About Dockside DIY
What Dockside DIY Does
Dockside DIY provides practical, experience-backed guides on dock building, waterfront construction, and marine DIY projects. Every article is written from firsthand field experience — not rewritten manufacturer specs or recycled forum advice. We cover the topics homeowners actually search for, with the level of detail that helps you make confident decisions.
How We Create Content
Every guide on Dockside DIY is built on real-world experience. We test what we recommend, share specific numbers and model names, and explain the reasoning behind every suggestion. When something didn’t work, we say so — because knowing what to avoid is just as valuable as knowing what to buy.
We combine hands-on testing with research into current codes, standards, and best practices. Our goal is to give you the same advice a knowledgeable friend in the trade would offer — honest, specific, and free of marketing fluff.
Who Writes This
Trent Hollis — Marine Contractor & Waterfront DIY Advocate
Trent Hollis spent two decades building and repairing docks, seawalls, and boat lifts along the Gulf Coast as a licensed marine contractor. After years of watching homeowners get overcharged for simple repairs — or make costly mistakes on their own — he started Dockside DIY to bridge the gap. His guides cover dock building, marine-grade materials, corrosion prevention, and the permits most waterfront owners don’t know they need.
Our Standards
- We test what we recommend. If we suggest a product, technique, or approach, it comes from direct experience — not a press release.
- We disclose affiliate relationships. Some product links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on performance, not compensation.
- We correct errors transparently. If something we published turns out to be wrong or outdated, we update it and explain what changed.
- We tell you when to call a pro. Not every job is a DIY job. We draw that line clearly and explain why.
Get In Touch
Have a question, spotted an error, or want to suggest a topic? Contact us here.