Houston Docks

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

Trusted, Hurricane‑Ready Dock Builder in Dickinson, TX

For 15+ years, Houston Docks has built safe, durable docks on Dickinson Bayou and Galveston Bay. We’re local, fully insured, and known for fast response after storms. When you need a Dock Builder Dickinson TX homeowners and marinas rely on, we deliver engineered structures that stand up to brackish water and surges.

We handle everything in‑house—from design and permitting to pile driving, lifts, and NEC 555‑compliant electrical. Our crews use UC5B/UC5C marine lumber, hot‑dip galvanized hardware, and open‑grate decking to reduce uplift. Tell us your goals, and we’ll tailor a solution. Call today for a free, no‑pressure estimate.

Core Dock Building & Marine Construction Services

We design and build docks, piers, boathouses, and waterfront structures that fit Dickinson’s brackish conditions and windstorm requirements. Every project is engineered for longevity, code compliance, and easy maintenance.

Custom Dock Design

Your shoreline, water depth, and wave action are unique. We start with a site assessment, soil review, and tidal/wake analysis to plan the right footprint and materials. Our team specifies UC5B/UC5C piles, cross‑bracing, hurricane straps, and thru‑flow decking where surge risk is present. We integrate options like ADA‑compliant gangways, fish‑cleaning stations, lighting, and water pedestals. Expect stamped plans when required and complete permit submittals. Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.

Dock Construction

We build fixed and floating docks using a pile driver, spud barge, and jet pump for proper embedment. Framing uses MCA/ACQ‑treated lumber, 316 stainless fasteners, and ASTM A153 hot‑dip galvanized hardware. For decking, we install Ipe, Trex, TimberTech, AZEK, or WearDeck based on use and budget. We also offer open‑grate decking to reduce uplift. Each dock is set with laser‑level accuracy, diagonally braced, and tied for uplift and lateral loads. Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Dock Repair

Storms, wood rot, and boat strikes don’t wait. We replace broken pilings, stringers, caps, and decking, and we correct out‑of‑level sections with new bracing and fasteners. For corrosion control, we add HDPE pile caps and wraps. Our emergency teams stabilize hazards quickly and document damage for insurance claims. We also perform maintenance inspections that catch issues early, saving you costly rebuilds later. Learn more about our Dock Repair services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

Protect your investment with properly sized lifts from trusted brands like Golden and ShoreMaster. We install 1,500–20,000 lb boat lifts, PWC lifts, and canopy systems, with aluminum bunks and stainless cabling. Our electrical partners bring shore power up to NEC 555 with ELCI/GFPE protection and proper bonding above the datum plane. We also retrofit older lifts for safer operation and lower maintenance. Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.

Elevated Boathouse Construction

We build windstorm‑ready boathouses with upper decks, covered slips, and integrated lifts. Structures are engineered for Galveston County requirements, and we can coordinate TDI WPI‑8 inspections for insurability. Options include composite decking, aluminum stairs, lighting, and storage. We reinforce with diagonal bracing, hurricane ties, and corrosion‑resistant fasteners for long‑term stability in brackish environments. Learn more about our Elevated Boathouse Construction services.

Other Services We Offer

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

For coastal projects, details matter. At Houston Docks, we combine engineering‑driven design with proven field methods to protect your dock from storms, wake, and corrosion. We build to code, coordinate permits, and stand behind our work with clear warranties. If you’re comparing Dock Builder Dickinson TX options, our track record on Dickinson Bayou and Galveston Bay speaks for itself.

Engineered for Gulf Coast Conditions

We design for brackish water, tidal swings, and hurricane winds. Pilings are sized and embedded to refusal or engineered depth, using UC5B/UC5C‑treated timber, FRP or concrete where needed. We specify cross/diagonal bracing, hurricane straps, and corrosion‑resistant 316 stainless and ASTM A153 hardware.

Where surge risk is high, we recommend open‑grate/thru‑flow decking to lower uplift pressure. Boathouse projects can include windstorm engineering and we coordinate TDI WPI‑8 inspections in Galveston County for insurability. The result: lasting performance and fewer post‑storm repairs.

Permitting and Code Compliance, Done for You

We handle the full permit path: USACE Section 10/404, TCEQ 401 water quality certification, Texas GLO residential pier registration/easement, and Galveston County floodplain approvals. Our team prepares drawings, site photos, and narratives, then tracks agency reviews to keep your timeline moving.

Typical durations we see: 45–120 days depending on scope and jurisdiction. We also offer USACE pre‑application coordination to reduce revisions and help you understand any constraints on Dickinson Bayou before you commit to a layout.

Safe Electrical and Lift Systems

Dock power must meet NEC Article 555. We bring shore power into compliance with ELCI/GFPE protection, bonding above the datum plane, proper GFCI where required, and labeling/documentation. We can perform leakage testing and provide a safety report at turnover.

For lifts, we install Golden and ShoreMaster systems sized to your hull and water depth, with aluminum bunks and stainless cabling. Controls and wiring are mounted for clearance from splash and corrosion, with drip loops and UV‑rated conduit for long life.

Equipment, Craftsmanship, and Warranty

Our spud barge, pile driver, vibratory hammer, and jet pump allow precise installation in silt and sand. Where access is tight, we deploy helical piles and tiebacks with torque monitoring to hit design capacity. Every fastener is set to spec, and all framing is laser‑checked for level and square.

We are fully insured and our crews hold OSHA 10/30 with regular safety audits. You’ll receive a written workmanship warranty and material manufacturer warranties where applicable. Expect a clean site, clear communication, and on‑time delivery.

Proven Local Results

Recent example: In 2024, we rebuilt a 60‑ft fixed pier on Dickinson Bayou with UC5C timber piles, WearDeck surface, and a 7,000‑lb boat lift. We added riprap for shoreline stabilization, achieved NEC 555 compliance with ELCI at the pedestal, and coordinated WPI‑8. USACE/GLO approvals completed in 72 days, ahead of schedule.

These are the standards we bring to every project—new builds, repairs, and storm rebuilds alike.

Dock Services Across Greater Houston & Galveston Bay

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston, from Clear Lake to Galveston Bay and the Trinity River system. If you’re within about 30 miles of Houston, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood and can mobilize quickly for urgent repairs or new builds.

Our local crews know the tides, soils, and permitting processes that affect docks on Dickinson Bayou, San Leon, Kemah, and surrounding waterfronts—so your project moves smoothly from design to final inspection.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Dickinson

We build and repair docks throughout Dickinson, including Bay Colony, Bayou Lakes, along the FM 517 corridor, and areas with quick I‑45 Gulf Fwy access. Zip code 77539 and nearby San Leon are part of our daily routes.

Our team understands brackish water challenges on Dickinson Bayou and the permit landscape that comes with it. When you need dependable dock services or a Dock Builder Dickinson TX residents trust, we’re ready to help—fast.

Other locations we serve near Dickinson

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock on Dickinson Bayou or Galveston Bay?

Yes. Most projects require USACE Section 10/404 authorization, TCEQ 401 certification, and Texas GLO residential pier registration or easement, plus local floodplain/building permits. We handle drawings, narratives, and submittals, and coordinate with the Galveston District. Expect 45–120 days depending on scope and agency workload. We’ll pre‑screen your site to flag constraints before design.

What is the Texas GLO residential pier structure registration and do I qualify?

The Texas General Land Office requires a low‑cost registration for qualifying residential piers on state coastal waters. For small private piers meeting GLO criteria, the process is straightforward and often pairs with USACE verification. We confirm eligibility, prepare forms, and file on your behalf. If an easement is required, we’ll manage that path and timeline, too.

How much does a dock cost in the Houston/Galveston area?

Budgets vary with length, decking, piles, and accessories. As a ballpark, basic fixed docks often start around the low $100s per square foot, while composite decking, lifts, or boathouses increase price. Floating and modular systems can optimize cost in deeper or fluctuating water. We provide itemized estimates and value‑engineer options to fit your goals.

Floating vs. fixed docks: which works better for Dickinson Bayou?

On Dickinson Bayou, floating docks handle water‑level changes well and reduce impact on soft soils. Fixed docks offer rock‑solid footing for lifts and heavy use. We assess depth, wake, soils, and flood elevations to recommend the best choice. Hybrid solutions—fixed access with a floating platform—are common for shallow slips and kayak launches.

What materials last longest in brackish water?

We specify UC5B/UC5C treated timber for piles in brackish/salt conditions, 316 stainless fasteners, and ASTM A153 galvanized hardware. For decking, composites like Trex, TimberTech, AZEK, or HDPE WearDeck resist rot and UV. Where corrosion is severe, FRP/composite or concrete piles and vinyl sheet piling perform well. We tailor materials to exposure and budget.

Do boathouses in Galveston County need windstorm certification (WPI‑8)?

Often yes. For insurability in coastal counties, the Texas Windstorm Insurance program may require a TDI WPI‑8/WPI‑8E Certificate of Compliance. We can coordinate windstorm engineering, uplift/bracing details, and inspections so your boathouse qualifies. Ask us to review your site and insurer requirements before construction begins.

What electrical code applies to dock wiring and shore power?

Dock electrical must meet NEC Article 555. That includes ELCI/GFPE protection at shore power, proper bonding above the datum plane, GFCI where required, and labeled/disconnect provisions. We perform leakage testing and documentation at turnover and can upgrade older systems to current code for safety and insurance compliance.

How deep are dock pilings set and what determines embedment?

Embedment depends on soil, load, and exposure. We drive timber piles to refusal or to an engineered depth, verified by set/blow counts. In soft silt/sand, we water‑jet to start and drive to final set. For constrained access, we use helical piles and monitor torque to achieve the required capacity.

Do I need dredging for my slip and what permits apply?

If depth is insufficient for your draft, targeted dredging may be required. That typically needs USACE authorization with TCEQ 401 certification and proper disposal/dewatering measures. We handle pre‑application coordination, soundings, and permit drawings, and can manage geotextile dewatering tubes and turbidity controls during work.