Things You Will Need
A few different types of docks exist; floating docks, which bob up and down in the water; and fixed docks, which are attached to the shore and are more stable. Fixed docks are primarily used on lakes.
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Contact the city planning department and ask if any special permissions or forms are required before you commence building. A construction permit or area clearance may be required.
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Cut a section of 12-inch PVC pipe. It should be long enough that it sinks 3 feet beneath the bottom of the water and extends 1 foot above the water. You need one section of PVC pipe for each post you add to your dock.
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Figure out the frame of your fixed dock. Place footers at each corner, and additional footers for every six-foot section of dock. A 12-foot dock features five footers--four in the corner and one in the center.
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Push the PVC pipe into the ground until it is sealed off from water. Use a bucket to remove water from the PVC pipe.
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Put the 6-by-6-inch post into the middle of each PVC pipe. Square each post; the flat sides should run parallel with the flat sides of the post across from it.
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Mix concrete according to instructions, then pour it into the PVC pipes until they're full. Let the concrete mixture settle over night.
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Mark each post to choose the height of the dock. Connect a piece of string between the posts to level your dock.
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Cut off the extra sections of post using a reciprocating saw.
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Cut small 2-inch wide by 8-inch deep sections into each post for your frame boards to run in.
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Place frame boards (2-by-8-inches) into the notches in each post.
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Use a drill with a 1/2-inch drill bit to drill holes into the top of the framing boards and posts. Use steel bolts to secure the frame into place.
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Attach joist hangers to all the framing boards that run parallel to the shore.
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Put decking lumber on top of the framing boards, running perpendicular to them. Nail these boards into the frame. Your dock is now complete.