Houston Docks

Thousands of satisfied customers
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+15 years in business
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Licensed & Insured Dock Construction in Houston, TX

Your waterfront should be safe, durable, and easy to access year‑round. We build docks that stand up to Houston weather, water levels, and daily use. From soft lake bottoms to brackish bay conditions, our team engineers each structure to your site, your boat, and your goals.

With 15+ years in marine construction and thousands of feet of docks built across Greater Houston, we handle design, permits, and turnkey construction—start to finish. We bring a spud barge, pile drivers, and certified specialists to deliver code‑compliant results that last. Ready to get started with Dock Construction Houston TX done right? Contact us for a free on‑site assessment and written estimate.

Why Our Dock Construction Delivers Safety, Longevity, and Value

Homeowners and marinas come to us to solve real problems—unstable walkways, storm damage, fluctuating water levels, or aging structures. Professional dock construction is the smart choice because it addresses the root causes, not just surface issues. We design and build for your shoreline conditions, vessel size, and wind/wave exposure. When you choose us for dock construction, you get predictable timelines, clear communication, and results that perform season after season.

Safety & Risk Elimination

Your family, guests, and vessels come first. We engineer for live loads, uplift, and lateral forces, then build with cross/diagonal bracing, hurricane strapping, and through‑rod connection systems to reduce movement and racking. For electrical safety, we integrate ELCI/GFCI protection per NEC Article 555 (2023) and follow NFPA 303 and ABYC E‑11 best practices to mitigate electric shock drowning (ESD) risks.

On every project we use OSHA 29 CFR 1926.106 protocols for working over water. Non‑skid decking, secure handrails where needed, fender piles, and proper cleat spacing help protect people and hulls. The result is a dock that feels solid underfoot and safer in everyday use and during storm events.

Professional Results & Quality

Quality starts with materials and methods matched to Houston waters. We use marine‑grade CCA‑treated southern yellow pine piles, composite/PVC or hardwood (ipe/cumaru) decking, aluminum gangways, hot‑dip galvanized steel hardware, and 316 stainless fasteners. For floating docks, we specify HDPE/encapsulated foam floats and FRP grating in high‑spray zones to resist corrosion.

Precision tools—spud barge, vibratory/impact pile hammer, jetting pumps, and laser levels with bathymetry—ensure consistent embedment depth and alignment. Ledgerless framing and hidden fasteners deliver clean lines and reduce future rot points. You’ll see and feel the difference the first time you step on your new dock.

Time & Stress Savings

Permitting around Houston waters can be complex. We handle permit expediting for Lake Houston pier permits, USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 authorizations, Texas GLO coastal easements/registrations, and City of Houston Floodplain Development permits. One team manages design, approvals, scheduling, and inspections.

Typical timelines: permitting in 3–12 weeks depending on jurisdiction and scope, construction in 1–4 weeks once materials and barge dates are set. You get a single point of contact, proactive updates, and a clear schedule from mobilization through final walk‑through.

Cost‑Effective Solution

Getting it right the first time saves money. Proper pile sizing, corrosion protection, and bracing prevent premature failures and costly rework. Where wave energy is high, we design fixed piers or hybrid systems with wave attenuators instead of oversizing floating components that will fail.

We guide you on material choices—composite decking for low maintenance, vinyl/PVC sheet pile bulkheads for Lake Houston shorelines, sacrificial anodes for metal components, and polyethylene rub rails to minimize hull damage. Our approach reduces lifetime maintenance and extends service life.

Peace of Mind & Warranty

We’re fully insured for marine operations and back our workmanship with written warranties. Electrical work is performed by or under a Texas Electrical Contractor (TDLR) and ABYC Certified Marine Electrician when power pedestals, boat lifts, or lighting are involved.

After completion, we provide a maintenance plan and inspection schedule tailored to your site. If storms strike, our rapid‑response team is available for emergency dock repair so you’re not left waiting during peak season.

How Our Dock Construction Process Works

We make the experience straightforward and transparent, from the first call to the final cleat. Here’s what to expect when you work with our team.

On‑Site Consultation – We evaluate water depth, soil, fetch, and access. We review use‑cases (boat size, lifts, kayaks) and safety needs.
Design & Proposal – You receive engineered drawings with material options, elevations, and a fixed, itemized proposal.
Permitting & Approvals – We manage Lake Houston pier licenses, USACE/GLO filings, and city/floodplain permits as required.
Construction & Quality Control – Our spud barge and pile crew build to spec, with inspections at key milestones.
Walk‑Through & Handover – We verify fit and finish, review maintenance, and provide warranty documents.

Why Choose Houston Docks for Dock Construction in Houston

At Houston Docks, we combine engineering‑first design with field‑tested construction methods to deliver safe, attractive docks built for Houston waters. As trusted boat dock builders in Houston, we’ve completed 1,500+ waterfront projects for homeowners, HOAs, and marinas. From Lake Houston coves to Clear Lake channels, we know how to build structures that perform and pass inspections. When you want Dock Construction Houston TX you can count on, our team is ready.

Certified Expertise & Qualified Team

Your project is led by seasoned marine professionals. Electrical scopes are overseen by a Texas Electrical Contractor (TDLR) with an ABYC Certified Marine Electrician to integrate ELCI/GFCI protection and compliant shore power. Steel and aluminum work is performed by AWS D1.1/D1.2 certified welders for consistent, code‑level quality.

Critical lifts are handled by an NCCCO‑certified crane operator, and our commercial crews maintain TWIC credentials for Port of Houston access. We participate in the Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) Texas Chapter, the Marina Association of Texas (MAT), and the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) to stay aligned with current standards.

Permits, Codes & Compliance Handled

We navigate the approvals so you don’t have to. That includes the City of Houston Lake Houston stationary/floating pier construction permit and annual license, USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 authorizations, and Texas GLO coastal leases/easements for structures over state submerged lands. Where required, we secure the City of Houston Chapter 19 Floodplain Development Permit.

Our designs incorporate NEC Article 555 (2023) and NFPA 303 for marina/dock electrical safety, ABYC E‑11 for boat interfaces, and OSHA 1926.106 water‑work safety. You get a compliant dock that passes inspections the first time.

Right Equipment, Better Results

We mobilize a spud barge with vibratory/impact pile hammers, jetting pumps for soft sediments, and laser levels with bathymetry to set accurate pile lines and elevations. Auger/boring equipment verifies subsurface conditions where needed, and crane/winch systems enable precise component placement.

This equipment matters. Proper embedment depth, square framing, and true elevations improve structural performance, reduce squeaks and sway, and extend service life under Houston’s wind and wave exposure.

Local Knowledge, Smarter Designs

Houston waters vary. In Clear Lake, Seabrook, Kemah, and League City, we often recommend floating docks with aluminum gangways for tidal swing. In more exposed Galveston Bay and Trinity Bay sites, pile‑driven fixed piers or hybrid systems with wave attenuation perform better. On Lake Houston and the San Jacinto River, we design for flood events and fast currents.

We also advise on living shoreline alternatives vs. bulkheads where feasible—combining native plantings and riprap with vinyl/PVC sheet pile—reducing erosion while preserving habitat.

Customer‑First Service & Warranties

You’ll get clear timelines, proactive updates, and a dedicated project manager from proposal through punch‑list. We provide written warranties on workmanship and manufacturer warranties on materials like composite decking, floats, and hardware.

Need support later? Our crews handle storm damage dock repair, resurfacing, boat lift installation, and seasonal inspections to protect your investment year after year.

Proven Dock Construction Backed by Years of Local Experience

We design and build docks tailored to site conditions throughout the Greater Houston area—Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, Lake Houston, and Lake Conroe. Our team has delivered everything from family‑friendly fishing piers to commercial marina expansions with power and lighting. If you’re comparing Dock Construction Houston TX options, review how our methods, materials, and results align with your goals and waterfront.

Types of Dock Projects We Handle

We build single‑family residential docks, community/HOA piers, restaurant transient docks near Kemah Boardwalk, and commercial marinas from Nassau Bay to Baytown. We add boathouses, covered slips, and boat lifts/PWC ports, plus kayak/canoe launches for easy access.

For clients near Atascocita (77044) and Kingwood, we often pair dock construction with vinyl/PVC sheet pile bulkheads and riprap for shoreline stabilization. On Lake Conroe (77356/77304), we integrate lift retrofits and ADA‑compliant gangways where communities require accessible access.

Our Proven Process & Methods

We use pile driving with jet assist in soft sediments, cross/diagonal bracing for lateral loads, and through‑rod systems for rigid, rattle‑free framing. Hurricane uplift mitigation and corrosion protection (hot‑dip galvanized/SS316/cathodic) are standard in brackish zones.

Deck surfaces include composite/PVC for low maintenance or ipe for strength and aesthetics. For floating docks, we specify HDPE/encapsulated foam floats, aluminum framing, and FRP grating in splash zones. Electrical scopes include ELCI/GFCI protection, bonding, and compliant power pedestals per NEC 555.

Complex Conditions We’ve Mastered

We routinely solve challenges like shallow canals with limited barge access using modular floating dock systems, deep mud requiring longer embedment piles, and storm remediation after surge events. In exposed West Bay or Trinity Bay, we design hybrid solutions with wave attenuators and fender piles to protect structures and boats.

For floodplain‑sensitive areas, we set deck elevations to local datum using FEMA BFE data and historical surge records. ADA gangway slope and landing design ensures smooth access in fluctuating levels.

Results You Can Expect

Typical permitting runs 3–12 weeks depending on USACE/GLO scope; construction is often 10–25 working days for residential docks, longer for commercial marinas. A recent Clear Lake project (77058) added a 60‑ft pier with a 20‑ft T‑head, composite decking, and a 13‑pile layout—delivered in 18 crew days.

With proper maintenance—annual fastener checks, lift service, and deck cleaning—you can expect long service life. We offer inspection and maintenance plans to keep your dock safe, attractive, and compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock on Lake Houston?

Yes. The City of Houston requires a Lake Houston stationary/floating pier construction permit, and many sites also need an annual pier/vessel/shoreline license. Depending on location and scope, you may also need a Floodplain Development Permit (Chapter 19), and if the project affects navigable waters or fill, USACE Galveston District authorization. We manage the checklist, drawings, and submittals so your dock is approved and inspected without delays.

Who issues permits for docks and bulkheads around Houston?

Permitting can involve multiple agencies. Common authorities include: City of Houston (Lake Houston permits and floodplain), USACE Galveston District (Section 10/404 for structures/fill in navigable waters), and the Texas GLO (coastal leases/easements or structure registration over state submerged lands). In coastal areas around Clear Lake, Seabrook, Kemah, and Galveston Bay, GLO coordination is typical. We coordinate all filings and inspections for you.

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

Costs vary by water depth, exposure, materials, electrical, and lifts. Most residential projects land between $25,000 and $120,000, with per‑square‑foot ranges often $65–$180 for pile‑driven or engineered floating systems. Composite/PVC decking, aluminum gangways, and boat lifts increase price but lower maintenance. After a site visit, we provide an itemized proposal so you can compare options and total lifecycle costs.

What type of dock is best for Clear Lake—floating or fixed?

Clear Lake’s tidal swing and boat traffic often favor floating docks with aluminum gangways for consistent access. In more exposed reaches or channels with heavy wake, a pile‑driven fixed pier or hybrid (fixed walkway with floating finger) may perform better. We consider fetch, wind direction, depth, and use (e.g., restaurant transient docks vs. private slips) to recommend the right solution for your site.

Do I need a USACE permit for my dock near navigable waters?

If your dock is in, over, or affects navigable waters or involves fill, you may need USACE Galveston District authorization under Section 10/404. Many projects also require coordination with the Texas GLO for coastal leases/easements. We review your location, prepare drawings, and handle submittals to keep your project compliant and on schedule.

What are the electrical code requirements for docks (NEC 555)?

NEC Article 555 (2023) sets requirements for marinas and docking facilities, including ELCI/GFCI protection, bonding/grounding, and an electrical datum plane to mitigate shock risks. We install compliant power pedestals, lighting, and lift circuits, and follow NFPA 303 and ABYC E‑11 best practices. Proper design and testing reduce electric shock drowning (ESD) hazards and help pass inspections the first time.

What materials last longest in brackish/saltwater around Galveston Bay?

We recommend composite/PVC decking, aluminum gangways, hot‑dip galvanized hardware with 316 stainless fasteners, HDPE/encapsulated foam floats, and FRP grating in splash zones. For shoreline protection, vinyl/PVC sheet pile bulkheads and riprap hold up well. Hardwood options like ipe also perform, though they require periodic care. We match materials to your site’s salinity, UV exposure, and maintenance preferences.

How high should a dock be for storm surge and waves in Houston?

Deck elevation depends on site conditions. We set elevations using historical surge data, FEMA base flood elevations (where applicable), and wave/wake analysis. On lakes, we typically target clearance above normal pool to accommodate seasonal swings; on bays, we account for tides, wind‑driven setup, and wave runup. Our engineered plans specify deck height, freeboard, and gangway slope for safe access.

What living shoreline options can reduce erosion on Lake Houston?

Alternatives or complements to bulkheads include native plantings, coir fiber logs, rock sills, and graded riprap. These “living shoreline” measures absorb wave energy, reduce scouring, and improve habitat. In some cases we combine vinyl/PVC sheet pile with plantings for added stability. We’ll evaluate your bank slope, soils, and water level changes to recommend a sustainable plan that meets permit guidelines.