But let’s say you’ve forgotten to unfold the legs. No problem, the dock is designed to be able to swivel far past horizontal without any harm whatsoever. It gets even better. Suppose a twig prevents one of the hooks from swiveling and connecting? Still no problem. Just pull that corner in and hook it manually. What if both hooks don’t engage? No harm there either, but with that kind of luck you’d best avoid installing your pier in a thunderstorm.

Vinyl Deck can be ordered in lighter 2ft x 4ft panels (four per section). Most customers prefer the full size 4ft x 4ft panels since they require fewer trips. When installing, all but the last panel is brought out. That leaves access so that the next aluminum frame can be attached and dropped in.

To see this whole process in action, check out the videos below.

What if you want to put two (L) sections together side-by-side? Just mount two T&L mounts side-by-side. We make sections with special internal legs that won’t get in the way of each other when two sections are nestled up next to each other.

We also make T&L mounts for our 6 x 6 sections, which makes for a nice platform area while staying within any proposed width restrictions sought by the DNR.

An added feature about the Gripper is that it’s designed so you don’t have to strain to hold onto your accessory while tightening the knob.

Wondering if the Gripper might pull out of the grooves? Not to worry. It would have to rip the main spar clean apart, and that would take automobile-like force. How do we know that? Because we had a large tree fall on one of our piers and we’re happy to show you the results. (see “Strength and Durability”)