Close-up of a wooden dock platform with metal brackets, supported by angled wooden beams, extending over calm water.
A small sailboat with two people on a lake near Great Northern Docks, birds soaring above, all surrounded by a compass rose design.

Wooden Dock Plans Built to Last

Great Northern Docks floating dock plans and stationary dock plans are designed for DIY builders who want a dependable result without starting from scratch. Each plan includes a full bill of materials and has been refined over 40 years of dock building in Maine.
Black and white compass rose with eight main points and decorative outer rings, featuring a fleur-de-lis at north—perfect for accenting Great Northern Docks or Maine Docks.

Find the Right Fit for Your Waterfront

We have plans for floating docks, stationary docks, finger docks, and swim rafts in a range of sizes. Each one is built around hardware and materials you can source locally or order directly from Great Northern Docks.

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  • 47 Years in Business
  • Made in Maine
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Prefer to talk? Call us at +1 (207) 693-3770 Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5:00pm

See What Our Customers Say

...the entire experience was professional but also stress-free and fun. Best of all, we got the dock of our dreams...

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From Destin’s welcoming greeting when we entered the store, through the dock design process, delivery and installation by Tino to the final product… the entire experience was professional but also stress-free and fun. Best of all, we got the dock of our dreams.

Rebecca Poma
Maine
Rebecca Poma
Maine

...LOVE THE PRODUCT, super high quality! Shipping to Alabama was great! Love my "Great Northern Dock" stairs down here in the south!

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I worked with Gretta ordering the dock stairs descending into the water. Since I could not see the product, I was a little nervous ordering on my own. Gretta helped answer all my questions, and helped me figure out the best system for my situation! I don’t think I would have purchased had she not been such a great help. LOVE THE PRODUCT, super high quality! Shipping to Alabama was great! Love my “Great Northern Dock” stairs down here in the south!

Carol Smyser
Alabama
Carol Smyser
Alabama

...Their product is unmatched in Quality, Longevity and Look. There is no application or shoreline their docks can't accommodate. Not only are Great...

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Great Northern Docks is a first-class company with the best product on the market. As one of the larger dock installation companies in southern Maine I have worked directly with Great Northern for years. Their product is unmatched in Quality, Longevity and Look. There is no application or shoreline their docks can’t accommodate. Not only are Great Northern Docks in a class by themselves they are also the most installer friendly dock systems on the market. My dock business has been exclusively with Great Northern for years and they will always be the only company I will work with. From start to finish you will never be disappointed investing in a Great Northern dock system.

Shoreline Solutions LLC
Maine
Shoreline Solutions LLC
Maine

I just wanted to thank you for your help.  I LOVE my dock stairs! I was nervous to order a big ticket item half the country away but your kind attitude and help

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I just wanted to thank you for your help.  I LOVE my dock stairs! I was nervous to order a big ticket item half the country away but your kind attitude and helpful answers gave me a sense of security. I just wanted to thank you for your help.  So, all the way from Minnesota,  I send a shout out: “Yay for Seth! ”Thanks again,

Linda
Minnesota
Linda
Minnesota

I purchased a new dock this season from Great Northern Docks and was extremely happy with the quality and service. From the initial site review, where the team

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I purchased a new dock this season from Great Northern Docks and was extremely happy with the quality and service. From the initial site review, where the team came out and created options on paper, to the prompt delivery, everything went smoothly. When my installers were short some pipe, I called and GND quickly cut a 20’ pipe into two pieces and had it ready to go within the hour for no extra charge. They also gave me a refund for a few extra pieces that I had left over after installation.The dock itself is great looking, well constructed, and very functional for fun summer days on the lake; whether boating or just relaxing on the dock. Thank you GND!

Eric Miller
Maine
Eric Miller
Maine

Lindsay and the team at Great Northern Docks provided excellent support and guidance in the entire process of selecting the appropriate dock

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Lindsay and the team at Great Northern Docks provided excellent support and guidance in the entire process of selecting the appropriate dock that meets our needs and budget. Assembly was straightforward and the quality of the material as well as the craftsmanship was excellent. My wife and I are looking forward to adding additional accessories next year.

Christopher Cortez
Maine
Christopher Cortez
Maine
Fully Welded Stairs with railings lead through trees to a Maine dock over clear, shallow water, with sunlight streaming through the leaves.

Stairs

Easy-to-install, multi-purpose outdoor stairs.

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FAQ

What is the best wood for a dock?

Cedar is the most common choice for dock decking. It holds up well in freshwater, is lighter than pressure treated pine, and takes stain well. For framing, pressure-treated lumber is widely used due to its availability, affordability, and suitability for structural applications in wet environments. Our dock plans specify 5/4 x 6 cedar decking and are built around materials available at most lumber yards.

Do I need a permit to build a dock?

Permit requirements vary by state, municipality, and body of water. Most residential dock projects in Maine require at minimum a shoreland zoning review. We recommend checking with your local code office before starting any dock build. Check out our latest Dock Permit 101 video.

What size dock do I need?

It depends on how you plan to use it. A 6’x12′ or 6’x16′ floating dock works well for swimming and small watercraft. An 8’x10′ dock is a good general-purpose size. Our plans come in multiple sizes so you can match the layout to your waterfront and intended use.

Dock Plans for DIY Builders

Great Northern Docks dock plans are designed to take the guesswork out of a DIY dock build. Whether you’re building a floating dock for a lake with fluctuating water levels or a stationary dock for a stable shoreline, each plan includes a full bill of materials so you know exactly what to buy before you start.

Plans are available in a range of sizes, including floating dock configurations in 6’x12′, 6’x16′, and 8’x10′ layouts, a stationary dock option at 4’x10′, a 3’x20′ finger dock, and an 8’x8′ swim raft plan. Each design has been used and refined over more than 40 years of residential dock building.

Hardware for these plans, including pipe brackets, post brackets, flotation, and hinging hardware, can be ordered directly through Great Northern Docks and ships via UPS.

A wooden dock with chairs overlooks a calm lake, surrounded by trees. A sailboat floats nearby, and a lifebuoy hangs from the Maine Docks railing.
Two people in swimsuits joyfully jump off a Great Northern Docks wood dock into the water, with a bench and bottle resting on the dock.

Ready to Build the Perfect Dock?

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