Access Your Lakefront with a Dock and Staircase Build on Ford Lake

Hey folks, Jerry Wilson here—most of you know me as The Dockman. I’m back with another project highlight, and this one is something special. We recently wrapped up a complete shoreline access build on Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and I’m excited to give you the rundown. This project combined a massive 150-step staircase system, a seawall, and a dock installation to transform a steep, hard-to-reach waterfront into a safe, sturdy, and inviting access point for our customer.

Building Safety from the Ground Up

When you’re talking about a hillside property like this, safety is priority number one. We started at the top by creating a sitting area with a fireplace, a flagstone patio, and a security railing to keep everyone safe. From there, we reinforced the slope with a 60-foot Z pile wall, ensuring nothing from up above ends up sliding down below. Every step we take in a project like this is about building stability and peace of mind.

The Great Lakes Staircase System

Next came the star of the show—the Great Lakes staircase system. This one included 150 steps with multiple landings and railings, all decked with our go-to Sunwalk decking. Not only is it durable and weather-resistant, but it also provides a safe, non-slip surface for walking down to the water. With this system, the homeowner can finally navigate a steep hillside with ease and confidence.

Docking Made Easy

At the bottom, we installed an 8×10 Port-o-Dock section cantilevered over a brand-new steel seawall for a little extra room. To hold the shoreline in place, we built a boulder wall and tied everything together with the seawall to reclaim space and keep erosion under control. From there, we connected a 5×12 Great Lakes Lift Gangway—also decked in Sunwalk—to an EZ Dock system, and dropped in a boat lift. This customer now has safe, reliable access to their watercraft and a stable dock system that’s built to last.

Why Water Access Matters

At Waters Edge Dock and Hoist, our mission is simple: to get more people on the water. When your land touches a body of water, you should be able to enjoy it. Whether it’s boating, fishing, swimming, or just relaxing by the lake, safe access changes everything. Projects like this aren’t just about docks and staircases—they’re about creating experiences, memories, and a stronger connection to the water.

Built Sturdy, Built Right

This Ford Lake project is a great example of what we stand for—safe designs, sturdy construction, and long-lasting shoreline solutions. With every project, we want our customers to feel confident stepping out onto their dock, knowing it’s built to withstand Michigan’s seasons while providing years of enjoyment.

So if you’ve been dreaming about easier access to your lakefront, whether it’s with a staircase, seawall, dock, or all three, we’re here to make it happen. After all, life’s better on the water—and we’re here to get you there.

—Jerry Wilson, The Dockman