Houston Docks

Thousands of satisfied customers
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+15 years in business
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Licensed & Insured Dock Builder in Harris County, TX

Need a reliable team to design, build, or repair your dock? Since 2008, we’ve helped Harris County homeowners and marinas protect their waterfronts with safe, durable structures built to code. Our ABYC-trained technicians and OSHA-focused crews handle everything from fixed piers on Lake Houston to floating docks on Clear Lake.

As your Dock Builder Harris County TX, we manage permitting, engineering, and materials selection for long service life in brackish and freshwater. Expect responsive communication, clear pricing, and permit-ready plans. Tell us about your pier, boathouse, or lift goals—request a free on-site estimate today.

Marine Construction & Dock Services in Harris County

We build, repair, and upgrade residential and commercial waterfronts across Greater Houston with a focus on longevity, safety, and code compliance. Our crews use proven materials and equipment to deliver strong, storm-ready docks and shorelines.

Dock Construction

Whether you’re comparing stationary vs floating docks on Lake Houston or need a robust pier on Clear Lake, we tailor foundations, decking, and connections to local water levels, wind, and wave action. We install timber or steel pipe piles with a pile driver and vibratory hammer, set elevations to or above BFE, and use HDPE-encapsulated floats for stability. Hardware is hot-dip galvanized or 316 stainless for corrosion resistance. Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Custom Dock Design

Bring your vision to life with permit-ready drawings, CAD layouts, and bathymetry-informed planning. We design ADA-compliant gangways, low-freeboard fishing platforms, kayak launches, and community docks. Expect clear tie-ins to bulkheads, proper utilities stubs, and storm-resilient connection details. We prepare submittals for City of Houston Lake Houston permits, USACE/GLO (as applicable), and local municipalities. Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.

Dock Repair

From pile damage after a storm to soft or slippery decking, we restore safety and function fast. Services include re-decking (composite/PVC or pressure-treated SYP), pile wrap and sleeves, cross-bracing, fender systems, and float replacement. We also handle electrical upgrades to NEC 555 and NFPA 303 for older docks. Rapid response is available for emergency dock repair across Harris County. Learn more about our Dock Repair services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

Protect your vessel with correctly sized lifts and clean, code-compliant power. We install cradle, elevator, and PWC lifts with aluminum beams, stainless hardware, and balanced cable routing. Brands and components are specified to boat weight and local conditions. We include GFCI/ELCI protection, lighting, and safe cable management per NEC 555. Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.

Bulkhead Installation

Stop erosion and protect your dock investment with engineered shorelines. We install vinyl sheet piling (e.g., ShoreGuard), helical tiebacks, concrete caps, and riprap scour protection. Our designs integrate bulkhead-to-dock transitions, gangways, and drainage to reduce uplift and undermining during storms. We also handle permitting for shoreline work in Harris County and nearby jurisdictions. Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.

Other Services We Offer

Why Choose Houston Docks for Dock Services in Harris County, TX

For over 15 years, Houston Docks has built safe, code-compliant docks, piers, and boathouses across Lake Houston, Clear Lake, and the Ship Channel. We combine local permitting know-how with proven engineering and careful craftsmanship. As a leading Dock Builder Harris County TX, we design to site conditions, follow electrical and safety standards, and stand behind our work with clear warranties and responsive service.

Certified Marine Expertise

Electrical work on docks is specialized. Our team includes ABYC Certified Marine Electrical Technicians to plan power distribution, lighting, and ELCI/GFCI protection that meet NEC Article 555 and NFPA 303. For underwater tasks, we use ADCI-credentialed divers for inspections, anode placement, and anchor verification.

Every crew follows OSHA 29 CFR 1926.603 and 1926.605 protocols. When crane lifts are required, an NCCCO-certified operator manages picks from our work barge. We’re active with the Marina Association of Texas and BTAT, staying current with materials, connection details, and marina best practices.

Permitting & Compliance, Handled

We prepare permit-ready drawings and submit to the City of Houston for Lake Houston stationary/floating pier permits, the Annual Pier License, and bulkhead approvals. We help you understand when Shoreline or Vessel licenses apply. On Clear Lake and Galveston Bay waterfronts, we coordinate USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 and Texas GLO residential registrations or easements.

Projects in Special Flood Hazard Areas receive elevations set to or above BFE per Harris County Floodplain Management Regulations. Larger sites needing the TCEQ TXR150000 Construction General Permit are scheduled with SWPPP measures documented. You get status updates at each milestone.

Built for Gulf Coast Conditions

We specify pressure-treated SYP marine lumber, composite/PVC decking, or hardwoods where appropriate. Structural elements include timber or steel pipe piles, FRP options in brackish zones, and cross-bracing with hurricane tie-downs. Hardware is 316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance.

For floating systems, we use encapsulated foam floats and aluminum gangways with ADA-compliant slopes. Shorelines integrate vinyl sheet piling, helical tiebacks, and riprap to limit scour. Cathodic protection and pile sleeves extend service life, and Galvalume roofing protects boathouses from salt spray.

Safety, Insurance & Warranty

We carry active general liability and workers’ compensation, and we can provide COIs on request—essential for marinas and HOAs. Our electrical upgrades add ELCI main protection (30 mA), GFCI receptacles, bonding, and labeling to reduce stray current and shock risks.

You receive documented torque values, fastener schedules, and as-builts upon completion. We include workmanship warranties and outline maintenance intervals so your dock, lift, and bulkhead continue to perform season after season.

Right Tools, Right Results

Our work barge with crane, pile driver, vibratory hammer, jetting pumps, and compact excavators minimizes downtime. Laser/GPS layout and bathymetry sonar help set lines, elevations, and embedment depths accurately. Impact drivers, torque tools, welding gear, and electrical testing meters round out our kit for dependable results.

From emergency dock repair after hurricanes to full marina builds with T-heads, we scale crews and equipment to meet your timeline without compromising quality.

Marine & Dock Services Across Greater Houston

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across the Greater Houston waterfronts—from Clear Lake and Galveston Bay to Lake Houston and the San Jacinto River. If you’re within 30 miles of Houston, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood and can mobilize quickly for inspections, estimates, and repairs.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Harris County

We’re local to Harris County and understand shoreline conditions from Clear Lake City (77058, 77059, 77062) and South Belt/Ellington (77034, 77075) to East Houston/Channelview (77015, 77049, 77530) and the Lake Houston area (77044, 77336, 77346, 77345, 77339, 77338, 77396). Landmarks like Sylvan Beach Park, the Fred Hartman Bridge, Bayport, and Armand Bayou Nature Center shape wind and wave exposure—and our designs reflect that.

Whether you need a floating system in Seabrook/El Lago/Taylor Lake Village (77586) or a reinforced fixed pier in Baytown, our team is ready. When you need a Dock Builder Harris County TX, we bring fast permitting support, durable materials, and dependable scheduling.

Other locations we serve near Harris County

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to build a dock in Texas?

Yes. Permits vary by waterbody and jurisdiction. In Harris County, Lake Houston projects typically require a City of Houston stationary/floating pier permit and an Annual Pier License. Coastal areas like Clear Lake/Galveston Bay may need USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 and Texas GLO registration or easement. Municipal building permits (e.g., Seabrook, La Porte, Pasadena) may also apply. We prepare permit-ready drawings and submit on your behalf.

Can I build a dock on Lake Houston and what licenses are required?

For Lake Houston, the City issues a stationary/floating pier construction permit and an Annual Pier License. Separate Shoreline and Vessel licenses cover items like boathouses, lifts, or moored vessels. We’ll verify your site’s requirements, handle submittals, and set elevations to or above BFE per Harris County Floodplain rules. Expect typical municipal review times of 2–6 weeks after a complete application.

Which is better for Clear Lake: a floating dock or a fixed pier?

Floating docks adapt to water-level changes and work well for kayaks, PWCs, and mixed tidal conditions in Clear Lake. Fixed piers feel solid underfoot and suit heavier loads, fish-cleaning stations, and longer service runs. We evaluate wind fetch, boat wake, and bottom conditions to recommend the best option or hybrid designs with aluminum gangways and encapsulated floats.

What electrical code applies to docks and marinas in Texas?

Dock electrical upgrades follow NEC Article 555 and NFPA 303. We add ELCI main protection (30 mA), GFCI receptacles, proper bonding/grounding, labeling, and in-use covers. Our ABYC-certified technicians test with calibrated meters and deliver a labeled panel schedule. Where required, a Texas-licensed electrician pulls permits and completes final inspections.

How high should my dock be above water and flood elevations?

We set deck elevations based on typical water levels plus freeboard, and we meet or exceed Base Flood Elevation (BFE) where SFHA rules apply. On Lake Houston and the San Jacinto River, that often means adding elevation, cross-bracing, hurricane ties, and scour mitigation. We provide site-specific recommendations in your design package.

How much does it cost to build a boat dock near Houston?

Costs vary with access, water depth, pilings, decking, and utilities. As a planning range, residential docks commonly start in the mid–five figures, while larger piers, boathouses, and lifts run higher. Composite/PVC decking, stainless hardware, and electrical service add to budgets. We provide fixed, line-item estimates after a site visit.

Do I need USACE or GLO approval for a pier on Galveston Bay?

Often, yes. Many Galveston Bay projects require USACE Galveston District authorization (Section 10/404 or RGPs) and Texas GLO residential registration or an easement for coastal public lands. We map jurisdiction lines, prepare drawings, and coordinate agency reviews to keep your project compliant and on schedule.

What storm-hardening upgrades offer the best ROI in Harris County?

Top upgrades include pile sleeves and wrap, cross-bracing, hurricane tie-downs, 316 stainless fasteners, cathodic protection, and riprap at bulkhead transitions. For floating systems, larger encapsulated floats and stronger hinge/roller hardware improve resilience. We can also raise deck elevations and add helical anchors for boathouses exposed to wind and surge.

Do you offer maintenance plans and warranties?

Yes. We offer annual or biannual inspections covering piles, fasteners, decking, floats, lifts, and electrical systems. You’ll receive a written report with photos and recommendations. Our projects include a workmanship warranty, and we can schedule periodic sealing, anode replacement, and hardware torque checks to extend service life.

What’s the typical timeline for storm damage repair and insurance claims?

Emergency make-safe steps often occur within days. Full rebuilds depend on permitting and material lead times—generally 2–8 weeks for municipal permits, longer if USACE/GLO approvals are required. We document damage, scope, and pricing for your insurer and coordinate adjuster meetings to expedite approvals.