713-338-0787
Houston Docks crew at work

Houston Docks

  • Thousands of satisfied customers
  • Local and family owned
  • +15 years in business
  • Licensed and insured
  • Always FREE Quotes
713-338-0787

Get a Quote (it's free!)

Licensed & Insured Dock Sealing & Staining in Houston, TX

Your dock takes a beating from Houston sun, humidity, algae, and wake action. We protect and refresh it with professional Dock Sealing & Staining Houston TX services designed for freshwater and brackish conditions. Our trained team uses marine-grade products, environmental safeguards, and proven prep methods to stop rot, fading, and splinters—so your dock stays safe and looks great.

With 15+ years serving Greater Houston waterfronts, we know local water levels, wind, and permitting. Expect clean lines, even color, and durable waterproofing—backed by warranty and full insurance. Contact us for a free dock staining estimate and a timeline that fits lake or tide conditions.

Why Our Professional Dock Sealing & Staining Delivers Durable Protection and Great Looks

You want your dock to last, feel safe, and look sharp—without spending weekends sanding and sealing. Hiring specialists for Dock Sealing & Staining Houston TX gives you professional prep, product selection, and application that stands up to UV, humidity, and brackish splash. You’ll avoid costly mistakes, get a consistent finish, and extend the life of your boards, rails, and walkways.

Safety & Risk Elimination

We reduce slips, splinters, and premature wood failure by addressing hazards before they become problems. Our process includes pressure washing or soft-washing, board replacement as needed, and optional non-slip additive application on steps, ramps, and high-traffic zones.

Working over water carries risk. We follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M fall protection protocols and OSHA 1926.106 life jacket and ring buoy requirements. We set containment booms and absorbent socks to prevent any drips or wash water from entering the waterway—protecting you from environmental liabilities.

Professional Results & Quality

Proper prep is everything. We use a wash–strip–brighten–neutralize sequence, moisture meter checks, and spray-and-back-brush application for an even, deep finish. We seal edges and end grain, mask hardware, and work within the product’s temperature window for lasting results.

We match products to conditions: DEFY Marine Seal for UV-heavy exposure, Ready Seal 112 for rich semi-transparent tones, or Baker’s Gray-Away when fast penetration is key. Expect uniform color, sharp cut-ins, and a finish that resists peeling and graying.

Time & Stress Savings

DIY dock staining can stretch for weeks around weather, dry-time, and tide schedules. Our crew sequences work for shade, wind, and cure windows, typically finishing most residential docks in 1–3 days depending on size and repairs. You get your dock back faster, without the learning curve.

We bring the right tools—airless sprayers, stain pads, random-orbit sanders with dust extraction, and GFCI-protected power—so the job runs smoothly and safely near water.

Cost-Effective Solution

Incorrect prep or the wrong product leads to blotchy color, premature failure, or costly stripping later. We prevent that with wood-specific cleaners (sodium percarbonate), brighteners (oxalic/citric), and the correct oil- or water-based system for your dock’s environment.

By protecting pressure-treated pine, cedar, or ipe from UV and moisture, we extend the life of boards and fasteners. Avoid emergency repairs and frequent restains with a maintenance plan that fits Houston’s climate.

Peace of Mind & Warranty

We’re licensed and insured, PWNA certified for professional power washing, and proud PCA and NADRA members. All work includes a written workmanship warranty, plus manufacturer-backed product warranties where applicable.

You’ll get clear timelines, documented prep and application steps, and guidance on the 24–48 hour cure window before heavy use or water contact—so you can plan confidently.

Get a Fast, Free Dock Staining Estimate

Tell us about your dock and timeline. We’ll assess your needs and provide a written quote with product options and scheduling—often the same day.

How Our Dock Sealing & Staining Process Works

We make the experience simple, safe, and predictable with a proven workflow and clear communication from start to finish.

  1. Inspection & Free Quote: We evaluate boards, rails, and hardware, check moisture levels, and recommend products suited to freshwater or brackish exposure.
  2. Prep & Cleaning: Pressure washing or soft-wash algae treatment, strip old coatings if needed, then brighten/neutralize for a clean, even surface.
  3. Repairs & Masking: Replace damaged boards, tighten fasteners, mask hardware, and set environmental containment over water.
  4. Stain/Seal Application: Spray-and-back-brush application, wet-on-wet where specified, with edge and end-grain sealing for durable protection.
  5. Final Walkthrough & Care Guide: We review results, confirm cure time, and outline your maintenance schedule.

It’s Easy to Get Started

Request your no-obligation quote. We’ll handle prep, permits where required, and scheduling around weather and water levels.

Why Choose Houston Docks for Dock Sealing & Staining in Houston

Houston Docks brings 15+ years of waterfront experience to every project, from Lake Conroe to Clear Lake. We pair certified washing and finishing techniques with marine-grade products and strict safety practices. Whether you need dock staining Houston for a residential pier or a marina walkway, we deliver durable finishes, environmental protection, and clear communication—start to finish.

Certified Expertise and Quality Control

Our crew holds PWNA power-washing certification and adheres to PCA finishing standards and NADRA best practices for dock and railing work. That means correct chemistries, controlled pressure, and disciplined surface prep on pressure-treated pine, cedar, or ipe. We verify wood moisture with a calibrated meter before coating and use shade/temperature planning to prevent flash-drying and lap marks.

We maintain brand-specific application proficiency with Ready Seal, DEFY Marine, and Baker’s Gray-Away, so your finish isn’t a guess—it’s installed to manufacturer specs for longevity.

Licensed, Insured, and Safety-Driven

We operate with full general liability and workers’ compensation insurance and follow OSHA fall protection over water (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M) and life safety (1926.106). On-site, you’ll see ring buoys, PFDs, and a skiff for rescue readiness.

Power near water is no place for shortcuts. We run GFCI-protected electrical, manage flammable liquids for oil-based stains safely, and protect workers and property with respirators, eye protection, and containment measures.

Environmental Stewardship on Every Job

We deploy containment booms, absorbent pads, and drip-control mats to prevent runoff into Lake Houston, Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, and area bayous. Wash water and stripping residues are captured and disposed of per local requirements, aligning with guidance from the Galveston Bay Foundation and municipal standards.

Prefer eco-friendly options? We offer low-VOC, fish-safe stain systems and silane/siloxane water repellents that respect local waterways without sacrificing performance.

Local Permitting Guidance

Working on Lake Houston? We assist with stationary/floating pier requirements via the Houston Permitting Center and coordinate where floodplain considerations apply through Harris County Engineering. On Lake Conroe, we align with SJRA residential dock licensing rules. In Seabrook/Kemah and other municipalities, we help you navigate local submittals for boathouse or pier maintenance.

You’ll get clear guidance on what needs approval and what doesn’t, so your project proceeds without surprises.

Right Products for Fresh and Brackish Water

Brackish splash around Clear Lake and Galveston Bay accelerates corrosion and coating breakdown. We specify brackish-compatible stain/sealer systems, stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners, and non-slip aggregates for safer footing.

For freshwater on Lake Conroe and Lake Houston, we tune the system for UV resistance and humidity management—selecting semi-transparent or solid-color finishes, BH-USA color matches, and non-slip dock coatings Houston customers prefer on steps and walkways.

Experience You Can Trust

Join thousands of Greater Houston homeowners who rely on us for long-lasting dock finishes. Request your free, written estimate today.

Dock Sealing & Staining Backed by Proven Local Experience

We’ve restored and protected hundreds of residential docks, boathouses, and marina walkways across the Greater Houston area. Our Dock Sealing & Staining Houston TX services are tailored to freshwater lakes like Lake Conroe and Lake Houston, as well as brackish environments in Clear Lake, Kemah, and Galveston Bay. Expect predictable timelines, clean job sites, and finishes that hold up through summer sun and winter fronts.

Types of Projects We Handle

From private fishing piers and floating docks to boathouse decks and upper sun decks, we manage jobs of every size. Residential projects often include boathouse floor and walkway staining, ladder and handrail refinishing, and bulkhead cap sealing. Commercial work covers marina pier staining and HOA/community dock maintenance programs.

We regularly service Clear Lake dock sealing in Kemah, Seabrook, and Nassau Bay, as well as Lake Conroe dock staining in Conroe, Montgomery, and Willis neighborhoods.

Our Proven Prep and Application Methods

Every project starts with dock pressure washing and staining Houston best practices: controlled pressure, algae/mildew treatment, and complete neutralization. We strip failing coatings when required, then sand high-wear zones with random-orbit or belt sanders for a smooth, receptive surface.

Application uses pump or airless sprayers with back-brushing, edge/end-grain sealing, and a wet-on-wet two-coat methodology when specified. We maintain 24–48 hour cure windows before heavy use and provide a written care plan.

Complex Conditions We’ve Mastered

High humidity, tide swings, and afternoon sea breeze? We plan around them. Shade and temperature window planning keeps lap lines away, while containment over water prevents drips in windy conditions.

Salt/brackish settings get marine wood sealing Houston product systems and corrosion-resistant hardware. For high-traffic marinas, we add non-slip additives on ramps and turns to reduce slip incidents.

Results You Can Expect

Typical outcomes include richer color retention, reduced checking and cupping, and safer traction. Most residential docks are completed in 1–3 days depending on size and repairs, with follow-up checks at 30 days on request.

With an annual dock maintenance program Houston clients keep finishes fresh with quick clean-and-touch-up visits, extending full restain intervals and lowering lifecycle costs.

Real-World Examples

Clear Lake, League City (77573): stripped a failing film finish, installed DEFY Marine semi-transparent cedar with non-slip additive on steps; 2 days start to finish. Lake Houston, Atascocita (77346): pressure wash, oxalic brighten, Ready Seal 112 on PT pine; 36-hour cure before traffic. Galveston Bay, Bacliff (77518): brackish-compatible sealer and stainless fasteners upgrade; noticeable traction improvement.

See Projects Like Yours

Ask us for recent local examples and color options. We’ll share before/after details and connect you with references upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What stain is best for boat docks in Houston’s humid, high-UV climate?

In Greater Houston, choose a UV-resistant, penetrating system that breathes. We commonly recommend DEFY Marine for strong UV holdout or Ready Seal for rich semi-transparent color on pressure-treated pine. For brackish areas like Clear Lake or Galveston Bay, pair the stain with corrosion-resistant hardware. Color-wise, mid-tone cedar or russet hides wear better than very light shades under intense sun.

How often should a dock be stained or sealed in Texas?

Most docks need maintenance every 18–36 months, depending on exposure, foot traffic, and whether you’re on freshwater (Lake Conroe, Lake Houston) or brackish water (Kemah, Seabrook). An annual clean-and-inspect with touch-ups extends full restain intervals. High-traffic marina slips or south-facing sun decks may need attention closer to the 18–24 month mark.

What’s the difference between sealing and staining a dock?

Sealers focus on water repellency and can be clear or lightly tinted, while stains add color and UV protection. In Houston’s climate, we often use a penetrating stain-sealer that delivers both color and moisture control. This combo helps reduce checking, cupping, and graying, while keeping surfaces safer and easier to clean between seasons.

Is oil-based or water-based dock stain better for salt/brackish water?

Both can work if they’re marine-rated. Oil-based products penetrate deeply and are forgiving on older wood. Modern water-based acrylic/alkyd blends offer strong UV resistance and faster dry times. In brackish zones like Galveston Bay, we focus on surface prep, end-grain sealing, and compatible fasteners—then select the system that fits your use, color goals, and maintenance preferences.

How long should wood dry before and after staining a dock?

After washing, we allow the deck to dry until moisture meter readings are within the product’s spec—often 12–48 hours depending on heat, wind, and shade. After application, plan for a 24–48 hour cure window before heavy foot traffic or water contact. We schedule around local forecasts to avoid sudden showers or high overnight humidity.

Can you stain a dock without harming fish or aquatic life?

Yes. We use environmental containment (booms, absorbent pads) and zero-runoff methods. We can specify low-VOC, eco-friendly, fish-safe systems when requested. All wash water, stripper residue, and wipes are captured and disposed of properly, following local guidelines for Lake Houston, Clear Lake, and connected waterways.

What prep is needed before staining a weathered dock?

We clean with controlled pressure and sodium percarbonate, strip failing coatings if present, then brighten/neutralize to balance pH. Damaged boards are replaced, fasteners tightened, and high-traffic areas sanded for smoothness. Proper prep ensures even color, solid penetration, and better longevity in Houston’s heat and humidity.

How much does professional dock staining cost in Houston?

Pricing varies by size, condition, stripping needs, and product selection. As a ballpark, many residential docks fall between $2.50–$5.50 per square foot for cleaning and staining, with repairs or stripping additional. We provide a written, line-item quote after inspection so you can compare options and finishes confidently.

Do I need a permit to work on my dock on Lake Houston or Lake Conroe?

Maintenance like cleaning and recoating may be exempt, but certain repairs or structural changes can require approvals. Lake Houston permitting runs through the Houston Permitting Center and may involve floodplain review. Lake Conroe falls under SJRA licensing. We’ll advise on your specific scope and help with any submittals needed.

What non-slip options exist for dock steps and walkways?

We can add silica or polymer non-slip aggregates into the final coat, or apply a dedicated non-slip topcoat for high-traffic ramps and landings. Texture level is customizable to balance traction and ease of cleaning—popular on boat ramps, ladder entries, and shaded areas that stay damp in the Houston climate.

Still Comparing Options?

Send a few photos and your zip code. We’ll recommend the right system for your dock and provide a clear, written quote—no pressure.