Floating docks in Charleston, SC
With tide swings of several feet, a floating dock keeps you level with your boat at any tide. It connects to a fixed pierhead by a hinged ramp (gangway).
What it costs
| Item | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Floating dock, Charleston, installed | $35–$65 per sq ft | BluTide Marine Construction (Johns Island), Boat Dock Cost in Charleston, SC: 2026 Price Guide |
| Floating dock, national | $15–$40 per sq ft; $3,000–$17,500 all-in | Angi, How Much Does It Cost to Build a Dock? (updated Sep 22, 2026) |
Floats, ramps and pierheads added to existing docks count as minor critical-area activities that need SCDES approval (SC Department of Environmental Services, Critical Area Permitting: Minor Activities).
Floating docks FAQ
Why get a floating dock in Charleston?
Charleston tides commonly swing 6 to 7 feet (BluTide Marine Construction (Johns Island), Boat Dock Cost in Charleston, SC: 2026 Price Guide). A float stays level with the boat so boarding is easy at low and high tide.
Floating or fixed?
Most Lowcountry docks use both: a fixed walkway and pierhead, with a float at the end for the boat.
Where we can match you
Floating docks requests are accepted across the Charleston area:
Downtown CharlestonMount PleasantDaniel IslandJames IslandJohns IslandWest AshleyNorth CharlestonIsle of PalmsSullivan's IslandFolly BeachKiawah IslandSeabrook IslandWadmalaw IslandSummervilleMoncks Corner
Related services
New dock constructionFixed piling docks, walkways, pierheads and floats.Boat lift installationFour-post, elevator, beamless and floating lifts sized to your boat.Dock repairPilings, decking, framing, ramps and hardware.Covered docks & boathousesRoofs over pierheads and lifts, and boathouses.Storm damage & dock rebuildingRebuild a damaged or worn-out dock to its permitted size.Dock permits (SCDES / OCRM)Understand the SC critical-area permit before you build.
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