About us

In the early 1960's my father Jim Johnston was running Johnston Marine for boat sales and small engine service. Many customers then needed a way to access their boats. He found an unmet need for docks strong enough for summer waves, while temporary to remove ahead of crushing ice. My grand-father Art Johnston, a professional Machinist, lent his engineering talents. Together they put our dock system on the market in 1962. Next Generation - In 1989 I took over the Dock portion of the business, and began offering additional services as Johnston Metalwork. Over time adding Steel Frame Stairs, Ornamental Ironwork Fences and Railings, Automated Driveway Gates, and even Floating Docks. Initially I used the same design, materials, and tooling. But over the last twenty years I have improved the accuracy, fit, and finish with updated materials and tools. While the basic Stanchion design has continued to work so well it has never needed improvement.