Find the stairs that fit your shoreline.
The right set of stairs depends on where they need to go and how far down they have to reach. Find the situation below that sounds like yours, and we will point you toward the right build.
A short, straightforward run down to the water
If you need roughly two to seven steps from a dock, a low bank, or a seawall, our Fully Welded Stairs arrive as one solid piece and are the simplest, sturdiest way down.
I need to get from my lawn, bank, or seawall to the water
If you are dropping eight or more steps, crossing rocky or uneven ground, working from measurements you are unsure of, or you want to pull sections out before winter ice, our Modular Stairs bolt together to handle all of it.
Not sure which build is right?
Tell us about your shoreline and we will help you choose, including the rails, swing-up hinge, and footings that work for your site.
Two options, one Maine-built standard.
Every set of our stairs starts with the same welded aluminum frame and the same slip-resistant treads. Whether yours arrives as a single welded run or as sections that bolt together comes down to how many steps you need and how the stairs have to reach your site.
Do you need fully welded or modular? Here’s how to tell.
Both builds use the same marine-grade aluminum and the same treads, so the choice comes down to the length of your run and how the stairs need to get to you.
Fully Welded Stairs
Modular Stairs
Number of steps
2-7
3+
Railing
Single-piece handrail
Rail sections that bolt together
Best for
Dock-to-water access and simple sites
Long descents, rocky banks, & complex sites
Expandability
Built to a set length, not extended later
Add or remove sections later as you need them
What goes into every set of stairs we build
- Marine-grade 6000-series aluminum
We build every frame from 6000-series aluminum, the same alloy used in saltwater marine construction, so it will not rot, rust, or weaken on a freshwater lake or a saltwater shore. - Slip-resistant treads
SunWalk® perforated panels feature a textured, fiber-reinforced plastic surface that provides grip for wet, sandy, and bare feet. Their open design allows water, sunlight, and rain to pass through, helping support vegetation below while reducing wave impact and reducing erosion. - Welded aluminum frames
Every frame is built as a welded aluminum truss, which keeps the structure rigid and strong underfoot for the long haul. - Rails for the whole family
An optional single or twin-rail setup puts a full-size rail at adult height and a second rail at a child’s height, so everyone in the family has something to hold.
Built in Maine, trusted since 1979.
Great Northern Docks started in the 1970s, when Fremont Merriam, a structural designer, couldn’t find a dock that would hold up on his own Maine lake. So he designed one himself, strong enough to take the punishment of a big lake, but light enough to pull out every fall so the winter ice couldn’t tear it apart.
Other waterfront owners wanted that same dock, so Fremont turned it into a business alongside his sons. Three generations later, we still handcraft our aluminum docks and stairs in Naples, and we still make the original wood dock hardware that started it all.
What customers are saying
Built for this generation and the next.
Since the project is in New York and GND is in Maine, all planning and design was done by phone and email. Cathy Dennehy, GND’s Sales Manager, was very accommodating and easy to work with. Their engineer came up with the perfect design. The stair system is elegantly designed and manufactured. It is a huge improvement, and we are very pleased with the outcome.
…LOVE THE PRODUCT, super high quality! Shipping to Alabama was great! Love my “Great Northern Dock” stairs down here in the south!
Thank you Gretta and Northern Docks for the stairs that now makes it easier to access the lake. It was the best customer service that I have experienced in a long time paired with the quality of the stairs the overall experience definitely exceeded my expectations.
If I could give Great Northern Docks 10 stars, I would. They’re fabulous to work with. The quality of the dock ramp, floating dock and stairway they installed recently is great. They’ll all clearly last for a long time. The company follows through and communicates clearly and quickly. I recommend this company highly!!
How It Works
Getting Started Is Simple
Tell us about your project
No pressure, no commitment. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll let you know how we’d get it done.
We’ll reach out
A dock specialist reviews your project and calls to discuss options, answer questions, and refine the details.
Receive your quote
Get a detailed quote with product recommendations, pricing, and installation options, usually within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
Are these stairs safe for older family members?
Yes, and that is who many of our customers are buying for. The treads are wide and slip-resistant when wet, the standard angle feels like a real staircase rather than a ladder, and an optional twin-rail setup adds a rail at both adult and child height so there is always something to hold.
Can I put these stairs on a bank or seawall instead of a dock?
Yes. Our stairs work just as well on a lawn, a bank, or a bulkhead as they do on a dock, so you can get safely down to the water without rebuilding your shoreline.
Will the stairs hold up in saltwater or on a tidal shoreline?
Yes. The aluminum is marine-grade and will not corrode in salt air, and an optional swing-up hinge lets you lift the run out of the way when the tide comes in.
Do you only sell in Maine, or do you ship anywhere?
We ship aluminum dock systems, stairs, and accessories nationwide. We’ve delivered to Alabama, Minnesota, and everywhere in between. Installation support varies by region, but the product ships from Maine with full documentation. If you’re outside New England, call us and we’ll tell you exactly what we can do for your site.
How much do aluminum dock stairs cost?
Because we build each set to your shoreline, we quote every project individually rather than working from a price sheet. The cost depends on the number of steps, the mounting setup, and the options you choose, and we are glad to walk you through it.
Request a Free Quote
Tell us about your project and we’ll get back to you within one business day — usually sooner.
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