Houston Docks

Thousands of satisfied customers
Local and family owned
+15 years in business
Licensed and insured
Always FREE Quotes

Trusted & Local Dock Builder in Bellaire, TX

For 15+ years, Houston Docks has helped homeowners and marinas build, repair, and protect waterfronts across Greater Houston. As your Dock Builder Bellaire TX residents trust, we’re family-owned, fully insured, and known for safe, code-compliant work.

We design and build docks, boat lifts, boathouses, and bulkheads that stand up to Houston weather. Our team handles permits and engineering, from USACE/GLO to electrical per NEC 555. Need storm repairs or a new floating dock? We respond fast and back our work with clear warranties. Call us today for a free estimate.

Dock Construction, Boat Lifts, and Marine Services in Bellaire, TX

We focus on durable waterfront structures that meet local codes and perform in Gulf Coast conditions. Our team blends precise engineering, quality materials, and safe work practices to deliver long‑lasting results.

Custom Dock Design

Your waterfront is unique. We create site-specific dock plans that match water depth, soil conditions, and use - fishing, boating, or entertaining. Designs can include ADA-accessible gangways, fish-cleaning stations, lighting, and fenders. We specify composites like Trex or TimberTech, ipe hardwood, or CCA-treated timber, plus stainless steel fasteners and galvanized hardware. We also prepare permit-ready drawings and handle submittals to the City of Houston (Lake Houston Office), USACE Galveston District, and Texas GLO where applicable.

Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.

Dock Construction

We build stationary piers and fixed docks on driven piles for stability and service life. Using a spud barge, vibratory pile driver, and impact hammer, we set elevations and cross-bracing to resist wave and wind loads. Materials include marine-grade timber, FRP grating for slip resistance, and EcoPile vinyl pilings where corrosion is a concern. Expect clean job sites, precise layout with laser levels, and strong connections using through-bolts and hurricane strapping for uplift protection.

Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Floating Dock Construction

Ideal for fluctuating water levels on Lake Houston and Clear Lake, our floating systems use HDPE/rotomolded floats, aluminum framing, and powder‑coated gangways for low maintenance. We anchor with helical anchors or pile guides depending on soil and fetch. Options include modular platforms, kayak launches, and low‑freeboard sections. We assemble modules safely on the water with a work barge and welding equipment for long-term durability.

Learn more about our Floating Dock Construction services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

Protect your investment with 4‑post and elevator boat lifts sized 8,000–16,000 lb, plus PWC lifts. As certified installers for Golden and Neptune, we use aluminum bunks, stainless hardware, and balanced drive systems. We provide safe electrical per ABYC and NEC Article 555, including GFCI and bonding. Ask about remote controls, canopy covers, and service plans to keep your lift operating season after season.

Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.

Dock Repair

From storm damage to worn decking, we diagnose issues and restore structural integrity. Services include pile repair and wrapping, re‑decking with composite or hardwood, fender replacement, and electrical safety upgrades. We mobilize quickly with a barge, crane, and diver team for underwater inspections. After hurricanes or heavy rains, we can stabilize, document, and rebuild to current standards - often improving resilience and lifespan.

Learn more about our Dock Repair services.

Other Services We Offer

Why Choose Houston Docks as Your Dock Builder in Bellaire, TX

Houston Docks brings the experience, equipment, and credentials to deliver safe, lasting waterfront projects. We’ve served thousands of customers since 2009 and stand behind our work with clear warranties and responsive service. When you need the Dock Builder Bellaire TX property owners rely on, count on our certified crews, proven processes, and deep local knowledge.

Certified Marine Construction Expertise

Our team holds OSHA 10/30 safety training and NCCCO crane operator certifications, and follows ABYC electrical best practices on docks and marinas. We’re certified installers for Golden and Neptune boat lifts and trained on Chance Helical Piles for low‑vibration foundations near homes and HOA lakes. This mix of credentials and specialty training means your pier, lift, or boathouse is built right and inspected thoroughly.

We’re active with the Marina Association of Texas and the Pile Driving Contractors Association. That keeps us aligned with current standards, materials, and methods for stronger, longer‑lasting builds.

Licensed, Insured, and Safety‑First

We operate with full general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, and partner with licensed Texas electrical contractors for NEC Article 555-compliant power, bonding, and GFCI protection. Over-water safety follows OSHA 29 CFR 1926.106 - PFDs, ring buoys, and rescue skiffs on every barge. Our job hazard analyses, lift plans, and lock‑out/tag‑out procedures protect people and property on every project.

For corrosion control and longevity, we specify stainless fasteners (304/316), piling wraps, cathodic protection where needed, and hurricane strapping/anchoring to resist uplift and lateral loads common along the Gulf Coast.

Right Equipment for Any Waterfront

We mobilize with a spud work barge, crawler crane, vibratory and impact hammers, and high‑pressure jetting pumps to set piles accurately. For soft banks and bayous near Bellaire, we deploy helical anchors with a hydraulic post driver and bring amphibious excavators when access is limited. Laser levels ensure elevations; divers handle underwater verification and repairs.

Material options range from CCA-treated timber and ipe to composites (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck), FRP grating, EcoPile vinyl pilings, and ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling, matched to your site’s salinity, UV exposure, and expected wave action.

Permitting and Local Knowledge

Permitting can be complex. We navigate USACE Galveston District Nationwide Permits, Texas GLO structure registration on state submerged lands, and City of Houston Lake Houston stationary/floating pier permits. In Bellaire, we coordinate through the SmartGov portal for floodplain or site development needs and consult Harris County Flood Control and MAAPNext/FEMA maps when elevations apply.

Recent example: In June 2024, we rebuilt a 48‑ft Clear Lake dock with 12 new piles, epoxy‑coated rebar concrete caps, and 820 sq ft of Trex decking - permitted, inspected, and completed in 14 days from mobilization.

Proven Results and Warranties

We provide written workmanship warranties and offer preventive maintenance plans that include annual inspections, fastener checks, and NEC 555 electrical testing. After major storms, we prioritize clients for rapid inspection and structural stabilization.

Case in point: In 2023, we installed a 10×20 ft pond dock near Bellaire using helical piles and FRP decking to handle soft soils with minimal vibration - designed for low-maintenance family use and HOA compliance.

Dock Services Across Greater Houston and Bellaire, TX

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston. If you’re within a 25–30 mile radius of Houston, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood - on lakes, bayous, and bays. Our local crews are ready for fast site visits and timely project starts.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Bellaire

We know Bellaire’s surrounding waterways and floodplain considerations, including Brays Bayou and Buffalo Bayou influences. We’ve helped property owners in 77401 and 77402 plan docks for Lake Houston access, Clear Lake slips, and HOA pond structures near West University Place, Southside Place, Meyerland, Braeswood Place, Galleria/Uptown, and River Oaks. We understand permitting via Bellaire’s SmartGov, plus Harris County rules.

Count on us for responsive, code-aligned service and practical recommendations tailored to your site and budget.

Other locations we serve near Bellaire

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock in Houston/Bellaire?

Often yes. For Lake Houston or navigable waters, permits may involve the City of Houston (Lake Houston Office), USACE Galveston District, and Texas GLO. If your Bellaire project affects floodplains or drainage, you may need approvals through Bellaire’s SmartGov portal and Harris County Flood Control. We handle drawings, submittals, and coordination to keep your timeline on track.

What’s the difference between a floating dock and a fixed pier?

Fixed piers are built on driven piles and feel solid underfoot - great for stable shorelines. Floating docks rise and fall with water levels, making them ideal for Lake Houston or Clear Lake. We’ll evaluate fetch, depth, and soil to recommend pile guides, helical anchors, or tie-back systems and match materials such as aluminum frames or composite decking to your site.

How much does a new dock cost in the Houston area?

Budgets vary by size, water depth, access, and materials. As a planning range, residential docks often start around the mid‑$20Ks and scale upward for larger footprints, boat lifts, lighting, and aluminum or composite upgrades. We’ll provide a line‑item proposal after a site visit, including permitting and optional features like fish stations, sundecks, or ADA gangways.

What materials are best for docks on Lake Houston or Clear Lake?

We frequently recommend composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, or WearDeck) for low maintenance, stainless steel fasteners, and galvanized framing where applicable. For piles, options include CCA‑treated timber, EcoPile vinyl, or concrete with epoxy‑coated rebar. On brackish sites, vinyl sheet piling (ShoreGuard) and FRP grating improve durability and traction while minimizing corrosion.

How long does dock construction take from design to final inspection?

Permitting can take 2–8 weeks depending on jurisdiction (USACE/GLO/City of Houston). Construction for typical residential docks runs 1–3 weeks once we mobilize. We’ll outline a schedule with milestones - permits, material procurement, pile driving, framing, decking, and final walkthrough - so you know exactly what’s next.

Do you handle USACE/GLO permitting for coastal or navigable waters?

Yes. We prepare drawings and applications, submit via the USACE Galveston District process (including RRS), and coordinate with the Texas GLO for structure registration or coastal easements when required. We also interface with City of Houston Lake Houston permits and local floodplain administrators to keep your project compliant.

Can you install boat lifts and PWC lifts with my new dock?

Absolutely. We install 4‑post and elevator lifts sized 8k, 10k, and 16k pounds, plus single and double PWC lifts. As Golden and Neptune certified installers, we set balanced drive systems, aluminum bunks, and proper cradle spacing, with electrical designed per NEC 555 and ABYC guidelines. We also service and repair existing lifts.

How do you design docks for hurricanes and storm surge?

We use uplift anchoring, hurricane strapping, through‑bolting, and cross‑bracing to resist wind and wave forces. For floating systems, we recommend secure pile guides or helical anchors sized to soils and fetch. Material choices - stainless hardware, vinyl pilings, and corrosion protection - reduce failure points. Our designs account for local wind loads and surge history along the Houston–Galveston coast.

Do docks require special electrical and GFCI protection?

Yes. Dock and marina power must meet NEC Article 555, including GFCI protection, bonding, signage, and equipotential plane considerations. We partner with licensed Texas electrical contractors to deliver safe shore panels, lighting, and lift circuits. We also offer inspections and upgrades to reduce electric shock risk and improve reliability.

Can I build a small pond dock on private property in Bellaire or nearby communities?

In many cases, yes - especially on private ponds or HOA lakes, subject to property covenants and local floodplain rules. We often recommend helical piles for low‑vibration installation near homes and FRP or composite decking for low maintenance. We’ll review HOA guidelines, Bellaire SmartGov requirements, and provide drawings for rapid approvals.