Dock Ladders
Getting in and out of the water safely is easier with a ladder built for the way your dock is used. Angled ladders sit at a slight incline for a more natural climbing motion, while straight ladders take up less space along the dock edge. For docks used by families, swimmers, or anyone needing a wider, more stable step down, a water entry staircase offers a different kind of access altogether. On The Water Designs carries aluminum and poly ladder styles suited to a range of dock heights and water depths.
Angled, Straight, or Flip-Up: Choosing a Ladder Style
Angled ladders lean slightly away from the dock, which makes climbing feel more natural and can be easier on the knees and back compared to a straight vertical climb. Straight ladders, like the weld-free ECO2 style, take up a smaller footprint along the dock edge and work well where space is limited.
Flip-up poly ladders fold up out of the water when not in use, which helps reduce ice damage over winter and keeps the ladder from dragging through waves or debris. This style is a common choice for docks that see heavy seasonal use but need the ladder tucked away between swims.
Water Entry Staircases for Wider, More Stable Access
A water entry staircase offers a wider stepping surface than a standard ladder, which can make a real difference for docks used by multiple people throughout the day. The extra width and sturdier handrails suit families with young children, older adults, or anyone who prefers a more gradual step down into the water rather than climbing a vertical ladder rung by rung.
Built from fixed aluminum construction, these staircases are designed to stay in place through the season rather than being removed and reinstalled like some ladder styles. They tend to work best on docks with the space and height to accommodate a wider footprint.
Trying to decide between a ladder and a full staircase? Tell us about your dock height and how it’s used, and we’ll help narrow down the right fit.
FAQs
What’s the difference between an angled ladder and a straight ladder?
Angled ladders lean away from the dock for a more natural climbing angle, while straight ladders sit vertically and take up less space along the dock edge. Choosing between them often comes down to available space and personal preference for climbing motion.
Should I remove my dock ladder before winter?
Many ladder styles, including flip-up designs, are made to be lifted out of the water for winter to avoid ice damage. Fixed staircases and some straight ladders may be left in place, depending on the material and how exposed they are to ice movement.
How much space does a water entry staircase need?
Water entry staircases generally require more dock width than a standard ladder due to their wider steps and handrails. Measuring your dock’s available space before choosing a staircase helps avoid fit issues during installation.
Are aluminum ladders better than poly ladders for docks?
Aluminum ladders tend to hold up well over many seasons and resist corrosion in freshwater, while poly ladders are often lighter and simpler to flip up out of the water. The right choice depends on how much handling the ladder gets throughout the season.
Can a ladder be added to an existing dock without major modifications?
In most cases, yes. Ladders are typically mounted to the dock edge or frame using brackets or bolts, which usually doesn’t require significant changes to the existing dock structure.