Houston Docks

Thousands of satisfied customers
Local and family owned
+15 years in business
Licensed and insured
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Licensed Commercial & Marina Dock Construction in Houston, TX

Waterfront businesses choose us when safety, uptime, and compliance matter. We design and build docks, piers, slips, fuel docks, and gangways that stand up to heavy use, tides, and storms—without disrupting operations. Our team brings 15+ years of marine construction in Houston, Galveston Bay, and Clear Lake, plus deep permitting experience to keep projects moving.

We self-perform pile driving, floating and fixed dock installation, marina utilities, and code-compliant electrical. Our crews work from crane and spud barges with strict OSHA and USACE safety practices. If you need Commercial & Marina Dock Construction Houston TX done right the first time, we’re ready. Tell us about your site and schedule—contact us for a site visit and proposal.

Why Our Commercial & Marina Docks Deliver Safe Operations and Long-Term ROI

You’re building or upgrading a marina to improve capacity, safety, and revenue—not to babysit contractors. Professional commercial dock construction protects your investment, shortens downtime, and keeps you in full regulatory compliance. With our experience in marine pile driving, floating and fixed docks, and marina utilities, you get stable structures, clean power, and predictable schedules—all aligned to your business goals.

Safety & Risk Elimination

We design to real-world loads—wind, waves, current, and vessel impact—so people and property stay protected. Our builds follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 and USACE EM 385-1-1 jobsite protocols. We incorporate electrical bonding and ground-fault protection per NEC Article 555 and fire protection practices informed by NFPA 303, especially at fuel docks and service piers.

Environmental controls are non-negotiable. We deploy turbidity curtains and oil-absorbent booms during dredging and pile work, and implement SWP3 measures under the TCEQ TXR150000 permit when required. The result: a safer site, fewer change orders, and less exposure to regulatory penalties.

Professional Results & Quality

We specify materials that last in brackish and saltwater: FRP or galvanized steel piles, precast concrete caps, aluminum frames and gangways, and IPE or marine composite decking. Floats are HDPE-encapsulated EPS sized for your live loads and freeboard. Hardware is stainless or hot-dip galvanized to resist corrosion, with cathodic protection for high-risk zones.

Our welders hold AWS D1.1/D1.2 qualifications, and electrical work is performed by a TDLR-licensed contractor with ABYC-certified technicians. Expect clean welds, straight lines, tight hardware, and utilities installed to marina standards for reliable, low-maintenance operation.

Time & Stress Savings

We streamline permitting and sequencing so you start sooner. Our team coordinates agency reviews, including Texas General Land Office leases/easements and the USACE Galveston District’s online RRS submissions when applicable. We manage floodplain, municipal, and utility approvals to keep you focused on your business.

During construction, we mobilize efficient marine equipment—crane barges, vibratory/impact hammers, and jet pumps—to accelerate pile installation and reduce rework. Clear schedules, daily updates, and a single point of contact remove the guesswork.

Cost-Effective Solution

It costs less to do it right once. We value-engineer pile sizes, floatation, and anchoring to meet loads without overspending. Examples include switching to FRP piles in high-corrosion zones, optimizing float modules to reduce connector fatigue, and using modular systems like EZ Dock or Wave Armor when appropriate.

We prevent expensive callbacks through proper scour protection, toe keys at bulkheads, and sealed penetrations. Your lifecycle costs drop with durable materials, correct coatings, and planned maintenance—plus proper cleanup and disposal included.

Peace of Mind & Warranty

You get a bonded, insured marine contractor with thousands of slips delivered across the Greater Houston waterfront. Our crews maintain OSHA 10/30, TWIC, and site-specific JHAs. We back workmanship with written warranties and provide maintenance plans that include scheduled inspections, electrical testing, and hardware retorquing.

If something needs attention, we respond quickly. Emergency dock repair is available, and most critical parts are stocked or rapidly sourced through established suppliers. That means fewer interruptions and safer operations through peak season.

How Our Commercial Marina Dock Construction Process Works

We make complex marine projects straightforward with a proven, transparent process. You’ll always know the next step, the cost, and the schedule.

1) Site visit & feasibility — We assess water depth, soils, access, utilities, wave exposure, and permitting constraints.
2) Design & approvals — We produce drawings, loads, and specs, then coordinate required leases/permits and floodplain reviews.
3) Proposal & schedule — You receive a detailed scope, line-item pricing, milestones, and phasing to limit downtime.
4) Construction & QA/QC — We mobilize barge equipment, drive piles, assemble docks, and install utilities with documented inspections.
5) Commissioning & turnover — Final testing, walk-through, as-builts, and warranty/maintenance handoff so you open safely and on time.

Why Choose Houston Docks for Commercial & Marina Dock Construction Houston TX

Houston Docks brings local marine expertise, disciplined safety, and certified craftsmen to every project. We’ve delivered new marinas, expansions, fuel docks, and utility upgrades across Houston, Clear Lake, and Galveston Bay for more than 15 years. Our team understands coastal wind and wave criteria, tidal range, and corrosion—so your facility opens on schedule and performs for decades.

Certified Expertise You Can Trust

Complex facilities demand specialists. Our leadership participates in the Association of Marina Industries (AMI/IMI), and our technicians carry ABYC Marine Electrical credentials for shore power and low-voltage systems. Welding is performed to AWS D1.1/D1.2 standards for structural steel and aluminum assemblies, with QA/QC logs kept throughout fabrication and installation.

When underwater work is required, we deploy ADCI-certified commercial divers for inspections, hardware replacement, and anode installations. This integrated capability reduces subcontractor risk and compresses your schedule.

Compliance, Licensing & Safety

We operate with full insurance and bonding, complete Job Hazard Analyses daily, and follow USACE EM 385-1-1 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 for marine operations and pile driving. Our electrical work is managed by a TDLR-licensed Electrical Contractor, integrating NEC 555 marina requirements and NFPA 303 fire protection practices into design and construction.

Environmental compliance is built-in: turbidity control, spill prevention, and SWP3 documentation where applicable. We maintain TWIC credentials for secure areas and coordinate with Port and municipal authorities as needed.

Heavy Marine Equipment & Advanced Tools

We own and operate crane and spud barges, vibratory and impact hammers, and jet pumps for efficient pile setting in sandy and cohesive marine soils. For precise layouts, we use survey-grade GPS/total station and sonar for bathymetric checks, plus load-testing equipment to verify pile capacities where specified.

Electrical integrity is validated with utility megohm testing for shore power systems, and all hardware is torqued to spec with documented inspection reports. The right tools translate to safer sites and fewer delays.

Local Knowledge of Houston Waters

Designs are optimized for local conditions across Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, and Lake Houston. We account for fetch, storm surge, and vessel traffic, and we recommend wave attenuators or breakwaters when exposure warrants it. Materials are selected for brackish environments, balancing performance, availability, and budget.

We’ve delivered projects in Seabrook, Kemah, Nassau Bay, League City, and Baytown—each with unique permitting and access challenges. That familiarity saves weeks in coordination and staging.

Client-First Delivery & Guarantees

Your success is our metric. Expect clear communication, weekly progress updates, and milestone billing. We coordinate utility outages, schedule critical path work around peak traffic, and maintain emergency response capability for storm or vessel-impact damage.

You’ll receive written warranties, as-builts, and a maintenance plan tailored to your docks—covering inspections, hardware retightening, float health, and electrical testing to reduce downtime season after season.

Commercial & Marina Dock Projects Built Right—On Time, In Budget

Our portfolio spans new builds, slip reconfigurations, fuel docks, and utility upgrades across the Greater Houston service area. We support projects within 50–75 miles of the city, including Clear Lake and Galveston Bay shorelines. For Commercial & Marina Dock Construction Houston TX, we design and build structures that handle daily cycles, storm events, and high-traffic seasons—without surprises.

Types of Projects We Handle

We deliver new commercial marinas, expansions, and reconfigurations for yacht clubs, community marinas, and mixed-use developments. Our team also builds municipal boat ramps with courtesy docks, restaurant and retail waterfront docks, and public fishing piers and promenades.

Specialized scopes include fuel docks and utility pedestals, pump-out stations, dry stack catwalks and platforms, and boardwalks. We install floating and fixed systems, and integrate modular platforms (EZ Dock, Wave Armor, Candock) when the site and use-case call for them.

Our Proven Methods in the Water

We tailor foundations to soils and loads using timber, steel, concrete, or FRP piles. Piles are installed by vibratory or impact hammers with predrilling or jetting when needed; embedment and capacities are verified per design. Scour protection uses riprap and geotextile with toe keys at bulkheads to reduce undermining.

Docks are assembled with aluminum or galvanized frames, IPE or composite decking, and HDPE-encapsulated floats sized for your live loads and target freeboard. Shore power and lighting are installed to marina electrical code with labeled, lockable, marine-grade pedestals.

Complex Situations We’ve Mastered

Shallow draft basins, tight channels, and soft soils demand finesse. We stage with low-profile barges and use helical tiebacks where bulkhead capacity is limited. Noise/vibration controls and restricted work windows keep neighbors and tenants happy.

For exposed sites, we incorporate wave attenuators or breakwaters and increase pile embedment for hurricane resilience. We also phase work around marina occupancy to maintain tenant access and revenue.

Results You Can Expect

Clear Lake (2023): 84-slip marina expansion with aluminum gangways, composite decking, and new shore power—delivered in 22 weeks including permitting coordination. Seabrook (2024): fuel dock upgrade with UL-listed piping, emergency shutoffs, and fire protection improvements, completed without interrupting weekend traffic.

Houston-area municipal ramp (2022): dual-lane boat ramp with courtesy docks, riprap stabilization, and ADA-accessible gangways. Typical marina projects run 8–24 weeks after approvals, depending on dredging, utilities, and weather windows.

Upgrades, Repairs & Maintenance Programs

We provide dredging support (mechanical or hydraulic with containment), electrical upgrades, float replacement, and storm damage repairs. Annual maintenance programs include underwater inspections, fastener retorquing, fender and pile cap replacement, anode checks, and shore power testing.

Planned upkeep extends dock life, reduces emergency calls, and keeps operations safe through peak boating seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a commercial dock or marina in Houston?

Most projects require approvals from multiple agencies. Expect USACE Galveston District authorization (Section 10/404) for work in navigable waters, Texas GLO coastal leases/easements for state-owned bottoms, and local floodplain and building permits. Lake Houston, Clear Lake, and bayfront sites may also require municipal reviews and shoreline setbacks. Projects that disturb soil or water often need TCEQ TXR150000 stormwater coverage with a SWP3. We’ll map the sequence and submit on your behalf.

How much does it cost to build a floating dock in Houston?

Commercial floating docks typically range from $150–$300 per square foot in our region, depending on piles, exposure, utilities, and decking. Basic platforms with limited utilities are on the lower end; slips with aluminum frames, composite decking, HDPE-encapsulated floats, and shore power run higher. Fuel docks, pump-out stations, and wave attenuation add cost. We provide value-engineered options and a detailed line-item proposal after a site visit.

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

Floating docks rise and fall with water levels, maintaining a consistent freeboard for boarding—ideal for Clear Lake and marinas with fluctuating levels. Fixed piers are anchored to piles at a set elevation; they perform well in high-traffic or heavy-load areas and can better resist certain wave conditions. Many facilities use a hybrid approach: fixed service piers with floating slips and aluminum gangways, tailored to wind, fetch, and vessel mix.

How long does marina dock construction take from permit to completion?

Permitting can take 3–9 months based on scope and agencies involved. Construction typically runs 8–24 weeks after approvals, depending on pile counts, utilities, dredging, and weather/tide windows. A modest slip reconfiguration may finish in 8–12 weeks; a new multi-dock marina with fuel and pump-out systems can push 20–24 weeks. We’ll provide a critical-path schedule and weekly updates so you can plan occupancy and revenue.

What materials are best for brackish or saltwater docks on Galveston Bay?

We recommend FRP or galvanized steel piles, aluminum frames, marine composites or IPE decking, and stainless/HDG hardware. HDPE-encapsulated EPS floats resist puncture and UV, and precast concrete elements add stiffness where needed. In higher corrosion zones, we add cathodic protection anodes and specify coatings. Material selection balances performance, availability, and budget while meeting your wave, wind, and traffic loads.

Do marina docks have to meet NEC 555 electrical requirements?

Yes. Marina electrical systems must comply with NEC Article 555, which addresses equipment grounding, bonding, ground-fault protection, and the electrical datum plane in wet locations. We also follow NFPA 303 for fire protection and safe fueling practices. Our TDLR-licensed team designs and installs shore power, lighting, and pedestals to code, then performs testing and labeling before turnover and inspections.

Are ADA-compliant gangways required for commercial docks?

Public facilities and many commercial sites must provide accessible routes. We design gangways to ADA guidelines, targeting a 1:12 slope and using longer spans or intermediate landings where water levels fluctuate. In tidal or variable-level environments, exceptions and best practices apply; we’ll document compliance strategies that keep access safe and practical for your specific site conditions in Houston.

Which turbidity control and SWPPP measures are required by TCEQ during dredging or pile driving?

Projects triggering the Construction General Permit TXR150000 require a SWP3 with BMPs. We typically deploy turbidity curtains around work areas, stage oil-absorbent booms, and manage dewatering with filtration/settling. Material handling, barge fueling procedures, and spill kits are documented in the plan. We also monitor weather and tides to minimize sediment transport, and we maintain inspection logs throughout construction.

How are docks protected against hurricanes and storm surge?

Design starts with wind, wave, and surge criteria appropriate for Galveston Bay exposure. We increase pile embedment, upsize connectors, add fender systems, and specify debris-tolerant hinge hardware. Wave attenuators or breakwaters reduce energy in open basins. Floating docks use robust mooring and freeboard calculations; fixed structures get additional bracing and scour protection. We also plan emergency hardware checks before peak storm season.

What permits and leases are required from the Texas GLO and USACE for commercial fuel docks?

Fuel docks typically require a Texas GLO coastal lease/easement for state-owned submerged lands and USACE authorization for in-water work. You’ll also coordinate local fire marshal reviews, NFPA 303 considerations, UL-listed fuel system components, and spill prevention plans. Depending on location, municipal permits, floodplain approvals, and environmental reviews apply. We prepare drawings, submit via the Galveston District’s process, and manage agency responses end to end.