Dock Furniture, photo by Lake Shots Photography

by Deanna Wolff

Docks aren’t just for boats anymore. Customizing your dock for your individual needs will make your dock the place to hang out on hot summer days – and nights. Consider adding a few of the ideas below to your floating haven. Then grab your favorite cocktail, stretch your legs in your favorite outdoor chair or lounger, and enjoy the view. Easy!

Customized Metalwork

B&K Dock & Barge is a family business has been building, repairing, and modifying docks for 40 years. They can customize your dock with railings, small shed-like kitchens with a door and countertop bar, and – the coolest of them all – a dive platform. Perfect for those hot summer days when you just want to jump in the Lake! bkirondocks.com

Digital Dock Shades

Shady Dock Shades, photo by Lake Shots Photography

The summer sun can be brutal! Shade your dock and boat with premium digital dock shades built and installed by Shady Docks. A wireless handheld remote gives you shade when you want it – and when you don’t! They come with a wind sensor that automatically raises the shade in high winds, and a sun sensor that that can be set to automatically lower the shades when it senses intense light. shadydocks.com

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is a must, and Lake Life Outdoor Furniture in Osage Beach has a great line of super-durable recycled polyethylene furniture to make your dock comfy for yourself and your guests. Poly lumber will not crack, rot, or split, it never needs painting or refinishing, and is UV stabilized to resist fading. Choose from gliders, swings, and rockers to fire tables, dining, picnic, and party bar tables. And you can customize colors and features on many styles. They also have the coolest metal lake signs that will add the perfect finishing touch for your dock. lakelifeoutdoorfurniture.com

Dock Ladders

Wetsteps from CWD Supply, photo by Lake Shots Photography

Made right here in the Lake of the Ozarks, WetSteps are an innovative concept in dock ladders, and you can get them from CWD Supply. Durable, lightweight, and constructed from all-aluminum materials and superior welds, you’ll no longer have to struggle with lifting out your dock ladder for dry storage. Simply rotate the ladder on the mounting brackets to make space for boat parking or to remove it. Their ergonomic design allows users of all ages to easily enter and exit the water safely and effortlessly – including your pups! Available in 4- and 6-step configurations in several different colors. cwdsupply.com