The LakeScape Standard
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LakeScape operates the largest barge on Lake Martin, capable of transporting more than 100 tons of material and equipment directly to your job site in a single mobilization. Our excavator weighs 55,000 pounds. That machine weight is what drives your pilings to consistent, correct depth in Lake Martin's varied rock and soil conditions. No other builder on this lake brings this level of equipment to a residential project.
For piling installation, we use the REV Drill: a diamond-tipped percussion drill designed specifically for marine construction. Unlike standard auger-style drills, the REV Drill works in combination with a large industrial air compressor that clears the bore hole continuously during drilling. The result is a clean, precise set hole regardless of subsurface conditions.
All pilings are driven to proper depth based on site-specific conditions. LakeScape exclusively notches every piling prior to installation. Notching creates a mechanical connection between the piling and the structure above it, providing load transfer that does not depend solely on fasteners. This is a standard detail on every LakeScape project. It is not standard practice in the industry.
Note: Where rock is encountered during drilling, additional time and equipment may be required. LakeScape discloses all rock drilling rates transparently in every proposal before work begins.
All framing lumber is ground contact pressure-treated, rated for freshwater immersion environments. This is our baseline specification, not an upgrade.
Dock-level joist spacing: 12 inches on center. Industry standard is 16 inches on center. Closer spacing produces a measurably stiffer, stronger deck surface with reduced flex and longer structural life.
Joist Shield joist tape is applied at every joist-to-beam contact point on all LakeScape projects. This protective barrier seals the most moisture-vulnerable connection in any deck system, reducing rot initiation and extending framing life from day one.
LakeScape builds with a drop beam system on all dock structures. In a drop beam configuration, floor joists bear directly on top of the beam, transferring load through gravity rather than through metal joist hangers. This maximizes structural integrity, eliminates reliance on corrosion-prone hardware at critical connections, and enables greater cantilever capacity over the water.
All structural fasteners are stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized, selected by application, load, and exposure level. Decking is fastened with stainless steel color-matched screws. Dock bumpers are secured with stainless steel hardware throughout. Fold-down cleats are 6-inch stainless. Bumper systems use black vinyl linear and corner bumpers with stainless steel fasteners throughout.
Hardware failure is among the most common causes of dock deterioration. We specify and install fasteners built to last in a humid freshwater lake environment.
Primary specification: TimberTech Vintage Collection Advanced PVC Decking installed with stainless steel color-matched screws. TimberTech carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 50-Year Fade and Stain Warranty from the manufacturer.
Upper deck surfaces: Mighty Lite interlocking aluminum decking, maintenance-free and rated for high-traffic and high-exposure applications.
Premium natural option: 5/4-inch IPE Brazilian hardwood with picture-framed edges and custom design detailing for clients seeking a traditional hardwood aesthetic.
LakeScape will walk you through the performance trade-offs of each option based on your project, usage, and budget.
All boathouse roofing is built with 29-gauge low-rib commercial metal roofing panels sourced from A&E Metal Roofing Supply, 1x8 Hardie fascia board (primed), exposed 2x8 rafters, and 2x4 purlins. Where applicable, T1-11 sheathing is installed with Ice and Water Shield underlayment on the roof deck. Pitch options include 4/12, 6/12, and custom configurations.
LakeScape is the exclusive dealer of the Infinity Lift™ in the State of Alabama. No other builder on Lake Martin can offer it.
The Infinity Lift™ installs flush with the dock surface with all mechanical components housed below deck. No visible lift structure above deck. No exposed hardware. No trip hazards. For families and high-traffic docks, the safety and aesthetic advantages are immediate and significant.
Performance: Up to twice the lift speed of comparable systems. Built-in limit switches stop the lift at preset positions. Fully enclosed mechanism. All aluminum and stainless steel construction. Grooved, machined cable winder for long-term reliability.
Smart control: Premier Remote with smartphone connectivity, custom boat naming, individual motor adjustments, level limits, and unlimited access codes for family and guests.
Capacity: Standard stock: 8,000 lb gross weight. Configurations available from 7,000 lb to 40,000 lb for larger vessels.
For projects where a conventional lift is preferred, LakeScape also installs Hi-Tide lifts with sealed aluminum gear drives, stainless steel motors, and greaseable aluminum pulleys.
In all cases: the manufacturer warrants the equipment. LakeScape warrants the installation.
All LakeScape electrical work is installed by our on-staff licensed electrician to code. Having a licensed electrician on staff is a meaningful distinction. It means consistent installation standards, direct accountability, and no subcontracted electrical work on your project.
Standard dock electrical package includes: a dedicated 50-amp circuit from the main panel to the dock, a rated disconnect panel at the dock, individual circuits to each boat lift, GFCI protection on all outlets, LED overhead lighting on lower and upper decks, and weatherproof outlets under each lift and on upper deck surfaces. All wiring is installed to prints.
Dock electrical is a safety-critical system. LakeScape treats it accordingly.
Backed by The LakeScape Promise
Frequently Asked Questions
Industry standard for dock construction is 16 inches on center. LakeScape builds to 12 inches on center. The closer spacing produces a stiffer deck with less flex underfoot, greater structural capacity, and longer framing life. The difference is noticeable when walking the finished surface.
In a drop beam system, floor joists rest directly on top of the beam rather than hanging from metal joist hangers attached to the beam's side. Load transfers through gravity at every joist connection, eliminating reliance on metal hardware that can corrode in a freshwater lake environment. Drop beam construction also enables greater cantilever capacity over the water. LakeScape builds with a drop beam system as standard on all dock projects.
The LakeScape Infinity Lift™ is a next-generation flush-mount boat lift system for which LakeScape is the exclusive dealer in the State of Alabama. Unlike conventional boat lifts, all Infinity Lift™ mechanical components install below the dock surface. No visible lift structure. The system operates at up to twice the speed of comparable systems, includes smartphone remote control, and is built with all aluminum and stainless steel construction. Standard configuration: 8,000 lb gross weight. Available up to 40,000 lb.
Common options for Lake Martin docks include composite PVC decking, aluminum decking, and pressure-treated hardwood. LakeScape's primary specification is TimberTech Vintage Collection Advanced PVC Decking, which carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 50-Year Fade and Stain Warranty from the manufacturer. For upper deck surfaces, LakeScape specifies Mighty Lite interlocking aluminum decking. IPE Brazilian hardwood is available for clients seeking a premium natural wood finish.
Dock pilings on Lake Martin are drilled and driven into the lake bed using equipment mounted on a barge. LakeScape uses the REV Drill, a diamond-tipped percussion drill, combined with an industrial air compressor to clear bore holes during drilling. Our excavator weighs 55,000 pounds, providing the machine weight needed to drive pilings to consistent depth in Lake Martin's rocky substrate. All LakeScape pilings are notched before installation to create a mechanical connection between the piling and the structure above it.
A properly wired dock or boathouse requires a dedicated circuit from the main panel, a rated disconnect panel at the dock, individual circuits to each boat lift, GFCI protection on all outlets, and weatherproof materials throughout. LakeScape's standard electrical package includes all of these elements, installed by our on-staff licensed electrician to code. Dock electrical is a safety-critical system and should always be installed by a licensed contractor.
