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Houston Docks

  • Thousands of satisfied customers
  • Local and family owned
  • +15 years in business
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Trusted & Hurricane‑Ready Dock Builder in Galveston County, TX

For 15+ years, Houston Docks has designed and built durable docks, piers, boathouses, and bulkheads for bayfront and canal properties. We’re local, fully insured, and trained for over‑water safety. Our crews respond fast with barge‑mounted equipment to protect your property and keep your boats moving.

From pile driving and vinyl bulkheads to boat lifts and ADA gangways, we handle permitting, engineering, and construction end‑to‑end. If you’re searching for Dock Builder Galveston County TX, we’re the team that knows the tides, soils, and windstorm requirements. Get peace of mind with code‑compliant, storm‑resilient builds. Call us today for a free on‑site estimate.

Marine Construction & Core Dock Services in Galveston County

We build and repair docks, piers, boathouses, and shoreline structures built for Gulf Coast conditions. Every project is engineered for wind, tide, and corrosion with quality materials and proven methods.

Dock Construction

We design and build fixed and floating docks for bayfront and canal homes, HOAs, and marinas. Our crews install piles with a crane‑mounted vibratory hammer and jetting pump for proper embedment, then frame with pressure‑treated CCA pine or aluminum. Decking choices include Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck, IPE, or FRP grating for high‑salinity areas. We add power pedestals, lighting, and water lines per code. Built to withstand West Bay chop and Texas City wind, our docks deliver safety and long service life.

Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Dock Repair

Storm surge, marine borers, and corrosion can compromise pilings and framing. We inspect, then replace damaged members, re‑deck, and straighten bent piles. Options include FRP pile wraps, hot‑dip galvanized hardware, and stainless fasteners to resist salt spray. For electrical safety, we test shore power with an ELCI/leakage current meter and upgrade to 2023 NEC Article 555 where needed. Emergency crews mobilize by barge to stabilize unsafe sections quickly and reduce further damage.

Learn more about our Dock Repair services.

Elevated Boathouse Construction

Protect your vessel with an elevated boathouse engineered for wind and uplift. We install batter piles, cross bracing, and hurricane tie‑downs, then frame roofs to meet TDI Windstorm standards and manage the WPI‑8 certification process. Add entertainment decks, storage, and LED lighting. Boat lift cradles are sized for your hull and braced for surge. Materials include composite decking and corrosion‑resistant metals to perform in Galveston Bay saltwater.

Learn more about our Elevated Boathouse Construction services.

Bulkhead Installation

Stop erosion with a vinyl sheet piling system (e.g., ShoreGuard) tied back to deadmen with geotextile underlayment and riprap toe protection. We set grade, drive panels, and pour concrete caps for a clean finish. For high‑energy shorelines, we combine riprap armoring with living shoreline elements where appropriate. Our team handles GLO coastal leases/registrations and USACE Galveston District permits through the RRS portal, coordinating inspections with the city or county floodplain office.

Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

We install and service boat and PWC lifts sized to capacity with proper pile spacing, structural bracing, and power. Systems include remote controls, auto‑stops, and aluminum bunks/cradles. Electrical work follows 2023 NEC 555 with GFCI/GFPE, bonding, and emergency disconnects installed by TDLR‑licensed electricians. We also provide surge protection and shore power pedestals for safe charging and maintenance.

Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.

Other Services We Offer

Get a Fast, No‑Obligation Dock Quote

Ready to build or repair? We offer quick site visits in Galveston County and detailed estimates within 48 hours. Tell us about your waterfront and we’ll handle the rest.

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Why Homeowners Choose Houston Docks in Galveston County

Houston Docks brings 2,500+ completed waterfront projects, heavy marine equipment, and a safety‑first culture to every job. We know the bay, canals, and codes—and we manage permitting, engineering, and inspections so you don’t have to. When you need Dock Builder Galveston County TX expertise, our team delivers durable construction, clear communication, and on‑time results.

Permitting, Compliance, and Windstorm Expertise

We navigate USACE Galveston District permits via the RRS portal, Texas General Land Office coastal leases/structure registrations, and local floodplain/building permits for Galveston, League City, Texas City, and more. Our plans address setbacks, navigation channels, and environmental compliance (CMP/401 WQC).

For roofs and structural elements, we coordinate TDI Windstorm inspections with an appointed professional engineer and secure WPI‑8 or WPI‑8E certificates. From boathouse uplift tie‑downs to ADA/ABA accessibility on fishing piers and gangways, your project is designed to pass the first time.

Safety, Insurance, and Over‑Water Procedures

Our crews are OSHA 10/30 trained with CPR/First Aid and work under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 fall protection and over‑water PFD protocols. We’re fully insured for marine operations and can provide certificates on request.

Electrical scopes meet 2023 NEC Article 555 with GFCI/GFPE, bonding, emergency shutoffs, and shore power ELCI testing. Water lines and fish cleaning stations are installed by licensed pros per TSBPE. You get code‑compliant systems that protect people and property.

Heavy Equipment, Proven Methods, and Better Materials

We mobilize a barge and workboat with crane and pile driver, plus vibratory hammer, jetting pump, mini‑excavator, and skid steer for tight canals. Piles are set to engineering depth with cross bracing or batter piles as needed. Tie‑backs use galvanized rods and deadmen anchors for long‑term performance.

Materials are selected for saltwater: ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling, composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck), IPE hardwood, FRP grating, FRP pile wraps for marine borers, HDPE floats (EZ Dock/Wave Armor), and stainless or hot‑dip galvanized fasteners. We build for durability—not just the lowest bid.

Local Knowledge and Storm‑Resilient Design

Galveston Bay, West Bay, Offatts Bayou, Dickinson Bay—each has unique wind, fetch, and soil conditions. We design for surge, wave run‑up, and corrosion, then specify riprap armoring, concrete caps, and hurricane tie‑downs where appropriate.

Our team has rebuilt after multiple storm seasons. We prioritize quick mobilization, temporary stabilization, and insurance‑friendly documentation to get your dock or bulkhead back online fast and stronger than before.

Work With a Certified Marine Builder You Can Trust

From permits to WPI‑8 windstorm and NEC 555 electrical, we handle it all. Let’s review your goals and build a storm‑ready plan today.

713-338-0787

Dock Services Across Greater Galveston County and the Houston Bay Area

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial waterfronts across Greater Houston and the Galveston Bay system. If you’re within a 25–30 mile radius of the coast or Clear Lake, we’ve likely built in your neighborhood. Local crews, fast response, and code‑compliant marine construction—done right the first time.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Galveston County

From Galveston, Texas City, League City, Dickinson, La Marque, Santa Fe, and Hitchcock to Kemah, Clear Lake Shores, Bacliff, San Leon, Bayou Vista, Tiki Island, and Jamaica Beach—we know the tides, soils, and canal rules. We routinely work around the Texas City Dike, San Luis Pass, Offatts Bayou, and along West Bay and Dickinson Bay.

Common projects include fixed piers, floating docks, vinyl bulkheads, and boat lifts. We understand windstorm requirements, floodplain elevations, and corrosion challenges on the Gulf. When you need reliable dock services in Galveston County, we’re the local team you can trust.

Other locations we serve near Galveston County

Yes—We Serve Your Waterfront

Our local crews work across Galveston County and Greater Houston with fast mobilization by barge. Check availability and get your free estimate now.

713-338-0787

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for dock and marine construction in Galveston?
Yes. Most projects require USACE Galveston District authorization (via the RRS portal) and Texas General Land Office coastal leases or structure registration. Cities and the County may also require building and floodplain permits. We prepare drawings, handle submittals, coordinate inspections, and comply with environmental conditions (CMP/401 WQC). For smaller residential piers under specific lengths and scopes, we’ll advise whether a GLO registration versus a lease applies and manage the process.
What materials are best for coastal marine construction?
For saltwater durability, we recommend composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck), IPE/tropical hardwoods, or FRP grating. Structural members use pressure‑treated southern yellow pine (CCA) or aluminum. Fasteners should be stainless or hot‑dip galvanized. For shoreline protection, ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling with geotextile and riprap armor performs well. We often add FRP pile wraps for marine borer protection and concrete caps where wave energy is higher, such as West Bay exposures.
What’s the difference between floating and fixed docks?
Fixed docks are pile‑supported and stay at one elevation—ideal for stable water levels and wave energy. Floating docks rise and fall with tides and are great for canals or variable water, using HDPE floats and helical or pile‑guided systems. In Galveston County canals, floating platforms add accessibility for kayaks and PWCs. We’ll evaluate fetch, depth, and soil to recommend the best option, including hybrid solutions with ADA‑compliant gangways.
Do boathouse roofs require windstorm certification (WPI‑8)?
Yes, over‑water roofs and many structural improvements along the coast need TDI Windstorm compliance. We design connections, uplift tie‑downs, and sheathing per TDI criteria and coordinate inspections with an appointed engineer to secure a WPI‑8/WPI‑8E certificate. This documentation is often required for insurance eligibility (including TWIA). If you’re rebuilding after a storm, we can assess existing conditions and outline the steps to obtain or update your certification.
What updates did the 2023 NEC make that affect residential dock shore power and emergency disconnects?
NEC 2023 Article 555 expanded GFCI/GFPE protection, bonding, and signage requirements, and clarified emergency disconnect locations for docking facilities. We install compliant power pedestals, dedicated circuits for lifts, and labeled emergency shutoffs. Our TDLR‑licensed electricians also test for leakage current with ELCI meters and recommend isolation transformers or additional protection where needed. Upgrading older systems improves safety and reduces nuisance trips around salt‑spray environments.
Are ADA‑compliant gangways required for my private residential dock in Galveston County?
Private docks typically aren’t mandated to meet public ADA/ABA standards, but many homeowners choose accessible gangways for safety and ease of use. We design low‑slope gangways with transition plates, non‑skid surfaces, and handrails, then size hinges and rollers to handle tides. For community or commercial facilities, ADA/ABA accessible routes are required—we’ll design and document slopes, landings, and clearances to meet code.
How deep should dock pilings be in Galveston Bay?
Embedment depends on soil borings, loads, and exposure. As a rule of thumb, timber piles often penetrate 10–20 feet below mudline in canal settings and deeper at exposed bayfronts. We determine length with geotechnical data, add batter piles or cross bracing for lateral resistance, and jet/drive piles with a vibratory hammer to refusal. Proper embedment resists scour, surge, and wave forces common to West Bay and San Luis Pass areas.
How much does it cost to build a dock in Texas?
Costs vary by size, exposure, materials, and features. Small residential platforms may start around $15k–$25k. Typical fixed docks with quality decking and utilities range $35k–$85k. Boathouses, large piers, or marina work can exceed $100k. Bulkheads and lifts are priced separately. We provide itemized proposals after a site visit, discuss options (composite vs wood, floating vs fixed), and help you phase work to your budget.
How can I protect my waterfront property from erosion?
We match solutions to shoreline energy and soil. Vinyl bulkheads with deadman tie‑backs are common in canals. For higher energy shorelines, we combine ShoreGuard panels with geotextile, riprap toe protection, and concrete caps. Where appropriate, living shoreline elements and oyster reef breakwaters can reduce wave energy. We also repair failing tie‑backs, add weep holes, and regrade to improve drainage. Our team handles GLO and USACE approvals for each approach.

Still Comparing Options? Let’s Talk It Through

Ask your questions, get clear pricing, and see design options—no pressure. We’ll help you choose the best path for your property and budget.

713-338-0787