Custom Boathouse Guide: Design a Resort-like Lakefront Property

Gone are the days when boathouses were simply mundane shelters for watercraft. 

Now, you can build a private paradise with luxurious features that enhance every aspect of your lakeside lifestyle.

But before you build your boathouse, there are multiple factors to consider.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know.

Let’s dive in.

What Is a Custom Boathouse?

A custom boathouse is a one-of-a-kind structure built on the water to store and protect your boat.

It’s designed entirely around your lifestyle, property, and entertainment needs.

Unlike standard models, builders craft custom boathouses from the ground up.

You can choose everything from:

• Layout
• Materials
• Boat lifts
• Dock size and shape
• Upper-level spaces
• Storage
• Exterior design

In Ontario’s Cottage Country, builders often craft boathouses to complement the architecture of your home or cottage while blending into the natural shoreline.

Ultimately, a custom boathouse is a place to live, relax, and enjoy the lakeside lifestyle.

8 Reasons to Build a Custom Boathouse

Building a custom boathouse is one of the best upgrades for your waterfront property. 

Here’s why it is worth the investment.

1. Protects Your Boat

Keep your boat safe from harsh sun, storms, and waves, so it looks and runs like new.

2. Smooth Departures, Easy Returns

Add boat lifts and roomy docks to make getting out on the water quick, safe, and hassle-free.

3. Social Magnet

Build an inviting upper deck, terrace, or lounge where you can relax, entertain friends, or watch lakeside sunsets.

4. Boosts Your Property Value

A well-built boathouse increases the value of your property and makes it a wise investment.

5. Keeps You Organized

Built-in storage spaces for boating gear, kayaks, life jackets, and more give everything its place.

6. Added Privacy

Design your boathouse with privacy screens, secluded seating, or covered areas to create a peaceful space away from the crowd.

7. Legacy Creation

Passed from generation to generation, a custom boathouse creates a meaningful sense of tradition.

8. Income Potential

Vacation rental sites, like Airbnb, can turn a waterfront property with a boathouse into a steady stream of income when you’re away.

Your Boathouse Planning Guide

You’ve pictured it for years—coffee on the dock, sunset dinners upstairs, the boat ready when you are.

But bringing that vision to life takes more than a great location.

Use this guide to make smart choices from day one.

Local Regulations

Understanding shoreline regulations is crucial before you build your boathouse. 

In Ontario’s Cottage Country, every lake has unique rules about size, placement, and materials. 

As experienced boathouse builders in the region, we ensure you get the proper permits and avoid costly mistakes.

Boathouse Size

Choose a size based on the type and number of watercraft you own. 

Think ahead about future boats or water toys you might want to store. 

This will help you find the ideal size to match your lifestyle and property.

Dock

Your dock should be wide, stable, and easy to access. 

The right design depends on your shoreline, water depth, and how you plan to use it.

Choose a layout that makes loading, unloading, and relaxing by the water safe and simple. 

Boat lifts

A good boat lift protects your watercraft from damage and makes launching quick and easy. 

Make sure the lift matches your boat’s size and weight as well. 

When you partner with us, we’ll help you choose a lift that fits your setup and lasts for years.

Materials

The weather in Cottage Country can be harsh, so you need to build your boathouse with durable materials. 

Here’s some of the best ones to get you started:

Weather-Resistant Woods

• Cedar: Resists rot, bugs, and moisture naturally.
• Pressure-Treated Pine: Treated to last longer in wet conditions.
• Douglas Fir: Strong wood, good for structural parts.
• Redwood: Doesn’t warp easily and holds up well near water.

High-Quality Composites

• PVC Decking: Doesn’t rot or fade; very low maintenance.
• Capped Composite Boards: Mix of wood and plastic with a tough outer layer.
• Fibre-reinforced Composites: Extra strong and water-resistant.
• Recycled Composite Lumber: Eco-friendly and looks like wood.
• Slip-Resistant Composite Surfaces: Safer to walk on when wet.

Marine-Grade Metals

• Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-free, and great for docks and lifts.
• Stainless Steel (Grade 316): Resists rust in both fresh and saltwater.
• Galvanized Steel: Strong and coated to prevent rust.
• Brass or Bronze Hardware: Durable and used for special fixtures.
• Anodized Aluminum: Has a tough finish for better weather protection.

Your builder can guide you toward materials that withstand water exposure, ice, and changing temperatures.

Design and Aesthetics

A well-designed boathouse enhances the beauty of your entire property. 

Craft your design around large picture windows so you can enjoy the lake view from the comfort of your indoors.

Consider architectural features, colours, and textures that match your cottage’s aesthetic. 

Upper-level spaces

Decide if you want your custom boathouse to have additional space for relaxing or entertaining. 

Popular options include:

• Rooftop decks
• Lounges or sitting areas
• Small guest suites
• Screened-in porches
• Entertainment rooms
• Office or creative studios

Ease of Access

Make sure your boathouse is convenient and safe to access. 

Plan pathways, stairs, and lighting that keep family members and guests comfortable when going to and from the lake.

Environmental Impact

Building responsibly helps protect Ontario’s lakes, ecosystems, and shoreline wildlife.

To reduce ecological disruption, consider options like:

• Open crib foundations
• Floating structures
• Sustainable building practices
• Natural shoreline buffers and vegetation
• Non-toxic building materials and finishes

Our boathouse builders understand how to meet strict environmental standards while preserving the natural beauty of the water.

Respecting the Terrain

Every waterfront property has its own topography.

Understanding the conditions of your land allows for safer, more durable construction that blends naturally with the surroundings.

When we build your boathouse, we’ll ensure it’s adapted to the terrain, without damaging it.

Maintenance Requirements

Think long-term about how much time and effort you want to spend maintaining your boathouse.

Choose durable, low-maintenance materials that withstand moisture, sun, and seasonal changes.

Regular care will help protect your investment and keep your boathouse looking its best year after year.

Budget

Before you begin, set a clear budget that includes costs for design, permits, construction, and any add-ons.

Prioritize the features that matter most to your lifestyle and be prepared to make trade-offs where needed.

A well-planned budget keeps your project on track and helps you get the most value for your investment.

Craft the Lakefront Legacy Your Family Deserves

A custom boathouse isn’t just a place to store your boat.

It’s where stories unfold, memories are made, and traditions begin. 

When you build in Ontario’s Cottage Country, you’re not just investing in a structure.

You’re investing in a lakeside experience your family will cherish for generations.

Why Choose Gilbert + Burke?

We’re more than just boathouse builders.

We’re storytellers in wood, steel, and stone. 

Every project we take on is shaped by your lifestyle, land, and long-term vision. 

With many completed boathouses across Cottage Country, we bring the expertise to design, permit, and build with precision.

Partner with us and enjoy…

• Personalized design
• Proactive communication
• Seamless building process
• Sustainable craftsmanship
• Proven expertise

If you own a waterfront property without a boathouse, exploring some of your ideas with our experts wouldn’t hurt.

Schedule a call today.