Houston Docks
- Thousands of satisfied customers
- Local and family owned
- +15 years in business
- Licensed and insured
- Always FREE Quotes
Storm‑Ready Dock Builder in East Bay, TX
We’re Houston Docks — local, family‑owned, and fully insured. For 15+ years we’ve built durable docks, piers, and boathouses tailored to East Galveston Bay. Our crews use barge‑mounted cranes, marine‑grade materials, and windstorm‑compliant methods to handle salt, surge, and heavy chop.
From new construction to emergency repairs, we solve safety, access, and storm damage issues fast. We help with Texas GLO/USACE permits and provide clear timelines. If you’re comparing Dock Builder East Bay TX options, count on our proven coastal expertise and warranty‑backed workmanship. Call us today for a free site visit and estimate.
Marine Construction, Dock Building, and Coastal Repairs in East Galveston Bay
We design, build, and repair docks, piers, and shoreline structures that stand up to East Bay’s wind, salt, and storm surge. Every project follows coastal windstorm standards, quality materials, and safe barge operations.
Dock Construction
Choppy fetch and saltwater can shorten a dock’s life. We build fixed and floating docks that resist uplift and corrosion using EcoPile vinyl/composite pilings, 316 stainless hardware, and open‑grate decking (ThruFlow/Aqua‑Dek) where suited. Our spud barge with crane, vibratory/impact hammers, and jetting pumps ensure accurate pile placement. We engineer cross‑bracing and hurricane tie‑downs to TDI/ASCE guidelines for East Galveston Bay. Outcome: a stable, storm‑ready dock with safer footing, longer service life, and lower maintenance.
Learn more about our Dock Construction services.
Custom Dock Design
Every shoreline is different. We design to water depth, substrate, and wake exposure, and we plan for GLO/USACE permit limits. Options include ADA‑friendly gangways, aluminum ramps, power and lighting, and kayak/SUP launches. We specify pressure‑treated southern yellow pine, composite or WearDeck, and encapsulated floatation for floating sections. Need HOA or community access solutions? We create safe, code‑aware layouts with clear drawings for approvals.
Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.
Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation
Protect your boat and personal watercraft from electrolysis, marine growth, and storm surge. We install single and multi‑slip lifts sized to your hull and wind load, plus PWC lifts for shallow water. Our team is certified by lift manufacturers and routes power safely with GFCI protection. We can integrate roofed boathouses and elevated platforms that qualify for TDI WPI‑8 when applicable. Benefit: easier boarding, reduced maintenance, and dependable storm prep.
Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.
Bulkhead Installation
Unstable banks and erosion threaten docks, lawns, and foundations. We install ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling, concrete caps, and deadman systems sized to soils and wave energy. Where appropriate, we combine riprap and living shoreline elements for nature‑based resilience. Our crews handle excavation with skid steers and track equipment, and we tie‑in boat ramps, stairs, or access catwalks. Outcome: a cleaner shoreline, protected property, and a stable base for your dock or pier.
Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.
Dock Repair
Storms, borers, and corrosion don’t wait. We replace piles, stringers, and caps; swap damaged floats; and re‑deck with composite or open‑grate panels to cut uplift pressures. For compromised piles, we use SnapJacket encapsulation to restore capacity without full replacement. We also offer emergency stabilization after hurricanes, detailed assessments, and written repair plans for insurers (TWIA eligible where applicable). Result: safer access and extended service life at a fraction of full replacement cost.
Learn more about our Dock Repair services.
Other Services We Offer
- Dock Re-Decking
- Dock Storm Damage Repair
- Emergency Dock Repair
- Dock Sealing & Staining
- Floating Dock Construction
- Fixed Pile Dock Construction
- Custom Residential Dock Construction
- Commercial & Marina Dock Construction
- Elevated Boathouse Construction
- Covered Slip Construction
- Floating Platform Installation
- Modular Dock Installation
- Wood Dock Construction
- Composite Dock Construction
- Vinyl Dock & Bulkhead Construction
- Aluminum Dock Construction
- Concrete Dock & Seawall Construction
- Steel Sheet Piling Installation
- Boat & Jet Ski Lift Repair
- Boat Ramp Construction
- Boat Ramp Repair
- Bulkhead Repair
- Piling Repair & Replacement
- Erosion Control Solutions
- Riprap Installation
- Retaining Walls for Waterfront Properties
- Seawall Construction
- Seawall Repair
- Trex Dock Installation
- TimberTech Dock Installation
- WearDeck Dock Construction
- ShoreGuard Bulkhead Installation
- EZ Dock Installation
- Float Replacement
Why Choose Houston Docks for East Bay Marine Construction
We’ve delivered 2,000+ waterfront projects across Greater Houston and East Galveston Bay since 2009. Houston Docks combines coastal engineering know‑how with barge‑based execution to build structures that last. From Crystal Beach to Smith Point, we design for salt, wind, and surge—and we stand behind our work with clear warranties and maintenance support.
Certified Expertise That Shows on the Water
Our barge crews include NCCCO‑certified crane operators and OSHA 10/30‑trained technicians. We’re active with PDCA, the Marina Association of Texas, and the Texas Marine Industry Coalition, staying aligned with best practices for pile driving and marina construction. We’re also manufacturer‑certified for popular lift systems and floating platforms (including Wave Armor), so installations meet warranty and performance specs.
Need accessible features? We design ADA‑compliant gangways and fishing platforms with proper slopes, landings, handrails, and surface transitions per US Access Board guidance. This helps HOAs, public facilities, and private communities provide safe access while streamlining approvals.
Licensed, Insured, and Permit‑Ready
We coordinate USACE Section 10/404 applications with the Galveston District, Texas GLO structure registrations/easements (TNRC §33.115), and county/city permits in Galveston and Chambers Counties. We guide you on limits for pier length, platform size, and setbacks to keep your project compliant.
Coastal windstorm matters. Where required, we work with appointed engineers for TDI WPI‑8/WPI‑8E so you remain eligible for TWIA coverage. Considering COBRA zones? We’ll explain restrictions that affect certain Bolivar Peninsula parcels and recommend compliant alternatives.
Equipment, Materials, and Methods Built for East Galveston Bay
We operate a spud barge with crane, vibratory/impact hammers, jetting pumps, winches, and surveying gear for precise installs. For saltwater longevity, we specify EcoPile composite pilings, ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling, 316 stainless or hot‑dip galvanized fasteners, and encapsulated floats. Where surge is a concern, we recommend open‑grate decking (ThruFlow/Aqua‑Dek) to reduce uplift forces and improve light penetration over seagrass.
Existing timber piles can often be restored with SnapJacket encapsulation and grout, avoiding full replacement. For floating docks in soft bottoms, we use helical/screw anchors set and torque‑verified to hold against wind, current, and boat traffic on East Bay.
Local Knowledge from Bolivar Lighthouse to Rollover Bay
We know the micro‑conditions from Caplen and Blue Water to Sandy Shores in Crystal Beach (77650), and over to Gilchrist and High Island (77623). On the Chambers County side, we regularly build near Smith Point and Oak Island (77514), where fetch and current patterns differ from Port Bolivar. Local knowledge means we choose the right pile spacing, freeboard, and bracing for your exact site.
Case study: In July 2024, we rebuilt a 20‑ft x 100‑ft fishing pier in Crystal Beach with EcoPile pilings, ThruFlow decking, and diagonal cross‑bracing. Installed via barge and impact hammer, the project passed TDI windstorm inspection and was completed in 6 weeks, including GLO/USACE coordination.
Customer‑First Process, Clear Pricing, and Real Warranties
From the first site visit, we provide a written scope, permit path, materials list, and schedule. You’ll know exactly what’s included and when work begins. We photograph progress and maintain tidy staging areas to respect your property and neighbors.
Most structural work carries a 1‑year workmanship warranty, with manufacturer warranties honored on materials and lifts. Ask about annual dock inspections and maintenance—small adjustments and re‑fastening can add years to your structure’s life in East Bay’s salt environment.
Dock Services Across East Galveston Bay and Greater Houston
Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across the Greater Houston coast—East Bay (East Galveston Bay), Bolivar Peninsula, and the Chambers County shoreline. If you’re within a 30‑mile radius of Houston or anywhere around the bay, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood. Expect fast mobilization, accurate estimates, and reliable schedules.
Serving All Neighborhoods in East Bay
We’re on the water weekly near Crystal Beach, Port Bolivar, Gilchrist, High Island, Smith Point, and Oak Island. Common projects include fishing piers, boathouses with lifts, ADA‑friendly gangways, and ShoreGuard bulkheads, from Rollover Bay to the Intracoastal Waterway. We understand ferry staging near the Bolivar Lighthouse, local wind/surge patterns, and coastal permitting in zip codes 77650, 77623, and 77514.
Planning a pier or lift on the Bolivar Peninsula? Talk with a Dock Builder East Bay TX team that knows local rules, tides, and soil conditions—and delivers storm‑smart solutions that last.
Other locations we serve near East Bay
- Houston
- Pasadena
- Pearland
- The Woodlands
- League City
- Sugar Land
- Baytown
- Atascocita
- Conroe
- Missouri City
- Kingwood
- Spring
- Texas City
- Cypress
- Huntsville
- Channelview
- Friendswood
- Mission Bend
- Deer Park
- Lake Jackson
- Alvin
- Fresno
- Cloverleaf
- Katy
- Dickinson
- Angleton
- Cinco Ranch
- Stafford
- Bellaire
- Manvel
- La Marque
- Humble
- Pecan Grove
- South Houston
- West University Place
- New Territory
- Seabrook
- Sienna Plantation
- Santa Fe
- Richmond
- Greatwood
- Four Corners
- Tomball
- Freeport
- Webster
- Clute
- Galena Park
- Jacinto City
- Harris County
- Fort Bend County
- Montgomery County
- Brazoria County
- Galveston County
- Liberty County
- Waller County
- Chambers County
- Lake Conroe
- Lake Livingston
- Lake Houston
- Lake Anahuac
- Galveston Bay
- West Bay
- Trinity Bay
- San Leon Bayfront / Dickinson Bay
- San Jacinto River
- Trinity River
- Brazos River
- Clear Lake
- Seabrook / Kemah waterfronts
- Galveston Island & Jamaica Beach
- Bayou Vista & Tiki Island
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of Galveston/East Bay do you service?
We work across East Galveston Bay, including Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, High Island, and Chambers County communities such as Smith Point and Oak Island. We also cover nearby San Leon, Bacliff, Kemah, Clear Lake Shores, and Seabrook. If you’re within the East Bay/ICW corridor or a 30‑mile radius of Houston, we likely serve your location. We regularly mobilize a spud barge and crane to Rollover Bay and ferry‑accessible sites near the Bolivar Lighthouse.
Do you handle permits with the Texas GLO and USACE?
Yes. We coordinate USACE Section 10/404 (Galveston District) and Texas GLO structure registrations/easements under TNRC §33.115, plus county/city permits where required. We’ll outline size limits, setbacks, and typical submittals, then manage drawings, photos, and neighbor notices if needed. For windstorm compliance, we involve a TDI‑appointed engineer for WPI‑8/WPI‑8E when applicable. Our goal is to keep your project compliant and on schedule while reducing paperwork stress.
What dock and pier materials do you recommend for saltwater?
We commonly use EcoPile vinyl/composite pilings, ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling for bulkheads, and 316 stainless or hot‑dip galvanized fasteners. For decking, composite or open‑grate panels (ThruFlow/Aqua‑Dek) hold up well and reduce storm‑surge uplift. Floating docks use encapsulated flotation and aluminum frames. Where aesthetics matter, treated southern yellow pine is an option, but we’ll discuss wrapping/encapsulation to deter marine borers and extend service life in Galveston Bay conditions.
How long does dock construction take in East Bay?
After permits, typical residential docks take 2–6 weeks depending on length, water depth, access, and weather. Pile driving and framing usually occur in the first 1–2 weeks with barge mobilization; decking, lifts, and electrical follow. Larger fishing piers or boathouses may run 6–10 weeks. We share a detailed schedule, coordinate inspections (including TDI windstorm when required), and communicate weather holds or ferry constraints on the Bolivar side.
Can you install boat and jet ski lifts with my boathouse?
Absolutely. We size boat and PWC lifts to your hull weight and wind exposure, and we integrate roof structures, catwalks, and power with proper GFCI protection. We’re manufacturer‑certified on leading lift systems and can convert manual cradles to remote or solar options. Where applicable, we coordinate TDI WPI‑8 inspections so your boathouse and lift remain eligible for TWIA coverage along the Bolivar Peninsula and East Bay shorelines.
Do you repair storm or hurricane‑damaged docks?
Yes. We provide rapid assessments, temporary stabilization, and full rebuilds. Services include pile replacement, SnapJacket encapsulation, re‑framing, re‑decking with surge‑resistant open‑grate panels, and lift repairs. We document damage for insurance, prioritize safety hazards, and phase work for quick access restoration. Many East Bay clients choose upgrades—EcoPile pilings, added cross‑bracing, and helical anchors for float stability—to improve performance during future storms.
Do I need a permit to build a dock or pier on Galveston Bay?
Most projects require approvals. Expect USACE Section 10/404 authorization and Texas GLO registration or easement, plus county/city permits where applicable. Residential pier size, width, and terminal platform dimensions are limited under TNRC §33.115 and local rules. We’ll confirm your parcel’s status (including any COBRA zone constraints), prepare drawings, and manage submittals. We also schedule TDI windstorm inspections when structural elements require WPI‑8 for insurance eligibility.
Which is better for East Bay: floating or fixed docks?
It depends on water depth, bottom conditions, and fetch. Floating docks provide consistent freeboard and are good for variable tides but need solid anchoring—often helical/screw anchors with torque verification in East Bay. Fixed pile docks excel in wave‑exposed areas and can carry heavier loads and utilities. We sometimes combine both: a fixed pier with a floating platform at the end to improve boarding while maintaining strength near the shoreline.
How long do GLO/USACE permits take for a dock project?
Simple residential piers often clear in 45–90 days, while larger or environmentally sensitive projects can extend to 120–180 days. Timelines depend on submittal accuracy, agency workload, and any required environmental coordination. We front‑load surveys, drawings, and photos to avoid re‑submittals, and we keep you updated on milestones. If your site is near seagrass or sensitive habitat, we’ll discuss design tweaks that can accelerate review.
What ADA requirements apply to public fishing piers and accessible gangways on East Bay?
For public and community facilities, ADA/ABA guidelines require compliant gangway slopes (typically 1:12 max where feasible), intermediate landings on long runs, appropriate handrail heights, edge protection, and accessible clear floor spaces at fishing positions. We incorporate open‑grate or slip‑resistant surfaces and design turning areas for mobility devices. Our team references US Access Board Chapter 10 and coordinates with local reviewers to streamline approvals and deliver safe, inclusive access.