Lake House & Second-Home Essentials

Gear that survives a lake season, so your weekends don't disappear into maintenance.

Dock gear, outdoor furniture, maintenance and boating accessories chosen for durability first.

Start with the guides Try the Season checklist

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Dock & Water

All dock & water →

Explainer

How Thick Does Lake Ice Need to Be? A Lake House Owner's Guide

The ice thickness numbers state natural resources agencies publish for walking, snowmobiles and vehicles, plus why white ice and early-season ice change the math.

2 min read → How-To

Lake House Opening Checklist: The Jobs That Prevent a Bad Surprise

A step-by-step opening-day sequence for a lake house or cabin, in the order that avoids the most common spring surprises: freeze damage, electrical faults and a dock full of debris.

2 min read → Buying Guide

Dock and Water Gear for a Low-Maintenance Lake Season

Dock accessories and water gear chosen for durability against sun, water, and freeze-thaw cycles, so your lake season isn't spent on repairs.

7 min read →

Outdoor Living

All outdoor living →

Buying Guide

Outdoor Furniture That Survives Lake Weather

How to choose outdoor furniture materials that hold up against humidity, sun, and wind at a lake house, and what to avoid.

7 min read →

Maintenance

All maintenance →

How-To

Closing the Lake House for Winter: A Pipe-First Checklist

Frozen pipes are the most expensive surprise of a lake house spring. The order of operations for shutting the water side down, from American Red Cross guidance.

2 min read →

Free tools

Tool

Lake House Opening and Closing Checklist

The jobs that keep a lake house from surprising you in spring. Toggle between opening day and closing day.

Open the tool →