Grand Traverse Bay winters are hard on docks. We repair ice damage, rotten decking, leaning posts, and structural failures on West Bay, East Bay, Long Lake, Lake Leelanau, and all area waters.
Grand Traverse Bay's connection to Lake Michigan means it can build real wave energy — and shore ice on the bay moves with that energy. Every spring we see TC-area docks that came through winter with heaved posts, twisted frames, cracked boards, and bent hardware. Some of it happened quietly while no one was watching. The damage is there either way.
We've been repairing docks in the Traverse City area for over 20 years. We know the difference between cosmetic damage that can wait and structural problems that will compound into something worse if they're not addressed before the dock goes back in the water. Our job is to tell you the truth about what you have and fix what needs fixing — nothing more.
A dock on West Bay or East Bay sees fundamentally different stress than a dock on Long Lake or Elk Lake. Bay docks face northwest wind fetch from Lake Michigan and can see 2–4 foot waves during fall storms. We spec bay dock repairs with that in mind — heavier hardware, better anchoring, corrosion-resistant fasteners throughout. Inland lake repairs can be lighter where conditions warrant, but we never cut corners on structural elements regardless of location.
We know Grand Traverse Bay and every inland lake in the area.
Grand Traverse Bay produces ice damage patterns we've seen hundreds of times. We diagnose it fast and fix it right — no guessing, no unnecessary work billed.
We tell you what actually needs to be done — not what generates the most revenue. If your dock needs a board swap and a re-level, that's what we quote.
TC spring repair slots fill fast. We work through a waitlist each year — calling early gets you the date you need before opening weekend.
We repair docks throughout Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, and Benzie counties. If your lake is within reach of Traverse City, call — we're likely there regularly.
Grand Traverse Bay (West & East) • Long Lake • Lake Leelanau • Elk Lake • Torch Lake • Duck Lake • Spider Lake • Boardman Lake • Suttons Bay • Leland
Call (231) 227-8885"Spring ice pulled two of our dock sections completely sideways on West Bay. Great Lakes Dock Works came out, assessed everything, and had it repaired in one day. They didn't try to sell us more than we needed — just fixed it properly and left it level and solid."
"My dock on Elk Lake had been slowly tilting for two seasons. I'd been ignoring it, but finally called Great Lakes Dock Works. They came out, re-set three posts, replaced the rotten middle section, and it's better than it's been in years. Wish I'd called sooner."
Ice heave and freeze-thaw damage, rotten or splintered decking, bent or leaning posts, rusted hardware, wave-damaged sections, and structural frame failures. We work on all dock types — pipe, aluminum, wood, and floating — on Grand Traverse Bay and all TC-area inland lakes.
We start booking spring repair appointments in late March. Grand Traverse Bay ice damage repairs are high demand — by mid-April our spring calendar is typically full. Call early to secure a spot before opening weekend.
Repairs that maintain the existing footprint and don't involve fill or permanent structural alteration generally don't require an EGLE permit. If you're rebuilding a large portion or changing the configuration, we'll advise you on what applies to your specific site.
Simple repairs like board replacement or hardware swaps typically run $200–$600. Post re-setting and leveling runs $300–$800 depending on how many legs are involved. Structural frame repair or section replacement is priced per job. We give you a written estimate before starting any work.
Spring slots fill fast in the TC area. Call now or fill out the form and we'll be in touch within 1 business day.
Call (231) 227-8885 — Free EstimateDescribe the damage and we'll respond within 1 business day. Or call (231) 227-8885.
