Houston Docks

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

At Houston Docks, we build safe, durable docks and boathouses that stand up to West Bay wind, waves, and salt. With 15+ years of marine construction, full insurance, and OSHA-trained crews, we handle permits, design, and build from start to finish.

We solve issues like failing bulkheads, storm damage, and aging pilings with engineered solutions and corrosion-resistant materials. Searching for Dock Builder Galveston Island & Jamaica Beach TX? You’re in the right place. Let’s plan your project and keep you on the water—fast estimates, clear timelines.

Call us today for a free on-site evaluation and written proposal.

Dock Building & Marine Construction Services on Galveston Island

We focus on custom waterfront construction—docks, boathouses, lifts, and shoreline protection—built for Gulf Coast conditions. Every project includes proper permitting, saltwater-grade materials, and safety-first practices.

Custom Dock Design

Your dock should fit your water depth, canal width, and boat. We design for West Bay exposure, current, and elevation requirements, using laser levels and soil borings to inform piling layout. Expect smart details like stainless hardware, hurricane ties, and ADA-accessible gangways when needed. We specify Trex, TimberTech, or marine-grade pine based on budget and maintenance goals. Our in-house permit team coordinates City, GLO, USACE, and JBIC approvals to streamline timelines and prevent setbacks.

Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.

Dock Construction

We build both floating and fixed docks to handle tides, boat wakes, and storms. Pilings are driven with diesel/hydraulic pile drivers and vibratory hammers from a spud barge for proper embedment. Decking options include composite (Trex/AZEK) and marine-treated pine (CCA 2.5 pcf). We thru-bolt cross-bracing, add hurricane straps, and use pile sleeves/wraps to deter marine borers. Whether it’s a canal lot in Sea Isle or bayfront in Terramar, our process delivers a stable, long-lasting dock.

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Elevated Boathouse Construction

Protect your vessel with an engineered boathouse tailored to wind exposure and roof loads. We install galvanized steel beams, uplift detailing, and corrosion-resistant fasteners to thrive in salt spray. Options include covered slips, fish cleaning stations, lighting, and power pedestals. We integrate boat lifts sized for hull weight and West Bay chop. Our team manages Galveston permits and HOA/JBIC approvals to keep your schedule on track.

Learn more about our Elevated Boathouse Construction services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

From 6,000–20,000 lb boat lifts to PWC ports, we size motors, bunks, and cradles to your vessel and canal geometry. Electrical is installed to NEC Article 555 standards with GFCI protection and emergency shutoff. Stainless/gavanized components resist corrosion, and we offer remote controls and canopy options. We’re the go-to for boat lift installation Galveston TX homeowners rely on for safe, smooth operation season after season.

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

Bulkhead Installation

Stop shoreline loss and protect your lot. We install ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling, tie-backs, and geotextile underlayment with riprap to stabilize banks and canals. Our crews use barge-mounted cranes and jetting pumps to set panels straight, then cap with reinforced concrete or composite. If you need a bulkhead and seawall contractor Galveston residents trust, we deliver engineered solutions that stand up to storms and boat wake.

Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.

Other Services We Offer

Why Choose Houston Docks for Dock Building in Galveston Island & Jamaica Beach

We’re a family-owned marine contractor with 1,000+ Gulf Coast projects completed since 2009. Our OSHA-trained crews, NCCCO-certified operators, and Texas licensed electricians deliver safe, code-compliant work. From dock repair Galveston TX to full boathouse builds, we manage permits, engineering, and construction under one roof so you enjoy a smooth process and a dock that lasts.

Local Permits, Codes, and HOA Approvals—Handled

Permitting on the Island isn’t one-size-fits-all. We navigate City of Galveston permits, Texas General Land Office coastal leases/registrations, and USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 approvals. In Jamaica Beach, we coordinate the JBIC HOA approval letter and City of Jamaica Beach contractor registration (MyGov) to keep your project moving.

We plan for elevation above the electrical datum plane, setback lines, and navigation clearances. Our team prepares drawings, site plans, and material specs that align with local expectations, reducing revisions and delays.

Safety, Licensing, and Insurance You Can Trust

Your project is built under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.106 and 1926.501 safety standards with USCG-approved PFDs on the water. Crews hold OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, TWIC as needed, and our crane operators carry NCCCO. Electrical work follows NEC Article 555 with GFCI protection and emergency disconnects, and we reference NFPA 303 for boathouse fire safety.

We’re fully insured for marine operations, including barge and crane work. Where steel work applies, we utilize AWS D1.1-certified welding procedures.

Engineered Materials Built for Saltwater

We specify CCA 2.5 pcf treated southern yellow pine, stainless steel fasteners, and galvanized structural steel to combat corrosion. For low-maintenance performance, we recommend composite decking like Trex, TimberTech, or AZEK. In high-exposure areas, we add pile sleeves/wraps and cathodic protection on steel components.

Shoreline protection uses ShoreGuard vinyl sheet piling with geotextile and riprap. Floating docks feature HDPE or encapsulated foam floats, and we integrate Wave Armor modular components where modularity and serviceability matter.

Right Equipment, Faster Timelines

Our spud barge, work boats, and barge-mounted cranes let us access tight canals and shallow bays. We use diesel/hydraulic pile drivers, vibratory hammers, jetting pumps, and laser levels to set pilings straight and true. This capacity cuts downtime and helps us hit dates, even during peak season.

Example: In May 2024, we rebuilt a Sea Isle pier—48' fixed dock with a 16' x 24' boathouse and 10,000 lb lift—completed in 21 days. It later weathered 60+ mph winds without structural issues.

Customer-First Process and Warranties

You’ll get a clear scope, itemized budget, and timeline before we start. We assist with insurance documentation for storm-damaged dock repair and provide photo updates during construction. Typical workmanship warranties run 12–24 months, with manufacturer warranties honored per brand specs.

After completion, we outline maintenance schedules for hardware checks, pile wrapping, and lift service—protecting your investment over time.

Marine Construction and Dock Services Across Galveston’s West End

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston, with a strong focus on Galveston Island’s West Bay and Jamaica Beach. If you’re within 30 miles of the Island, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood. Fast mobilization, local permitting knowledge, and saltwater-ready builds are our standard.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Galveston Island & Jamaica Beach

We work throughout Jamaica Beach, Pirates Beach, Pirates Cove, Laffite’s Cove, Sea Isle, Terramar Beach, Indian Beach, Pointe West, Offatts Bayou, and near Galveston Island State Park (zip codes 77554, 77550, 77551). We understand HOA/JBIC guidelines, City ordinances, and West Bay wind/wave exposure.

Whether you need floating vs fixed guidance for West Bay, a boathouse with lift on a Jamaica Beach canal, or ADA-compliant gangways, our team knows the local water, soils, and codes. Count on us for reliable, code-compliant dock services in Galveston Island.

Other locations we serve near Galveston Island & Jamaica Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock in Jamaica Beach, TX?

Yes. Projects in Jamaica Beach typically require JBIC HOA approval, a City of Jamaica Beach building permit, and Texas GLO coastal structure registration or lease if applicable. Depending on scope and location, a USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 permit may also be required. We handle drawings, submittals, and coordination to keep the process organized and compliant.

Who approves docks on Galveston Island — City, GLO, or USACE?

Often all three. The City of Galveston issues local building permits. The Texas General Land Office manages submerged land leases/registrations. The USACE Galveston District reviews navigable water impacts under Section 10/404, typically via a Nationwide or Individual permit. We assemble a permit package and coordinate with each agency to avoid conflicting conditions.

How much does it cost to build a boat dock in Galveston?

Budgets vary by size, exposure, and materials. As a general guide, residential docks on the Island range from about $85–$160 per sq ft. Floating systems, composite decking, and boathouse structures add cost. Boat lifts typically run $6,500–$18,000+ depending on capacity and features. After a site visit, we’ll provide an itemized proposal for your lot and water conditions.

Can I install a floating dock on a Jamaica Beach canal?

Yes, floating docks work well on canals with moderate tide and wake. We use encapsulated foam or HDPE floats, aluminum gangways, and stainless hardware. We’ll check HOA/JBIC rules, canal width, and neighbor structures for clearance. In higher wave areas or shallow zones, a fixed pile dock may be a better fit. We’ll recommend the best option after a site review.

What is the best decking material for a saltwater dock on the Texas Gulf Coast?

For low maintenance, composite boards like Trex, TimberTech, or AZEK perform well against UV and salt. For value, marine-grade treated pine (CCA 2.5 pcf) is strong and cost-effective but needs periodic sealing. In high-exposure areas, we pair composites with stainless fasteners and hurricane ties to reduce movement and corrosion.

Do I need HOA/JBIC approval to add a boat lift in Jamaica Beach?

Yes. JBIC typically requires review for new lifts and boathouses to ensure canal navigation and aesthetics are preserved. You’ll also need City permit review and electrical work that meets NEC Article 555 with GFCI and an emergency disconnect. We prepare the submittal package and coordinate inspections for a smooth sign-off.

How deep should dock pilings be for West Bay conditions?

Embedment depends on soils, exposure, and pile size, but many residential canal projects target 8–12 feet of embedment with overall pile lengths of 18–30 feet. Bayfront or high-wind locations may require deeper embedment and larger diameters. We confirm with soil borings or jetting resistance and verify alignment using laser levels and cross-bracing.

What electrical code applies to docks and boat lifts in Texas?

Residential dock power must follow NEC Article 555 for marinas and docking facilities, including GFCI/ground-fault protection, an emergency shutoff within sight, and respect for the electrical datum plane. We use corrosion-resistant components, proper bonding/grounding, and a Texas licensed electrician for all installations and inspections.

Can you help with storm-damaged dock insurance claims?

Yes. We provide inspections, photos, and itemized scopes for carriers, then rebuild with storm-resilient details like hurricane straps, thru-bolting, and upgraded materials. We also assist with emergency stabilization and temporary access so you can use your waterfront while permanent repairs are scheduled.