I have a couple of ponds with a steep drop off within 5' of the shoreline. I need a pier/dock. The depth goes from ankle deep to 10' so its too deep for me to drive pilings. Am thinking about a floating pier of treated wood frame over plastic barrels. Does it make a difference if I use the round plastic barrels of the square plastic totes? Plan to build the first 5' or so on pilings set into the bottom and then some type of hinge or pin for the remaining part that will float. Thanks in advance

look on u tube many how to's

I've built a couple of floating docks using the 55 gal plastic drums. The first platform shown below is 20 x 8 ft and permanently cabled at the location. The water there also drops off quickly to 10'. The 2nd floating platform was smaller and mobile with trolling motor. I've since disassembled it for materials.

That is one of the better homemade docks I have seen. Nice job!

There are several floating dock companies around. I think this is the best one I have seen.

Wahoo Docks

Good job Bill.