materials we wouldn't put on our own property. Everything is specified for long-term performance in a wet, UV-exposed, freeze-thaw environment.
- TimberTech AZEK composite decking — full PVC, zero moisture absorption, 30-year fade warranty
- Trex Transcend composite — capped wood fiber composite with realistic grain texture
- Pressure-treated ACQ lumber — ground-contact rated, kiln-dried after treatment for dimensional stability
- Hot-dipped galvanized or 316 stainless steel hardware — no zinc-plated fasteners near water
- HDPE float billets — UV-stabilized, maintenance-free, rated for 20+ year service life
- Aluminum dock framing — lightweight, corrosion-free option for floating systems
- Cedar handrails — naturally rot-resistant, aesthetically consistent with adjacent decks
Permits & Approvals
Waterfront construction is among the most heavily permitted residential work in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield County. Projects typically require approvals from the town building department, the NYS DEC or CT DEEP, and — on regulated waterways — Army Corps of Engineers review. We handle all permit research and application filing as part of the project, and we've navigated the approval process on dozens of waterfront sites across the region.
Town & Local Approvals
Building permits, zoning setback review, and — in some towns — wetlands permits or coastal site plan review. Requirements vary significantly by municipality and waterway type. We research the specific approvals needed for your site before any work begins.
NYS DEC & CT DEEP
New structures on lakes, rivers, and tidal waters typically require a DEC or DEEP permit. We prepare and submit the necessary joint permit applications, provide site plans and project descriptions, and manage the review timeline.
Army Corps of Engineers
Navigable waterways and tidal areas may also require Army Corps review under Section 10 or Section 404. We identify whether your project triggers federal review and handle the application if required.
How We Work
Our Process
01
Site Assessment
We visit your waterfront, assess water depth, bottom conditions, ice exposure, and existing structures. We research permit requirements for your specific municipality and waterway before quoting.
02
Design & Permitting
We develop a full construction drawing package and submit permit applications to all required agencies. We manage the review process and keep you updated on approval timelines.
03
Construction
Once permits are in hand, we mobilize for pile driving or footer work, complete the framing, install decking, and mount all hardware, lifts, and accessories. Work is staged to avoid damage to shoreline vegetation.
04
Final Walkthrough
We inspect every fastener, connection, and safety system before handover. We also review seasonal maintenance, winterization steps, and any permit conditions that require ongoing compliance.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a boat dock in Westchester or Fairfield County?
Yes — in virtually all cases. Waterfront construction requires local building permits and typically a state permit from the NYS DEC or CT DEEP. Projects on navigable waterways may also require Army Corps review. We handle all permit research and applications as part of the project.
What's the best decking material for a dock?
TimberTech AZEK (full PVC composite) is our most recommended option for docks — it has zero wood fiber, so moisture absorption and freeze-thaw cycling don't affect it. It carries a 30-year fade and stain warranty and requires no sealing or staining. Trex Transcend is a good alternative if you prefer a natural wood-grain look. We don't recommend untreated wood or standard cedar for dock surfaces.
How long does a dock build take?
A straightforward floating dock installation can be completed in 1–2 weeks once materials arrive. A fixed pier with pile driving, framing, and composite decking typically takes 2–4 weeks. The longer variable is permitting — state and federal reviews can take 4–12 weeks depending on the waterway and permit type.
Can you extend my existing dock or rebuild part of it?
Yes. We assess existing dock structures for structural integrity and material condition, then quote accordingly — whether that's a full replacement, a section extension, or a surface re-deck with new composite boards over existing framing.
Start Your Project
Ready to transform your space?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate on your boat docks & piers project. Over 30 years of expertise in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield County.
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · 3 Old Tomahawk St, Yorktown Heights NY