
Tellico Lake Dock Builder, Piling Driver & Deck Builder
SLM™ — Louisville, TN | Serving All of Tellico Lake
SLM is a Tellico Lake Boat Dock Builder. Tellico Lake is one of East Tennessee’s most beautiful places to live — 15,560 acres of clean water, 357 miles of shoreline, and some of the finest lake communities in the Southeast. If you own property on Tellico Lake and you’re ready to build, upgrade, or repair your dock, you need a builder who knows this lake. SLM™ Docks, Pilings & Decks is based in Louisville, Tennessee — just minutes from Tellico Lake — and we have been building custom docks, driving pilings, and constructing waterfront decks for lake families across Blount, Loudon, and Monroe counties.
We serve every community on Tellico Lake, from Tellico Village and Rarity Bay to WindRiver, Kahite, Harbour Place, Legacy Shores, Tellico Harbor, and Thunder Pointe. When you call SLM™, you are calling a family-owned crew that lives and works on these same waters. We know Tellico Lake’s shoreline, its water levels, and exactly what it takes to build a dock that will hold up for decades.
📞 Call or text us: (865) 206-7907 ✉ info@slmdocksanddecks.com
What We Build on Tellico Lake
Every property on Tellico Lake is different. Some lots have steep rocky banks. Others have wide gradual shorelines. Some communities require specific dock styles. That is why SLM™ custom-designs every project to fit your land, your lake, and your lifestyle.

Residential Dock Construction
Whether you need a simple single-slip dock or a full multi-story boat dock with lounging space, we build it right the first time. We work with homeowners throughout Tellico Lake to design docks that fit TVA guidelines, match the shoreline conditions, and reflect how your family actually uses the water. No cookie-cutter builds. Every dock we put in is crafted with quality materials and the kind of attention to detail that shows up every summer for years to come. When consulting for your new dock make sure it’s a seasoned Tellico lake boat dock builder like SLM.
Dock Pilings & Pole Driving
This is where SLM™ stands apart. We are one of the only dock builders in East Tennessee with our own pole driving equipment. Tellico Lake’s varying depths and bottom conditions often require driven pilings rather than surface-mounted anchoring — and most builders simply do not have the equipment to do it. We do. If your property needs pilings driven deep for a stable, long-lasting foundation, SLM™ has the machinery and the experience to get it done right.
Dock Additions, Modifications & Repairs
Already have a dock on Tellico Lake? We handle additions, modifications, and full repairs. Adding a boat lift, adding and outdoor shower or full service bathhouse, extending your existing dock, replacing worn decking, reinforcing aging pilings — SLM™ takes care of it. We also work on docks that were not originally built by us. If your structure needs attention, call us for an inspection and honest assessment

Watercraft Lifts & Accessories

We design and install custom watercraft lifts sized for your boat, jet ski, or pontoon. Paired with SLM™ custom built accessories, we can transform a basic dock into a fully outfitted lake platform your whole family will use all season long. SLM™ is the most creative dock builder on the lake.
Sea Walls, Rip Rap & Shoreline Stabilization
Tellico Lake’s water levels fluctuate, and over time that movement erodes shorelines. SLM™ installs rip rap, sea walls, and shoreline stabilization solutions that protect your property and keep your yard — and your dock — where they belong.
Lakeside Decks & Stairs
A great dock deserves a great connection to your home. We build custom decks, hillside stairs, and walkways that carry you from your back door right down to the water’s edge. Same craftsmanship, same materials, same attention to detail as every dock we build.
Annual Dock Maintenance Packages
Lake life is hard on a dock. UV exposure, water fluctuation, seasonal stress — they add up. Our SLM™ DOCKS • PILINGS • DECKS 2026 Maintenance Package keeps your dock in top condition year-round. Available to SLM™ customers and non-SLM customers alike. This Tellico lake boat dock builder takes pride in our work and love supporting our clients year after year to make sure they are lake life ready.
Tellico Lake Communities We Serve
SLM the premier Tellico lake boat dock builder, builds throughout every waterfront community on Tellico Lake. Here is where you will find us working:
Tellico Village — The largest community on the lake, Tellico Village spans 4,600 acres with 40 miles of shoreline and five marinas. We serve homeowners throughout all eight Tellico Village neighborhoods including Chatuga, Chota, Coyatee, Mialaquo, Tanasi, Tommotley, and Toqua, as well as Kahite.
Kahite — Surrounded on three sides by Tellico Lake, Kahite properties offer some of the most dramatic waterfront on the reservoir. We know the specific dock requirements and shoreline conditions throughout this community.
Rarity Bay — A gated 960-acre peninsula community with ten miles of private shoreline. Many Rarity Bay homes have private boat docks. SLM™ has experience building to the standards this community expects.
WindRiver — One of Tellico Lake’s luxury lakefront communities near Lenoir City, WindRiver features a full-service marina and premium waterfront properties. We build to match the quality this community demands.
Harbour Place — Located on the Maryville side of Tellico Lake, Harbour Place lots carry TVA boat dock authorization. We handle new dock construction and modifications throughout this community.
Legacy Shores — A boutique community of 99 homesites, many with direct dockable access. SLM™ works with Legacy Shores homeowners who want private dock builds rather than marina slips.
Tellico Harbor — Adjacent to Tellico Marina on Nine Mile Creek, this community of 166 parcels is one of our regular service areas.
Thunder Pointe & Foothills Pointe — Smaller, quieter communities where homeowners still want the same quality dock build as the larger neighborhoods. SLM™ treats every project the same regardless of community size.
Don’t see your community listed? Call us. If it is on Tellico Lake, we serve it.
TVA Permits for Tellico Lake Docks — What You Need to Know
Building a dock on Tellico Lake is not as simple as picking up lumber and getting started. Tellico Lake is a TVA-managed reservoir, and all dock construction, modification, and shoreline work requires a TVA Section 26a permit before you break ground.
Here is what every Tellico Lake property owner should know:
All shoreline construction requires TVA approval. This includes new docks, dock additions, boat ramps, sea walls, rip rap, and even vegetation removal on TVA-controlled land. Even minor changes to an existing dock require approval.
Applications are now online only. As of October 2025, TVA only accepts Section 26a permit applications through their online system. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Plan for up to 120 days. TVA permit processing can take up to 120 days, especially during peak spring and summer seasons. If you want your dock ready for summer, start the permit process in fall or winter.
Your property must qualify. Not every waterfront lot is eligible for a dock permit. Your property must show as Zone 1 or Zone 7 on TVA’s interactive map to be eligible for residential shoreline construction. SLM can help you understand your eligibility before you invest in plans.
Permits do not transfer when you sell. If you purchase a waterfront property on Tellico Lake, you must apply to TVA for a new permit in your name within 60 days of closing. SLM strongly recommends any buyer verify the existing permit status before purchasing.
Size limits apply. In areas of preexisting development, residential water-use facilities on Tellico Lake are generally limited to 1,800 square feet total footprint. Second stories must be open decks — covered or enclosed upper levels are not permitted and may be required to be removed.
SLM™ uses a third party guide for our Tellico Lake customers through the entire TVA permit process. They know what a complete application looks like, what site photos are required, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow down approvals. Call us early in your planning process — before you finalize any designs.
📞 Call or text us: (865) 206-7907 ✉ info@slmdocksanddecks.com
TVA Permits for Tellico Lake Docks — What You Need to Know
Building a dock on Tellico Lake is not as simple as picking up lumber and getting started. Tellico Lake is a TVA-managed reservoir, and all dock construction, modification, and shoreline work requires a TVA Section 26a permit before you break ground.
Here is what every Tellico Lake property owner should know:
All shoreline construction requires TVA approval. This includes new docks, dock additions, boat ramps, sea walls, rip rap, and even vegetation removal on TVA-controlled land. Even minor changes to an existing dock require approval.
Applications are now online only. As of October 2025, TVA only accepts Section 26a permit applications through their online system. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Plan for up to 120 days. TVA permit processing can take up to 120 days, especially during peak spring and summer seasons. If you want your dock ready for summer, start the permit process in fall or winter.
Your property must qualify. Not every waterfront lot is eligible for a dock permit. Your property must show as Zone 1 or Zone 7 on TVA’s interactive map to be eligible for residential shoreline construction. SLM™ can help you understand your eligibility before you invest in plans.
Permits do not transfer when you sell. If you purchase a waterfront property on Tellico Lake, you must apply to TVA for a new permit in your name within 60 days of closing. SLM™ strongly recommends any buyer verify the existing permit status before purchasing.
Size limits apply. In areas of preexisting development, residential water-use facilities on Tellico Lake are generally limited to 1,800 square feet total footprint. Second stories must be open decks — covered or enclosed upper levels are not permitted and may be required to be removed.
SLM™ can offer third party assistance to our Tellico Lake customers through the entire TVA permit process. They know what a complete application looks like, what site photos are required, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow down approvals. Call us early in your planning process — before you finalize any designs and we can point you in the right direction.
📞 Call or text us: (865) 206-7907 ✉ info@slmdocksanddecks.com
Frequently Asked Questions — Tellico Lake Docks
Do I need a TVA permit to build a dock on Tellico Lake? Yes. Tellico Lake is a TVA-managed reservoir and all dock construction, modification, and shoreline work requires a Section 26a permit from TVA before any work begins.
How long does it take to get a TVA permit for Tellico Lake? Processing times can extend to 120 days. Apply in fall or winter if you want to build in spring or summer.
How big can my dock be on Tellico Lake? In areas of preexisting development, the maximum residential footprint is generally 1,800 square feet. In newer developments, the limit is typically 1,000 square feet. SLM™ can help clarify what applies to your specific property.
Does SLM do dock pilings on Tellico Lake? Yes — and this matters. SLM™ is one of the only dock builders in East Tennessee with pole driving equipment. Many Tellico Lake properties require driven pilings for a stable foundation. We have the machinery to do it right.
Do you serve Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, and WindRiver? Yes. SLM™ serves all communities on Tellico Lake including Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, WindRiver, Kahite, Harbour Place, Legacy Shores, Tellico Harbor, Thunder Pointe, and Foothills Pointe.
Can you work on a dock you did not originally build? Absolutely. We inspect, repair, modify, and maintain docks built by anyone. If your Tellico Lake dock needs attention, give us a call.
What is your service area beyond Tellico Lake? SLM™ also serves Fort Loudoun Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and lakes throughout Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Monroe counties in East Tennessee.
Ready to Build on Tellico Lake? Start Here.
SLM™ DOCKSDECKS, LLC dba SLM™ DOCKS • PILINGS • DECKS is a family-owned company based in Louisville, Tennessee. We build with quality materials, custom craftsmanship, and an honest approach that has earned us the trust of Tellico Lake homeowners throughout East Tennessee.
Whether you are planning a brand new dock, adding a boat lift, repairing an aging structure, or just getting started and want to understand the TVA permit process — we are ready to help. Call your Tellico Lake boat dock builder.
📞 Call or text: (865) 206-7907
✉ Email: info@slmdocksanddecks.com
📍 3326 Old Lowes Ferry Rd, Louisville, TN 37777
Serving Tellico Lake, Fort Loudoun Lake, and lakes throughout Blount, Loudon, Monroe, and Knox counties.
© SLM™ DOCKSDECKS, LLC dba SLM™ DOCKS • PILINGS • DECKS — Louisville, TN
