AridDek™ is a proprietary decking manufactured EXCLUSIVELY BY Wahoo Docks™. It is an aluminum board with a powder coated, non-skid finish. AridDek’s unique shape interlocks to create a seamless, waterproof surface, eliminating the need for a waterproof substructure on upper deck applications.

Attributes
1. Easy to Clean with periodic soap and water bath
2. Very Stable and does not materially degrade even with extensive exposure to sunlight and water
3. Maintenance Free with a the 20 year finish that will never require painting, sealing, staining, or waterproofing
4. Lightweight, which makes it ideal for upper deck applications
5. Slip Resistant because of its ribbed texture and slip-resistant coating
6. Long Lasting because AridDek™ is impervious to insect damage, rot, and other types of decay common with materials that are composed of organic material
7. Cool to the Touch because of aluminum’s high thermal conductivity and our light color offerings to provide a surface that naturally stays cooler than composite, concrete, or wood decking materials
8. Attractive with a seamless design (up to 32’) and hidden fasters that create create a neat, clean appearance
9. Water Absorption is basically nil and AridDek™ will not expand even if submersed in water for extended periods

Drawbacks
1. Highlights Dirt because of its flat, seamless surface
2. Lightweight, which is an attribute in many ways, reduces the stability of the dock in rough water situations
3. Does Not Look Like Wood which may not appeal to those seeking the natural ‘feel’ of wood

Ironwood is a natural, untreated board imported from Brazil. It is extremely dense, producing its heavy weight, longevity and generally attractive properties. On a feature and appearance basis, it is very similar to the more common Teak wood. Ironwood is a very dark board that naturally fades to a silver patina – within months when exposed to direct sunlight and over years when in a shaded area. Fading can be eliminated if periodically sealed, but the sealing process must be diligently maintained and so most docks are installed without a sealant.

Attributes
1. Aesthetically Appealing and is arguably the most naturally attractive decking for docks
2. Very Hard, up to three times harder than Red Oak
3. Long Lasting and naturally resistant to insect damage, rot, and other types of decay
4. High Load Bearing Capacity because of its high tensile strength and screw pull-through resistance
5. Maintenance Free and naturally resistant to mold. Requires no painting, sealing, staining, or waterproofing (unless desired to prevent fading)
6. Longevity is excellent and will remain smooth and splinter free for many years

Drawbacks
1. Heat Absorption is high which causes the surface to become relatively hot when exposed to direct sunlight
2. Poor Color Retention when no sealant is applied and will fade rapidly with direct sunlight exposure
3. Water Absorption will cause the boards to expand if submersed in water for extended periods

Pressure Treated Pine is historically the most common decking used on docks. Today, treated lumber has been generally replaced with lower maintenance, longer lasting options due to its rapid deterioration in the typically harsh environmental conditions of which most docks are exposed. It remains the least expensive decking for docks but Wahoo Docks™ does not incorporate it as a decking option on its residential docks because of its poor longevity and maintenance requirements.

Attributes
1. Low Cost relative to all other deck material options
2. Natural Look when initially installed is attractive

Drawbacks
1. Heat Absorption is relatively high when exposed to direct sunlight
2. Longevity is quite short since it deteriorates more rapidly than most decking alternatives
3. High Maintenance is major problem with this option since periodic sealing is mandatory to achieve even modest longevity
4. Water Absorption will cause the boards to expand greatly if submersed in water
5. Splinter-Prone due to the shrinking and cracking over time

Concrete pavers come in 2’ x 2’ squares and are reinforced with rebar, wire mesh or fiberglass fibers, depending on the application. Concrete is extremely durable but its poor aesthetics and HIGH HEAT ABSOPRTION MAKE IT MOSTLY SUITABLE FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS.

Attributes
1. Very Stable and does not materially degrade even with extensive exposure to sunlight and water
2. Very Heavy which makes it most suitable for very heavy water conditions
3. Easily Removed and allows easy conduit access to the dock structure (applicable to large, commercial docks)
4. Mechanically Strong and can tailored in thickness and reinforcements to handle very heavy loads
5. Very Stable and will never require painting, sealing, staining, or waterproofing
6. Long Lasting and impervious to insect damage, rot, and other types of decay common with materials that are composed of organic material

Drawbacks
1. Aesthetically Unappealing and generally considered the least attractive decking option
2. Heat Absorption is high and can become very hot when exposed to direct sunlight