Houston Docks
- Thousands of satisfied customers
- Local and family owned
- +15 years in business
- Licensed and insured
- Always FREE Quotes
Licensed & Insured Fixed Pile Dock Construction in Houston, TX
Waterfronts here see wind, waves, and water level swings. If you need a stable, long‑lasting pier for boats, fishing, or everyday access, we build fixed pile docks designed for Houston conditions. Our pile‑driven foundations, engineered framing, and hurricane‑ready connections protect your investment and your shoreline.
With 15+ years on local lakes, rivers, and bays, we know permitting, soils, and tides from Lake Houston to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. Our NCCCO‑operated barge crews handle everything—design, permits, pile driving, decking, power, and lifts. Ready to start? Contact us for a free estimate for Fixed Pile Dock Construction Houston TX and a site visit this week.
Why Our Fixed Pile Docks Deliver Strength, Safety, and Lasting Value
You want a dock that stands firm through storms, supports your day‑to‑day use, and looks great for years. Hiring professionals for fixed pile dock construction is the smart way to avoid costly mistakes and code issues. We engineer every element—piles, framing, decking, and connections—to your site. With Fixed Pile Dock Construction Houston TX, you get a dock built to the water, wind, and soil conditions you actually have.
Safety & Risk Elimination
Your family, boats, and shoreline come first. We drive piles using a barge‑mounted crane with vibratory and impact hammers to meet set criteria, then lock in stability with batter piles and cross‑bracing where needed. Through‑bolting and hurricane ties reduce uplift and racking under ASCE 7 coastal wind loads.
We protect the environment and your permit compliance with turbidity curtains, SWPPP practices, and USCG‑marked work barges. Every crew follows OSHA 1926 marine standards with daily JSA meetings and fall‑protection protocols. The result is a dock—and jobsite—that’s safe, compliant, and built right.
Professional Results & Quality
Materials matter on the water. We specify AWPA‑rated CCA‑treated southern yellow pine pilings (.60 pcf freshwater, .80–2.5 pcf for brackish/salt), greenheart or FRP composite piles where marine borers are active, and galvanized or 316 stainless fasteners to fight corrosion. Decking choices include Trex, TimberTech, and PVC (Azek), or ipe for premium longevity.
Framing is sized for live loads, boat lift reactions, and wave energy. Pile wraps and caps reduce rot. Fendering and rub rails protect hulls. Built to ASTM D25 and USACE best practices, your dock performs season after season with less maintenance.
Time & Stress Savings
Permits and agencies can be complex. We handle City of Houston Lake Houston pier permits, USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 or RGP filings, Texas GLO coastal easements, floodplain permits, and HOA approvals—start to finish. You get one point of contact and clear timelines.
Our spud barge, jack‑up barge access, and pushboat mobilize quickly. With in‑house design, permit expediting, and dedicated crews, we compress schedules without cutting corners—so you’re using your dock sooner.
Cost‑Effective Solution
Doing it right costs less over the life of the dock. Proper pile embedment, encapsulation, and corrosion protection prevent early failure. Smart decking selections reduce heat and UV damage. We value‑engineer details—from pile spacing to joist spans—to meet code and stretch your budget.
We provide clear line‑item estimates, alternatives (composite vs hardwood), and lifecycle costs. Avoid change orders and rework with a contractor who builds it right the first time.
Peace of Mind & Warranty
We’re fully insured for marine construction and operate with OSHA‑trained crews and NCCCO‑certified crane operators. You’ll receive documentation, inspections, and as‑built notes upon completion. Our workmanship warranty is written, and decking manufacturers back their materials with long‑term coverage.
If storms strike, we respond. From emergency shoring to insurance documentation, we stand behind our work and help you protect it year after year.
How Our Fixed Pile Dock Construction Process Works
We make the process straightforward and transparent. From the first call to your first tie‑up, you’ll know exactly what’s next and who’s handling it.
- On‑Site Consultation – We visit your property, review water depths, soils, access, goals, and budget, then discuss layout and materials.
- Design & Proposal – We draft a plan with pile layout, framing, decking, and accessories. You’ll get a detailed proposal with timelines.
- Permitting & Approvals – We manage City of Houston/Lake Houston pier permits, USACE/GLO filings, floodplain reviews, and HOA approvals.
- Pile Driving & Build – Our spud barge sets up, piles are jetted and driven to set, framing and decking go in, lifts and power are roughed‑in.
- Final Walkthrough – We inspect, test lifts and lighting, provide maintenance tips, and deliver your warranty and as‑builts.
Why Choose Houston Docks for Fixed Pile Dock Construction in Houston
Houston Docks is a local, family‑owned marine contractor with 15+ years of projects on Lake Houston, Clear Lake, the San Jacinto River, and Galveston Bay. We combine engineering‑driven design with barge‑based pile driving to deliver durable, code‑compliant docks. When you want Fixed Pile Dock Construction Houston TX done right, our certified crews, proven methods, and warranty support make the difference.
Certified Marine Construction Team
Your project is run by experienced superintendents and NCCCO‑certified crane operators. Our teams maintain OSHA 10/30, TWIC, First Aid/CPR, SWPPP training, and USCG merchant mariner credentials for workboat operations. That means safer lifts, precise pile placement, and professional execution.
We stay current through PDCA and the Marina Association of Texas, applying best practices for pile driving set criteria, load transfer, and dock framing. When conditions demand, we coordinate geotechnical soil borings and bathymetric depth soundings to design with data, not guesswork.
Licensed, Insured, and Permit‑Ready
We manage City of Houston stationary/floating pier permits on Lake Houston, annual pier licenses, Floodplain Development Permits, USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 or RGPs, and Texas GLO coastal easements or leases. If your site has HOA or POA reviews, we package submittals that get approvals moving.
Our safety plans align with OSHA 1926, USCG work barge marking, EPA/TCEQ SWPPP controls, and FEMA floodplain rules. You’ll receive permit numbers, inspection reports, and final close‑out documents for your records.
Right Equipment for Every Waterbody
We own and operate spud and jack‑up barges, a barge‑mounted crane, vibratory and impact hammers, jetting pumps, and pushboats for tight canals. Where access is limited, we mobilize a silent press‑in driver or compact rigs to protect neighboring bulkheads and marsh edges.
From core drilling to portable welders and generators, we bring what’s needed for precision and speed. Turbidity curtains, anchors, and helical tie‑backs keep the job clean and the shoreline stable.
Materials That Last in Fresh and Brackish Water
We specify AWPA retention levels by environment: .60 pcf for freshwater (Lake Houston), .80–2.5 pcf for brackish/salt (Clear Lake, Trinity Bay), with options for greenheart, FRP, steel (with coatings and cathodic protection), or precast concrete piles. Framing uses pressure‑treated caps, stringers, and joists with galvanized/316 stainless fasteners.
Decking choices balance heat, traction, and maintenance: composite (Trex, TimberTech), PVC (Azek), or ipe/Brazilian hardwoods. We add pile wraps, pile caps, fenders, and rub rails for durability and boat protection.
Customer‑First Warranties and Service
We stand behind our work with written workmanship warranties and manufacturer coverage on decking and lifts. Need a boat lift, boathouse, or gangway later? We design for future add‑ons, including ADA‑compliant access where required.
If storms hit, our emergency dock repair crews stabilize, document, and rebuild. We assist with insurance claims, providing estimates, photos, and scope narratives that carriers understand.
Fixed Pile Dock Projects Backed by Local Experience
We’ve completed residential and commercial fixed pile docks across the Greater Houston area, including Lake Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood, Clear Lake, Kemah, Seabrook, Baytown, and Galveston Bay. Our portfolio covers single‑family piers with lifts, community access docks, and municipal fishing piers. For Fixed Pile Dock Construction Houston TX, we tailor pile types, framing, and decking to water depth, soil, wind, and wave exposure.
Types of Fixed Dock Projects We Handle
Residential: single‑family piers with covered slips, boat/jet ski lifts, lighting, and power. Community/HOA: day slips, finger piers, kayak launches, and ADA access. Commercial: marinas, fuel docks, and boardwalks with electrical rough‑in and fire‑rescue access.
We also build bulkhead plus dock combinations, roofed boathouses, and public fishing piers. Recent examples include a 100‑ft pier with a 10,000‑lb lift in 77346 (2024) and a community day‑dock upgrade in 77586 (2023).
Our Proven Methods & Standards
We establish pile layouts from site conditions and load requirements, then jet and drive piles to set. Framing uses caps, stringers, and joists sized for loads and spans. Cross‑bracing and hurricane ties resist uplift and lateral forces.
We implement SWPPP controls, turbidity curtains, and USACE best practices to protect water quality. ADA ramp slope design follows 1:12 where required, with landings and handrails for access compliance.
Complex Conditions We’ve Mastered
Soft mud or deep silt? We increase embedment and switch to larger or alternative pile materials (FRP, steel with coatings, or greenheart). High fetch and wave energy? We add batter piles, reduce spacing, and use heavier framing and connections.
Tight canals and shallow drafts call for small‑footprint barges, pushboats, or jack‑ups. In brackish environments, we add pile encapsulation and cathodic protection for steel.
Results You Can Expect
Stiff, quiet decks underfoot, reliable tie‑ups, protected hulls, and clean finishes. Typical small residential builds run 3–6 weeks after permits; larger community or marina projects vary by scope. We deliver as‑builts, maintenance plans, and warranties at close‑out.
Service areas include 77044, 77058, and 77586, plus Trinity Bay, San Leon, and the San Jacinto River. Ask about ADA‑accessible upgrades and future‑ready wiring for lifts and lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits do I need for a pier on Lake Houston?
Most projects require a City of Houston stationary/floating pier construction permit and, for Lake Houston, an annual pier license. Depending on scope, you may also need a Floodplain Development Permit. If the project involves navigable waters, USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 or an RGP can apply. HOAs often require architectural approval. We handle applications, drawings, and agency coordination, then post permit tags and schedule inspections to keep your build compliant.
How long does fixed pile dock construction take?
After approvals, typical residential docks take 3–6 weeks of on‑water work, depending on size, depth, access, and weather. The permitting phase varies: City reviews can take 2–6 weeks, while USACE/GLO timelines range from 30–120 days based on scope and seasonal workload. We’ll give you a realistic schedule at proposal, then update you weekly as permits progress and the barge mobilizes to your site.
How much does it cost to build a fixed dock in Houston?
Budgets vary by length, width, water depth, and materials. As a planning range, many fixed docks land between $110–$240 per square foot. Higher exposure, deeper piles, and premium decking increase cost. Add‑ons like a 7,000–13,000 lb boat lift typically add $12k–$28k. We provide line‑item proposals with options (composite, PVC, or hardwood decking) and explain lifecycle costs so you can choose what fits your goals and budget.
Is a fixed dock better than a floating dock in Texas?
Each fits a use‑case. Fixed docks feel solid, simplify lifts and utilities, and perform well where water level changes are moderate. They’re preferred on many Houston‑area shorelines and for boat lifts. Floating docks adjust to large level swings and can be ideal for certain canals or marinas. We compare wave exposure, fetch, tides, and access needs at your site and recommend the best option for your conditions.
How deep should dock pilings be for Galveston Bay or Clear Lake?
Embedment depends on soils, loads, and exposure. We jet and drive to a “set” verified by hammer energy and blow counts, often reaching 10–25 feet below mudline in typical conditions. High‑exposure sites may require deeper embedment or larger piles. When needed, we coordinate geotechnical borings to confirm bearing layers and design for lateral resistance under wave and wind loads.
What wood treatment is best for brackish or salt water?
We follow AWPA standards: .60 pcf CCA‑treated SYP is common in freshwater (e.g., Lake Houston). For brackish/salt environments (Clear Lake, Trinity Bay, Galveston Bay), we recommend .80–2.5 pcf, or alternate materials such as greenheart hardwood, FRP composite, steel piles with coatings and cathodic protection, or precast concrete. Pile wraps and caps further extend service life by reducing abrasion and decay at the waterline.
Can I add a boat lift to a fixed pile dock?
Yes. Fixed docks are ideal for cradle systems and platform lifts. We design piles, caps, and stringers for lift loads and select aluminum lifts sized to your hull and water depth. Typical systems range from 6,000 to 20,000 lbs with GFCI‑protected power and controls. We also add rub rails, guide posts, and lighting for safer docking at night. Existing docks can be evaluated for retrofit options.
What ADA requirements apply to fixed docks and gangways?
When ADA access is required, we design gangways with a 1:12 slope (8.33%) at the design water level, with level landings, handrails, and slip‑resistant surfaces. Clear widths, edge protection, and transitions are detailed to ADA guidelines. On variable waterbodies, we coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction to set the design elevation and include adjustable connections or landing points that maintain compliant slopes through seasonal changes.
How long do USACE/GLO dock permits take in the Houston area?
Processing times vary by scope and season. Many residential projects qualify for regional general permits, which can clear in 30–90 days. Projects requiring individual permits may take 90–180 days. Texas GLO easements typically track with USACE milestones. We submit complete packages, respond quickly to comments, and keep you updated with realistic target dates throughout the review.
Do you handle hurricane damage repairs and insurance claims?
Yes. We offer emergency stabilization, debris removal, and full rebuilds. Our team documents damage with photos, measurements, and itemized scopes that carriers recognize, including pile replacement counts, decking areas, and lift repairs. We can meet adjusters on site, separate code‑required upgrades, and provide a final invoice and lien release when complete. Many restorations in 77044, 77058, and 77586 have been successfully delivered since 2017.