Damage to the marsh caused by traditional dock-building techniques. Our Green Machine™ avoids this type of damage.
The Green Machine™ is shown here removing the old dock as it builds the new SunDock™ foundation. It never touches the delicate marsh.
Green Heron Docks is setting the standard for environmentally sensitive construction techniques. Our Green Machine™ dock building system allows us to build our strong SunDock™ foundation using top-down construction methods with minimal impact on the eco-system.
We developed our innovative Green Machine™ after seeing the damage caused to the marsh by traditional dock building methods. The barges and tractors used by most dock builders can damage the precious wetlands on either side of your dock. We wanted to develop a way to build over the marsh, without ever touching it. And thus, The Green Machine™ was born.
We bring our Green Machine™ to your site partially assembled. After lining up the machine, it picks itself up off the trailer and a temporary track is placed under it. The boom is then raised and the first section of your dock is built. The machine rolls onto the new structure to build the next section. The Green Machine™ continues to progress out on the dock it has just built until the end is reached.
After the machine is finished building the SunDock™ foundation, final modifications such as ramps and terminal platforms are constructed before the decking is installed.
Our Green Machine™ handles the heavy pilings and drives them quickly and efficiently with our drop hammer. The rest of the dock is constructed using the scaffolding and pulley systems that the machine provides so no people or machinery ever touch your marsh.
For more information, please visit
www.youtube.com/dockrider. Click here for a printable PDF.
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One of our signature SunDocks™ built for a family in Jacksonville, FL. They chose to use our DockRider™ trolley system in place of traditional wood decking.
Our signature SunDock™ is a strong, storm-resistant dock foundation with minimal environmental impact. Pilings are set using techniques that optimize strength, pull-out suction and longevity.
- 100% driven at least ½ way into undisturbed soil
(no water jetting)
- Battered (set at an angle) to create a strong A-Frame structure
- Minimum 3,000lb bearing capacity measurement
- Notched to support the track rails, which gives superior
longevity over fasteners alone
- Each rail of the track is a ship-lapped double 2x10
multi-spanning continuous beam
- The rail is capped with another board to make a strong T-Beam
Our signature SunDock™ foundation can be used with traditional decking or with our innovative DockRider™ trolley for even greater storm-resistance and less impact on riparian eco-systems.
For more information, please visit
www.youtube.com/dockrider.
Click here for a printable PDF.
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This custom deck lift was made for a family in Jacksonville, FL. Our clients wanted a safer and easier way to access their jetskis, and our deck lift was the perfect solution.
At Green Heron Docks, we have a history of innovation and a commitment to creatively help clients enjoy their waterfront property while preserving its beauty. Our custom-made deck lift provides easy access to watersport vehicles while increasing safety for small children and pets. The deck lift completely submerges in the water below, making it a breeze to load up your jetskis or boat. The solid deck platform also makes a great swim platform and “elevator” to help your family and/or pets out of the water. During storms, the deck lift can be raised even higher to keep your watersport vehicles safe from rising water and storm waves.
Before installing your new deck lift, we will remove any old boat lift mechanisms, hardware, and/or pilings.
Your new deck lift will have:
- Cabling with no cable overlap; Cable will last longer and have less “popping” noise
- Additional rafter support: double 2x10 support beams
- High-grade aluminum I-Beams for deck support
- Custom wood decking to perfectly fit your current dock
- Hoist Guides with corrosion-proof wheels to keep the hoist from shifting side to side and forward/backward; This also allows for tighter tolerances between deck lift and existing dock
For more information, please visit
www.youtube.com/dockrider. Click here for a printable PDF.
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Pearson® fiberglass pilings were used to create a strong, storm-resistant, and eco-friendly foundation for this dock.
Using pressure treated wood for the pilings is a cost-effective approach to building a structurally sound dock with good durability and longevity. However, you have the option to upgrade to fiberglass pilings for even more strength and durability.
Pearson Pilings® offers the best in fiberglass composite pilings.
Their pilings have an estimated lifespan of 80+ yrs, versus 20+ yrs for timber pilings.
They are:
- stronger and more durable than wood and concrete.
- 100% corrosion resistant & impervious to rot
- 100% resistant to insect, borer, and marine growth attack
- 1/3 the weight of comparable wood and 1/4 the weight of steel
- No coatings or preservatives required
- “PPT” outer layer for Ultra Violet radiation protection
- Can be drilled, cut, and fastened similar to wood
- Available in two colors: brown or light gray
For more information, please visit
www.pearsonpilings.com.
Click here for a printable PDF.
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One of our builders is shown here attaching BestDeck® composite decking to our SunDock™ base.
While most clients choose traditional wood decking for its strength and cost-effectiveness, we also offer an eco-friendly option. BestDeck® composite decking is extremely resistant to sun damage and weather. Its innovative hollow core I-beam construction yields decking material that is light, yet strong and durable. BestDeck’s® 100% recycled polymer looks like wood, but will not warp or splinter.
BestDeck® composite decking is:
- Low Maintenance
- Lightweight and structurally rigid
- Available in three colors: Nantucket Grey, Sedona Red, and Chesapeake Sand
- Reversible wood grain or textured finish
- 20 year limited warranty
For more information, please visit
www.bestdeck.net.
Click here for a printable PDF.
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For clients who want the natural beauty of wood but want the durability and longevity of a composite, Ipé is a great solution. This sustainably-harvested hardwood is extremely dense and very resistant to fungi and termites. Because it is naturally resistant to decay and organisms, there is no need to treat the wood with any chemicals. Ipé wood is rated by the US Forest Lab to last 25+ years, with little to no maintenance. The increased hardness of this wood makes it superior for fastening. It will not pull loose or pop-up, and is very resistant to splintering.
If you are interested in Ipé framing and decking, please contact us at 1-888-My1-Dock or info@ilovemydock.com.
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FRP or Fiber Reinforced Polymer (fiberglass) framing and decking can be utilized to give your dock the ultimate protection against weather-damage and corrosion. With an estimated lifespan of 80+ yrs, this low-maintenance material can last as long as your house. FRP framing and decking is the best choice for docks and piers exposed to powerful waves and/or salt water corrosion.
If you are interested in FRP framing and decking, please contact us at 1-888-My1-Dock or info@ilovemydock.com.
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Diagram of our SunDock™ foundation with the terminal platform supported by helical pilings.
Green Heron Docks now utilizes helical piling technology to improve dock and building foundations. These helical pilings can be used in both residential and commercial applications, from wetland boardwalks and docks to home foundation repair and bulkhead tiebacks. When used in conjunction with our SunDock™ foundation, these helical pilings add even more strength and storm-resistance to the terminal platform of your dock.
Helical pilings are galzanized steel pilings with one or more circular tapered plates (helices). These helices allow the pilings to be easily “screwed” into the ground with minimal soil disturbance and vibration. The helices prevent storms and wave action from lifting the pilings out of the ground. They are easily removeable, re-useable, environmentally friendly, and extremely strong.
For more information, please visit
www.piertech.com. For a video of a helical piling installation, check out our youtube channel at
www.youtube.com/dockrider.
Click here for a printable PDF.
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One of our DockRider/SunDock™ systems in Jacksonville, FL.
Some of our clients enjoying their new DockRider™ system with friends.
The DockRider™ trolley system is a great alternative to traditional decking. It uses the SunDock™ base as an efficient track to transport people and gear to and from the end of the dock, thus eliminating the need for decking.
This means:
- Less material and labor for construction
- Increased hurricane and storm resistance (waves can pass through the dock, leaving the strong SunDock™ foundation in place)
- Less square footage for easier permitting and less fees
- Significant reduction in damage to wetlands and riparian ecosystems caused by cumulative shading effect
Your DockRider™ has:
- A smooth ride and automatic stop
- Secure railingand latching gate
- Simple, waterproof controls
For more information, please visit our DockRider™ site at
www.dockridersystems.com or check out our youtube channel at
www.youtube.com/dockrider.
Click here for a printable PDF.
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One of our DockCaddy™ systems installled on a dock in the St. Johns River.
Our DockCaddy™ is the perfect accessory for your dock. Instead of lugging heavy coolers and boat gear down your dock, let our innovative DockCaddy™ do the work for you.
Our DockCaddy™:
- Is controlled by remote control, so it can be ready and waiting for you at either end of your dock
- Can easily carry 3 passengers or 800lbs of gear
- Conveniently stows 20 cubic feet of gear
- Has a standard padlock to protect its contents
- Is light enough to easily remove for hurricanes and/or rising water
- Automatically stops at either end of the dock or if it encounters an obstacle in its path
For more information, please visit our DockRider™ site at
www.dockridersystems.com/dockcaddy or check out our youtube channel at
www.youtube.com/dockrider. Click here for a printable PDF.
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One of our DockChauffeur™ systems in Jacksonville, FL.
Our DockChauffeur™ turns your dock into a relaxing scenic ride. This versatile, weather-resistant transport system makes your dock more accessible for folks of all ages. It’s also great after a long day on the water--just load up your gear and then have a seat and let DockChauffeur™ get you the rest of the way home.
Our DockChauffeur™:
- Can easily carry five people or 1000 lbs of gear
- Can store coolers and gear by lifting up the left side bench
- Has auxillary outlets to power a spot light, laptop, or any other electronic device
- Has built in waterproof lights and a stereo system
For more information, please visit our DockRider™ site at
www.dockridersystems.com/dockchauffeur or check out our youtube channel at
www.youtube.com/dockrider. Click here for a printable PDF.
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