A waterfront property provides an unmatched opportunity to connect with nature, soak up stunning views and enjoy a wide range of water-based activities.
If you want to take waterfront living to the next level, you can add a variety of wonderful features and accessories to enhance your dock and shoreline.
Whether you're looking to host gatherings with family and friends or simply relax in the sun, the following tips can help transform your waterfront and create a dockside experience that complements your lifestyle and brings you joy. Read on!
Provide easy access to the waterfront…
Easy access to the shore is a must for anyone wanting to take full advantage of the waterfront. Make sure the path to the shore is clear of debris and includes steps, if necessary.
But before you start clearing trees, plants, and shrubs to improve your access or view, ensure the changes you want don’t damage the shoreline. At Hutten, we’re experts in shoreline restoration and can suggest ways to protect and nurture the qualities that make your shoreline unique while maintaining its natural health and beauty.
Light up your shore life…
A good lighting system keeps everyone safe and lets you enjoy the outdoors longer. Install LED solar lights to illuminate walkways or classy bistro lights to create a party-like atmosphere and add life to your dock after dark!
Outdoor lighting has the added benefit of increasing your property's value and security while allowing you to enjoy all it has to offer after the sun goes down.
Enjoy a few extra hours of sunshine…
Those with a property facing east will appreciate this tip... It can be frustrating to have your fun cut short because the sun has disappeared behind the trees. Extending your dock further into the water can increase the sunlight available.
Choose the right dock for your shoreline…
Installing the right kind of dock for your shoreline can eliminate headaches and make enjoying your dock so much easier! Two kinds of dock systems are available — floating docks and pipe docks. So which one should you choose?
If you’re right on Georgian Bay or any of the Great Lakes, you’ll likely need a pipe dock (95% of the docks we install are pipe docks). Floating docks don’t handle big waves well — and Georgian Bay can get some pretty big waves! — so they’re primarily installed in smaller, inland lakes that are too deep for pipe docks.
The modular design of the docks we install are fully-adaptable too, so you can add to them as your needs change over the years. As an added benefit, you can take your accessories with you if you move.
Accessorize your waterfront…
Docks now come with all sorts of cool accessories. You can get racks and lifts for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, even adding multiple racks to create your mini marina!
Paradise Dock & Lift carries several other dock upgrades, such as dock-mounted barbecues, fishing rod holders and special furniture secured right to the dock. You can add to the ambiance even further by bringing your tunes down to the shore and listening to them using wireless speakers.
Shoreline upgrades aren’t limited to the dock, though. You can add patios, decks or anything else you can imagine (so long as you remember to protect the integrity of your shoreline, as mentioned above). Some type of canopy or shade structure can also add to the enjoyment of your waterfront, particularly if your dock is in a perpetually sunny location.
A place for everything…
Don’t forget storage when planning your waterfront design. Having a shed or cabana close by can really come in handy — you’ll have a place to change out of wet suits and store extra paddles, life jackets, fishing rods, tackle, floating toys and other equipment needed for water sports.
If you don’t have space for a shed (or prefer not to build one), a deckbox is a decent alternative.
Sit by the open fire…
A fire pit is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but when you combine it with an unbeatable view of the mighty Georgian Bay, there’s nothing like it! Relax by the fire while enjoying the night sky, chatting with friends or seeing who can roast the perfect marshmallow.
Leave it to the professionals…
Using a professional service to install and remove your dock — as well as attend to any maintenance issues that come up — takes the hassle out of life on the dock and saves you time. It gives you one less thing to worry about at the start or end of the season, especially if it’s your second home or a seasonal cottage. All you have to do is show up and enjoy it!
Owning a waterfront property can provide endless opportunities to relax and entertain while connecting with nature. By incorporating some of these tips and adding accessories that suit your lifestyle, you can create a space by the water that truly complements your lifestyle.
If you need help with the installation or maintenance of your dock or would like to add to the beauty of your shoreline, feel free to contact us. Together, we’ll make the most of your waterfront so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty and tranquility it offers.
