ADA Compliant Docks

Building ADA Compliant Residential and Commercial Docks in Knoxville, TN

There’s always fun to be had on the water, no matter your ability level. Making a dock compliant with ADA regulations not only does right by the law, but it also does right by your customers. Knoxville Barge can help as your local team with profound expertise in commercial dock building for ADA compliance.

Call us at 865-588-0537 or contact us online to request a free, on-site consultation for ADA-compliant docks, piers, launch ramps, gangways, and more.

New ADA Compliant Docks and Retrofit Projects

Every marina, fishing pier, and public dock in the Knoxville area can and must be safe and accessible for everybody. You also need to make existing docks ADA compliant when remodeling or altering.

Knoxville Barge can help with both retrofitting a dock for ADA compliance and building a custom, fully accessible dock. We build a wide variety of commercial docks for marinas, community groups, summer camps, restaurants, and other waterfront properties on the Tennessee River and Knoxville’s many lakes.

ADA Compliant Gangways and Ramps

Access routes are one of the most important components of ADA-compliant docks. Knoxville Barge designs and builds custom gangways and ramps to give all your guests appropriate access.

Generally speaking, there needs to be a wheelchair-friendly pathway:

• At least 36” wide
• Slope grade of 1:12 or less (1’ elevation change per 12’ of length)
• Slip-resistant surface
• Continuous handrails
• Transition plates at the ends

Gangways are exempt from some ADA requirements. It’s simply not possible to guarantee that the slope won’t increase beyond 1:12 as water levels rise and fall. The best course of action depends on the positioning and elevation of your waterfront and dock. Knoxville Barge will help you go over all the options for compliance and improved guest access.

Accessible Boat Slips and Launch Ramps

The ADA guidelines for docks also specify that every boat slip should have ample space for getting on and off watercraft. There’s also a minimum number of accessible slips based on how many total slips you have. Knoxville Barge will help you navigate the rules to create slips that are fully accessible.

Another popular option is to add handrails or assist bars for swimming piers or kayak and canoe launching points. With smart design, all your lifts, slips, launches, and platforms can meet ADA compliance and empower everyone in your community to enjoy your facilities even more.

Consultations for ADA Compliant Docks

Knoxville Barge has a full team of marine construction professionals for ADA compliant docks and full marina design and construction. Our clients enjoy a personalized, one-on-one relationship throughout the process and top-quality construction by our in-house team of craftsmen.

Request a free consultation online or call 865-588-0537 to discuss ADA boat dock requirements and our commercial dock building services. We serve the communities of Tellico Lake, Fort Loudoun Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and greater Knoxville area.