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Houston Docks

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Licensed & Insured Boat Ramp Construction in Houston, TX

Need safe, year-round access to the water without erosion or vehicle hang-ups? We design and build reinforced concrete boat ramps that launch smoothly, drain correctly, and hold up to tides, river flows, and heavy trailers. With 15+ years in marine construction, we handle permitting, cofferdam isolation, and dewatering to deliver reliable access.

Our team understands Houston waterways - Lake Houston, Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, and the San Jacinto and Trinity Rivers. We follow USACE, TCEQ, and floodplain requirements to avoid delays. When you want durability, traction, and a clean approach, choose specialists in Boat Ramp Construction Houston TX. Contact us for a free on-site assessment and estimate.

Why Our Professional Boat Ramp Construction Delivers Safer Launches and Long-Term Value

You want a ramp that works every weekend, not just at perfect water levels. We build to proven standards so you avoid trailer spinouts, broken slab edges, and shoreline washouts. With professional Boat Ramp Construction Houston TX, you get correct grade, durable concrete, and proper toe protection - plus permitting support - so your ramp performs season after season.

Safety & Risk Elimination

Safety starts with the right geometry and surface. We set ramp slope between 12–15% with a smooth vertical curve at the crest, lay a stable base over geotextile, and finish with anti-skid broom and V-grooves for traction. This reduces slip hazards for trucks, trailers, and foot traffic.

At the waterline, we key a toe beam below grade and flank with riprap on 4:1 side slopes to prevent undermining. Prop-wash protection and an end-of-ramp cutoff stop scour at the toe. Result: fewer accidents, less liability, and a surface that stays true under load.

Professional Results & Quality

We place 4,000–5,000 psi reinforced concrete with epoxy-coated #4/#5 rebar, fiber mesh, and a sulfate-resistant mix when exposure demands it. Saw-cut and expansion joints are planned to control cracking while preserving traction grooves.

Where access or bottom conditions require it, we use cofferdams with staged pours and dewatering for a uniform slab and dense, well-cured concrete at the water’s edge. You get a ramp that resists chipping, spalling, and edge breakage.

Time & Stress Savings

Permitting and construction on the water can be a maze. We coordinate USACE Nationwide Permit 36, TCEQ TXR150000 SWPPP, and City/Harris County floodplain approvals on your behalf. One point of contact. One clear timeline.

Our crews mobilize with the right equipment - hydraulic excavators, concrete pumps, vibratory hammers, and dewatering pumps - so work stays on schedule. You focus on your facility or family while we handle the details.

Cost-Effective Solution

Doing it right the first time costs less than rebuilding a settled slab. Our stone base over geotextile, helix/dowel anchor systems tying slab sections, and properly set ramp toe (3–4 ft below low water) prevent premature failure.

We also plan for lifecycle costs. Riprap, articulating concrete block mats where needed, and proper drainage reduce maintenance. If budgets are tight, we can phase add-ons like courtesy piers or lighting without compromising the ramp.

Peace of Mind & Warranty

We carry full marine liability and workers’ compensation and work under USACE EM 385-1-1 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 safety standards. Our ACI-certified concrete finishers follow proven quality controls from subgrade compaction to final cure.

You’ll receive clear closeout documentation, as-built elevations, and a written workmanship warranty. If storms or siltation strike, our team can respond quickly with dredging, repairs, or ramp extensions to keep you launching.

Get a Fast, No-Obligation Boat Ramp Quote

Tell us about your site and goals. We’ll schedule a quick visit in Greater Houston and deliver a detailed estimate with options and timelines.

Our Boat Ramp Construction Process: From Survey to Launch-Ready

We keep your project predictable with a clear, streamlined plan - no surprises, just solid communication and accountable milestones.

1) Site Evaluation & Bathymetry

We survey grades, soils, bottom contours, and water levels to select the best alignment and depth target for dependable launching.

2) Design & Permitting

Our Texas PE-led team prepares drawings and submittals, then secures USACE NWP 36, TCEQ SWPPP (TXR150000), and City of Houston/Harris County floodplain approvals.

3) Preconstruction & Mobilization

We install SWPPP BMPs, schedule concrete and materials, and mobilize equipment, barges, and cofferdam/sheet pile systems if needed.

4) Construction & Finishing

We excavate, place geotextile and stone base, set the toe beam, and pour reinforced concrete with proper traction grooves. Riprap, ACB mats, and boarding pier hardware follow.

5) Final Walkthrough & Handover

We perform quality checks, stripe and sign where applicable, remove BMPs, and deliver as-builts and warranty - so you’re ready to launch.

Ready to Get Started? We’ll Handle the Steps

One call sets your project in motion - survey, design, permits, and build. We make it simple and transparent from day one.

Why Choose Houston Docks for Boat Ramp Construction in Houston

At Houston Docks, we pair marine construction expertise with responsive service and rigorous safety. Our team has delivered new boat launches, repairs, and extensions across the Greater Houston waterways. From USACE permitting to concrete finishing, we manage the details you don’t want to worry about. When performance matters, trust specialists in Boat Ramp Construction Houston TX who stand behind their work.

Certified Design-Build Expertise

Your ramp is engineered for conditions on your shoreline. Our in-house and partner Texas Professional Engineers design slopes, toe details, and reinforcement for your loads and water levels. We apply TAS/ADA for public facilities, including boarding piers and accessible routes.

Field crews include ACI Concrete Flatwork Finishers and OSHA-10/30 trained staff. We maintain USACE EM 385-1-1 compliance on marine sites. Need permitting support? Our Certified Floodplain Manager guides floodplain submittals, and we coordinate with the USACE Galveston District and the Texas GLO Permit Service Center.

Licensing, Insurance, and Safety Culture

We’re fully insured for marine work with general liability and workers’ compensation. Before work begins, we complete site-specific safety plans and Job Hazard Analyses. Daily tailgate meetings keep crews aligned on PPE, access, and dewatering hazards.

Our projects adhere to OSHA 29 CFR 1926 and local floodplain construction standards. You get a safer site, documented compliance, and a builder accountable for every step.

Equipment, Materials, and Methods That Last

We mobilize the right tools: hydraulic excavators, vibratory hammers, dewatering pumps, concrete pumps and screeds, and grade-control lasers. Where access requires it, we use barges and cranes to work efficiently and safely.

Materials are specified for durability - 4,000–5,000 psi concrete, epoxy-coated rebar, fiber mesh, geotextile underlayment, crushed aggregate base, helix anchors, and non-shrink grout. For brackish or salt exposure, we use sulfate-resistant cement blends and stainless/galvanized hardware to fight corrosion.

Houston Waterway Know-How

From Lake Houston and Atascocita to Clear Lake, Seabrook/Kemah, Galveston Bay, Trinity Bay, and the San Jacinto River, we understand currents, sediment, and boat traffic. We site ramps to reduce siltation, angle alignments to natural flows, and protect side slopes with riprap to TxDOT gradations.

We’ve dealt with fluctuating levels, soft subgrades, and storm surge. That local experience helps us deliver ramps that launch well in real-world conditions.

Customer-First Warranty and Support

We communicate clearly on schedule and budget, and we provide a written workmanship warranty at closeout. Need emergency help after a storm? We prioritize existing clients for ramp repairs, dredging at the toe, and resurfacing or extensions.

We’re active in the Marina Association of Texas and the Association of Marina Industries, staying current with best practices that benefit your project long-term.

Trusted Marine Builders - Let’s Plan Your Ramp

With certified crews, permits expertise, and a written warranty, you can proceed with confidence. Request your free consultation today.

Boat Ramp Construction Projects Backed by Years of Local Experience

We’ve delivered municipal, marina, and private launches across the Greater Houston area with consistent results: reliable launching, stable shorelines, and low maintenance. Whether you need boat launch ramp installation in Clear Lake, a dual-lane marina ramp in Galveston Bay, or a private residential ramp on Lake Houston, our team plans and builds for your site conditions and traffic.

Types of Boat Ramp Projects We Handle

Public park ramps, commercial marina ramps with dual lanes and courtesy piers, and private residential launches for trailered boats are all within our scope. We also build kayak and canoe launches with ADA-friendly gangways.

Upgrades include resurfacing and extensions, boarding pier and gangway installation, parking lot paving and striping, lighting, and restroom or staging area improvements for a complete launch facility.

Our Proven Methods & Standards

We design for a 12–15% slope with a smooth crest, set the toe 3–4 feet below low water, and use a stone base over geotextile for bearing capacity. Traction is added with broomed V-grooves at an angle for tire grip.

Edges are protected with riprap or ACB mats, and toe beams are keyed in to resist scour. We plan joint layouts, place 4,000–5,000 psi concrete with epoxy-coated rebar, and cure correctly to achieve strength and durability.

Complex Situations We’ve Mastered

Soft or silty bottoms? We install cofferdams and dewater for stable forming and consolidation. Tight access? We phase pours and use compact equipment or barge setups to maintain quality without disrupting neighbors.

High-energy sites near channels get prop-wash deflectors, heavier riprap, and anchor systems tying slab sections. In floodplain zones, we coordinate with local reviewers to meet Chapter 19 and Harris County requirements.

Results You Can Expect

Ramps that launch smoothly at varied water levels, resist edge breakage, and stand up to trucks, trailers, and repeated use. Typical construction durations run 4–8 weeks after permit approvals; more complex marina ramps can take 8–12 weeks.

We provide as-builts, maintenance guidance, and warranty support. If siltation develops at the toe over time, we can mobilize for dredging and sediment removal to restore depth and function.

See Local Results Similar to Yours

Ask about recent ramps in Clear Lake, Lake Houston, and Galveston Bay. We’ll share examples and talk through timelines and budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal slope and depth for a concrete boat ramp?

We typically design ramps at a 12–15% slope for safe launching and recovery. The ramp toe is set 3–4 feet below the normal low-water level to avoid drop-offs and prop scour at the end. A smooth vertical curve at the crest prevents trailer hang-ups. For busy facilities, we also specify traction grooves and lane widths appropriate to expected traffic and trailer size.

Do I need a permit to build a boat ramp in Houston or Harris County?

Most projects require USACE authorization under Nationwide Permit 36 (or an Individual Permit), plus a TCEQ TXR150000 stormwater permit (SWPPP). Inside Houston, Chapter 19 floodplain approvals apply; in unincorporated areas, Harris County Floodplain permits are required. Coastal sites may also need Texas GLO easements. We handle submittals and coordination with the USACE Galveston District to streamline approvals.

What concrete strength and reinforcement do you recommend for boat ramps?

We specify 4,000–5,000 psi reinforced concrete with epoxy-coated #4/#5 rebar and fiber mesh. In brackish or salt exposure, we use sulfate-resistant cement blends (Type II/V or SCMs) and galvanized or stainless hardware. Saw-cut and expansion joints are planned for durability, while a broomed V-groove finish improves traction for tires and foot traffic.

How do cofferdams and dewatering work during ramp construction?

In soft or wave-exposed zones, we install sheet piles or modular cofferdam panels to isolate the work area. Dewatering pumps maintain a dry excavation so we can place geotextile, stone base, forms, and reinforcement accurately. This approach improves slab density and joint quality at the waterline, reducing future cracking and toe erosion.

How do you prevent erosion and prop wash damage at the ramp toe?

We key a toe beam or cutoff wall below the slab and install riprap or articulating concrete block mats at the end-of-ramp. Proper ramp depth, lane width, and side-slope armoring help dissipate energy. Where traffic is heavy, we add prop-wash deflectors and specify larger rock per TxDOT gradations to stabilize the area.

What are ADA/TAS requirements for boarding piers and accessible routes?

Public ramps follow ADA/TAS 2012 Chapter 10 for recreational boating facilities. We provide accessible parking, an accessible route, and an ADA-friendly boarding pier and gangway. In tidal areas, exceptions allow variable slopes; we size gangways and landings to accommodate fluctuations while keeping approaches usable for most conditions.

How long does boat ramp construction take?

Design and permitting often take 45–90 days depending on agencies and site complexity. Construction typically runs 4–8 weeks for single-lane ramps, and 8–12 weeks for dual-lane marina ramps with piers and parking upgrades. Factors include cofferdam needs, concrete cure time, weather, and dredging or utility relocations.

How much does it cost to build a boat ramp in the Houston area?

Private ramps commonly range from $60,000–$200,000 depending on access, cofferdams, and pier features. Public or marina projects with dual lanes, parking, lighting, and restrooms can run $250,000–$1M+. We provide a line-item estimate after site review so you can phase options like gangways, lighting, and parking as needed.

What’s included in your design-build package?

We handle site survey and bathymetry, engineering, USACE NWP 36 submittals, TCEQ SWPPP, City/Harris County floodplain permits, and Texas GLO coordination where applicable. Construction includes excavation, base, reinforcement, concrete placement, traction grooves, toe/riprap protection, courtesy pier and gangway installation, and final striping/signage for public facilities.

Do I need USACE approval for a private boat ramp?

Yes, most private ramps still require USACE authorization - typically Nationwide Permit 36 if the project meets its limits and conditions. We evaluate your site, determine eligibility under NWP 36, and prepare the application and drawings. If an Individual Permit is required, we’ll guide you through that process as well.

Still Comparing Options? We Can Help

Send your questions and site details. We’ll provide clear answers, practical pricing, and a plan that fits your timeline.