Houston Docks

Thousands of satisfied customers
Local and family owned
+15 years in business
Licensed and insured
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Trusted Dock Builder in Galveston Bay, TX

Since 2009, Houston Docks has built, repaired, and maintained coastal-safe docks, piers, and boathouses across Galveston County. We’re local, fully insured, and known for code-compliant work that stands up to storms and salt. Our crews handle permitting, pile driving, and marine electrical in-house for a smooth experience.

Whether you need a new fishing pier, floating dock, bulkhead, or lift, we design for tides, wake, and wind. Looking for a Dock Builder Galveston Bay TX you can trust? We’ll help you choose materials like Trex/TimberTech decking and 2.5 CCA pilings for long life. Call us today for a free estimate and fast site visit.

Marine Construction & Dock Building Services in Galveston Bay

We focus on durable dock, pier, and shoreline solutions that perform in coastal conditions. Every build meets Texas wind and electrical standards, and we stand behind our work with clear warranties.

Dock Construction

Get a custom pier that handles tides, wake, and corrosion. We design pile-supported structures with 2.5 CCA marine-grade pilings, cross-bracing, and 316 stainless fasteners. Our crews use a barge with crane and diesel pile hammer to drive piles to refusal, not just “set” them. Choose composite decking like Trex or TimberTech for low maintenance and hidden-fastener layouts. We handle USACE/GLO permits and floodplain approvals, then build to plan. The result: a stable, long-lasting dock that adds value and access to your waterfront. Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Floating Dock Construction

Need versatility in fluctuating water? We install floating systems with HDPE/foam-filled modules and helical or pile-guided anchors for stability. Ideal for Clear Lake coves, canals, and community marinas. We design gangway slopes that meet ADA where applicable, integrate Wave Armor-style modules, and add shore power/lighting per NEC 555. Our team evaluates wind fetch and wave energy, then selects the right mooring method and freeboard. You get a safe, quiet platform that’s easy to use and maintain. Learn more about our Floating Dock Construction services.

Elevated Boathouse Construction

Protect your vessel with a windstorm-ready boathouse and covered slip. We engineer roof loads and uplift restraint, specify Galvalume roofing, and, when required, assist with TDI Windstorm (WPI-8/WPI-8E) paperwork for insurability. Options include walk-around decks, fish-cleaning stations, and integrated lighting. Pair with a boat or PWC lift sized to capacity and hull type. Built with pressure-treated framing, proper knee braces, and corrosion-resistant hardware, your boathouse will look great and last. Learn more about our Elevated Boathouse Construction services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

Lift systems prevent fouling and storm damage. We install aluminum cradle lifts, beamless lifts for wider slips, and PWC ports with remote controls. Every system is set on true centerlines, with piles aligned and braced to handle torque under load. Electrical is installed by a TDLR-licensed contractor to NEC Article 555 with GFCI protection and proper bonding. We’ll size motors and bunks for your boat’s weight and draft and can retrofit lifts to existing piers after structural evaluation. Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.

Bulkhead Installation

Stop erosion and protect your property line with a new bulkhead or seawall. We install vinyl sheet piling (e.g., Truline/Atlantis), concrete or steel options, whalers, tie-backs, and proper weep/drainage. In wave-prone areas we add riprap for energy dissipation. Our crew uses vibratory hammers and jetting pumps for accurate panel seating, then caps and finishes for a clean look. We also repair failing walls and replace tie-rods/caps. Done right, bulkheads stabilize yards and extend dock life. Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.

Other Services We Offer

Why Choose Houston Docks for Dock Building in Galveston Bay, TX

We’ve delivered 1,500+ waterfront projects across the Bay, Clear Lake, and the Houston Ship Channel since 2009. Houston Docks combines marine engineering, pile driving, and electrical expertise under one roof, so your project moves quickly and passes inspections the first time. If you’re comparing a Dock Builder Galveston Bay TX, our team’s permitting know-how, safety culture, and coastal-grade materials set us apart.

Permitting & Compliance, Handled for You

Successful waterfront work starts with approvals. We navigate Texas GLO structure registrations/leases and coordinate USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 permits, using the correct regional/general permits for pile-supported piers. We also manage Galveston County and City floodplain requirements and, where applicable, beachfront/dune reviews.

For marinas and powered docks, we design shore power and lighting to NEC Article 555, including GFCI protection, bonding, signage, and electrical datum plane rules. Our electrical is installed by a TDLR-licensed contractor with ABYC-informed best practices. Need windstorm paperwork? We’ll advise on when TDI WPI-8/WPI-8E applies to boathouses and roofed structures.

Engineered Materials Built for the Texas Coast

Salt, sun, and surge are unforgiving. We specify 2.5 CCA marine-grade wood pilings or FRP/steel/concrete piles when conditions demand it. Decking options include composite/PVC from Trex, TimberTech, and WearDeck for low maintenance. We use 316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized hardware, through-bolting critical connections and adding knee braces and cross-bracing for lateral strength.

Bulkheads and seawalls can include vinyl sheet piling systems, reinforced caps, and riprap for wave attenuation. For floating docks, we use foam-filled HDPE modules and stainless guides. Every choice targets longer service life, less upkeep, and better performance in West Bay chop or East Bay fetch.

Right Equipment, Right Methods

Our barge-mounted crane, vibratory and impact pile hammers, jetting pumps, and GPS/laser levels let us build true and fast. We drive piles to engineered embedment, not just depth on paper, confirming bearing capacity in the field. In sandy bay bottoms we combine jetting and driving; in harder layers we switch to diesel or pneumatic impact methods.

When access is tight, we stage with capstans and winches, use auger rigs for ramps, and deploy divers for underwater checks. The result is a straighter, stronger structure with less rework and downtime.

Safety, Insurance, and Professional Standards

We maintain OSHA 10/30-hour training, jobsite toolbox talks, and documented lift/electrical lockout procedures. Our coverage includes general liability and marine-specific endorsements. We align with ABYC standards on marina interfaces and follow NEC 555 for docks and boatyards.

As participants in the PDCA Texas Chapter and the Marina Association of Texas community, we stay current with piling and marina best practices. Ask about our written workmanship warranty and manufacturer-backed material warranties.

Local Expertise & Responsive Service

We know the nuances of Galveston, Tiki Island, Jamaica Beach, Kemah, Seabrook, San Leon, and Bacliff—from canal silting and boat traffic wake to oyster shell beds and wind exposure. We provide practical advice on fixed vs. floating designs, dredging needs, and lift sizing based on your slip and vessel.

Storm season? We prioritize damage assessments, provide temporary shoring, and fast-track rebuilds. You’ll have a single point of contact and clear updates from permit through punch list.

Dock Builder Services Across the Galveston Bay Area

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston and the entire Galveston Bay system. If you’re within a 30-mile radius of Houston or along West Bay, East Bay, Trinity Bay, or Clear Lake, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood. Count on fast scheduling and dependable communication.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Galveston Bay

From Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach to Tiki Island, Jamaica Beach, Kemah, Seabrook, San Leon, Bacliff, League City, and Texas City—we build where you boat. We understand local ordinances, tidal swings, and how wind and wake affect dock layout and materials.

Common ZIPs include 77550, 77551, 77554, 77563, 77568, 77590, 77591, 77573, 77539, 77518, 77565, 77586, 77058, 77571, 77523, and 77650. When you need reliable dock services or a dock builder Galveston Bay TX residents recommend, we’re ready to help.

Other locations we serve near Galveston Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock in Galveston Bay?

Yes. Most residential piers require Texas GLO authorization (lease/easement or structure registration) and a USACE Galveston District permit under Section 10/404. Local floodplain permits may also apply, and some areas require beachfront/dune reviews. We confirm the correct general/regional permit, prepare drawings, and coordinate submittals. Our team sequences GLO with USACE to reduce delays and keeps you updated until approvals are issued.

Who issues dock permits in Texas—USACE or the Texas General Land Office?

Both can be involved. The GLO governs coastal public lands, leases/easements, and structure registrations. The USACE handles navigable waters impacts under the Rivers and Harbors Act and Clean Water Act. Many Galveston Bay projects need authorization from each agency plus county/city permits. We identify which apply to your parcel, then manage the process end-to-end.

Is a floating dock or fixed pier better for Galveston Bay conditions?

It depends on exposure and water depth. Fixed piers with driven piles excel in open-bay wave energy and heavy boat traffic. Floating docks shine in canals and protected coves with water-level variation. We evaluate fetch, depth, bottom composition, and intended use to recommend the best option, including pile-guided float systems when a hybrid approach fits.

What’s the best decking material for saltwater docks?

Composite/PVC boards like Trex, TimberTech, or WearDeck perform well in salt and sun with minimal upkeep. We pair them with 316 stainless fasteners and hidden-fastener layouts to reduce corrosion points. For traditional aesthetics, select dense hardwoods with proper oiling. We’ll weigh heat, traction, budget, and color to specify a surface that looks good and lasts.

How long does dock construction take from permit to completion?

Typical timelines run 8–16 weeks: 4–10 weeks for GLO/USACE/local approvals (varies by scope and season) and 2–4 weeks for construction once materials are on site. After a site visit, we provide a realistic schedule, order long-lead items early, and coordinate inspections so you can plan with confidence.

Do boathouses require windstorm certification (WPI‑8) for insurance?

Often, yes. Many insurers require a TDI Windstorm (WPI‑8/WPI‑8E) for roofed coastal structures like boathouses. We design uplift restraint, connections, and sheathing details to meet wind requirements and coordinate with an engineer/inspector when certification is desired. Ask us during design so we can plan the paperwork from the start.

What electrical code applies to docks and marinas in Texas?

NEC Article 555 applies to docking facilities with power. It addresses GFCI protection, equipment bonding, signage, and the electrical datum plane to reduce electric shock drowning risk. Our TDLR-licensed electrician designs and installs shore power and lighting to NEC 555 and ABYC best practices for safe, reliable systems.

How deep should dock pilings be in Galveston Bay?

Embedment depends on soils, loads, and exposure. We typically drive piles to refusal or an engineered embedment—often 10–20 feet into bearing strata for residential piers, deeper in exposed locations. Our barge, vibratory and impact hammers, and jetting ensure piles seat straight with adequate capacity against lateral and uplift forces.

Can you add a boat lift to an existing pier?

Usually. We inspect pile size, spacing, and bracing to verify capacity and alignment. If needed, we add or replace piles, cross-bracing, and caps, then install a properly sized lift with NEC 555-compliant power. Many clients in Kemah, Seabrook, and Clear Lake upgrade their existing piers this way.

What are typical dock costs in the Houston/Galveston area?

Costs vary by type, span, and exposure. As a general range, residential fixed piers often run $180–$350 per square foot; floating docks can range $160–$300 per square foot, with lifts, electrical, and bulkheads priced separately. After a site visit, we provide a line-item estimate with materials and permitting clearly broken out.