Houston Docks

Thousands of satisfied customers
Local and family owned
+15 years in business
Licensed and insured
Always FREE Quotes

Trusted Local Dock Builder in Liberty County, TX

For 15+ years, Houston Docks has built safe, durable docks, piers, and boathouses for homes and marinas across the Trinity River, Lake Livingston, and Lake Houston. We’re family-owned, fully insured, and equipped for floodplain work, pile driving, and storm restoration. Looking for Dock Builder Liberty County TX? We handle design, permitting, construction, and repairs end-to-end—fast.

From hazardous, rotting pilings to outdated electrical, we solve the problems that put your family and boats at risk. Expect engineered structures, corrosion-resistant materials, and clean job sites backed by clear communication. Call today for a free on-site assessment and written estimate.

Dock Construction, Boathouses, Bulkheads, and Boat Lifts in Liberty County

We design and build fixed and floating docks, boathouses, piers, and shoreline protection engineered for Liberty County waters. Every project includes code-compliant methods, quality materials, and a focus on long-term performance.

Dock Construction

Sloped shorelines, fluctuating water levels, and storm-driven debris can tear apart weak docks. We build fixed and floating systems using pile driving and jetting, cross-bracing, and double-bolted connections. Materials include pressure-treated southern yellow pine, composite decking, hot-dip galvanized hardware, and 316 stainless fasteners. On floating docks, we install encapsulated EPS foam floats and FRP/HDPE grated decking for drainage. Our barge with spuds, vibratory hammer, and cranes let us work efficiently with minimal shoreline disturbance. Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Custom Dock Design

Every site is different—depth, fetch, sediment, and floodplain rules all matter. We design custom boat docks with the right layout, pile sizing, and hurricane strapping to handle Southeast Texas weather. Options include ADA-compliant clear widths, handrails, and gangways, plus integrated lighting prepped for NEC 555. Choose composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck), marine-grade aluminum walkways, or wood. We provide permit consulting for USACE/TRA/Lake Houston and city floodplain no-rise certificates. Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.

Elevated Boathouse Construction

Boathouses protect your investment from UV, waves, and storms. We drive piles deeper and larger where flow velocities warrant, then through-bolt ledgers and joists for strength. Add covered slips, catwalks, and boat lift beams sized for your hull. We install cross-bracing, hurricane clips, and wrap vulnerable framing with polyurea/epoxy coatings by request. Electrical is handled by licensed contractors to ABYC and NEC Article 555 standards. Learn more about our Elevated Boathouse Construction services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

Shallow coves, fluctuating levels, and currents demand the right lift. We install vertical and cradle lifts for boats and PWC lifts for jet skis, with corrosion-resistant galvanized or aluminum structures. Shore power is installed with GFCI/GFPE protection, locking enclosures, and labeling per NEC 555 and NFPA 303. We also service cables, bunks, and motors and offer zebra mussel prevention tips for Lake Livingston. Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.

Bulkhead Installation

Wake and flood events accelerate erosion. Our bulkhead contractor team installs PVC/vinyl sheet piling (ShoreGuard), treated timber, and steel sheet piling with geotextile fabric, tie-backs, and concrete caps. We often pair bulkheads with riprap stone for energy dissipation and long-term bank stability. On approvals, we coordinate with USACE Galveston District and local floodplain administrators. Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.

Other Services We Offer

Why Choose Houston Docks for Dock Building in Liberty County, TX

At Houston Docks, we combine local knowledge with proven marine construction methods to build structures that last. Our team brings 15+ years of experience across Lake Livingston, the Trinity River, and Lake Houston, and we stand behind our work with clear warranties and responsive support. When you need a reliable partner for Dock Builder Liberty County TX, we’re ready with permitting help, engineered designs, and tidy, on-time crews.

We’ve served thousands of waterfront clients across Greater Houston. From pile driving and boathouses to bulkheads and lifts, we manage everything in-house or with licensed trade partners, so you get one accountable team from start to finish.

Certified Expertise and Permit Guidance

Permitting on Liberty County waterways can be complex. We help navigate USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 requirements, Trinity River Authority (TRA) permits for Lake Livingston, City of Liberty floodplain Elevation Certificates and No‑Rise Certificates, and Houston Permitting Center rules for Lake Houston piers. Our plans consider floodway, bank stabilization, and navigational clearance from the start to avoid costly delays.

Our crews and partners maintain OSHA 10/30 training, NCCCO-certified crane operations, and ABYC Marine Electrical credentials for shore power. We prepare submittals, site plans, and drawings the agencies want to see, and we coordinate barge access and safety plans to speed approvals.

Safety, Insurance, and Code‑Compliant Electrical

Work over water demands a safety-first culture. We follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 for fall protection and lifesaving, with ring buoys, rescue skiffs, and documented job hazard analyses. We’re fully insured for marine operations, and our barge and crane procedures include pre-lift planning and daily equipment inspections.

Shore power and lighting are installed by Texas TDLR-licensed electricians to NEC Article 555 and NFPA 303, including GFCI/GFPE protection, bonding, leakage-current testing, and in-use, weatherproof enclosures. That reduces shock risk and keeps your dock compliant for insurers and inspections.

Materials, Engineering, and Equipment That Endure

We specify pressure-treated southern yellow pine, composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck), and HDPE/FRP grated panels where grip and drainage matter. Structural connections are through-bolted and double-bolted where specified, with hot-dip galvanized or 316 stainless fasteners. For floating systems, we use encapsulated foam floats and corrosion mitigation practices, including cathodic protection considerations on metal components.

Our pile driver barge with spuds, vibratory hammers, jet pumps, and cranes lets us drive piles to bearing, even in shifting river sediments. We add cross-bracing, hurricane strapping, and concrete pile caps where needed. Riprap, geotextiles, PVC/vinyl sheet piling (ShoreGuard), and steel sheet piling give your shoreline the right mix of strength and energy dissipation.

Local Waterway Experience

Trinity River currents, Lake Livingston water level changes, and Luce Bayou inflows all shape design choices. We size piles for site-specific loads, select fixed vs. floating docks by depth and fetch, and design boathouse roofs for uplift in Southeast Texas storms. On Lake Houston, we also manage annual pier license requirements and commercial vessel access where necessary.

We provide storm damage inspections and insurance estimates after hurricanes or floods, then rebuild with improvements like higher freeboard, stronger tie-backs, and encapsulated-float assemblies to reduce future damage.

Customer-First Process and Clear Warranties

You’ll get a single point of contact, a written scope, and a schedule you can count on. We photograph milestones, maintain clean sites, and communicate proactively—especially around weather windows. Most new docks include workmanship warranties, with maintenance plans available for seasonal checks and lift service.

From Cleveland and Dayton to Hardin, Kenefick, and Plum Grove, we respond quickly and keep projects moving—permits to punch list. Your project is built right, the first time.

Marine Construction and Dock Services Across Greater Houston

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston, including lakes, rivers, and bayfronts. If you’re within a 30-mile radius of Houston, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood—and on Lake Livingston, Trinity River, Luce Bayou, and Lake Houston. Count on fast scheduling, knowledgeable crews, and durable construction.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Liberty County

We build and repair docks, piers, boathouses, and bulkheads throughout Liberty County, including Liberty, Dayton, Cleveland, Ames, Hardin, Kenefick, Devers, Plum Grove, Dayton Lakes, Raywood, Rye, Romayor, Moss Hill, and Tarkington Prairie. Common zip codes we serve include 77327, 77368, 77369, 77533, 77535, 77538, 77561, 77564, 77575, and 77582.

From Trinity River tributaries to Lake Livingston coves, we understand local permitting, floodplain and no‑rise requirements, and the challenges of freshwater maintenance. When you need reliable tree-safe access, shoreline erosion control, or a new lift, call the team locals trust for dock builder Liberty County TX.

Other locations we serve near Liberty County

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock on Lake Livingston?

Yes. The Trinity River Authority (TRA) regulates docks and boathouses on Lake Livingston. Many projects also require a USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 review if in navigable waters, plus Liberty County or City of Liberty floodplain approvals. We help prepare drawings, site plans, and specs and submit complete packages to minimize back-and-forth. Our team coordinates barge access and safety plans and keeps you updated through each step.

Who issues Lake Livingston dock permits and how long does approval take?

TRA handles Lake Livingston shoreline use permits. Depending on scope and environmental review, approvals typically take 3–8 weeks, longer if federal consultation is required. We start with a site visit, create engineered layouts and pile plans, then file the TRA application. If USACE review is needed, we handle those submittals and coordinate timing so construction begins as soon as permits are issued.

What Liberty County floodplain and No‑Rise documentation is required for a Trinity River dock?

Projects within mapped floodplains may require an Elevation Certificate and, if in the floodway, a No‑Rise Certificate demonstrating no increase in base flood elevation. The City of Liberty Community Development or Liberty County Floodplain Administrator determines requirements. We provide survey-grade elevations, sections, and hydraulic-friendly designs (minimal obstruction, driven piles) to support the no‑rise analysis and speed review.

Is a floating or fixed dock better for the Trinity River or Lake Livingston?

It depends on depth, fetch, current, and water-level fluctuation. Fixed pile docks provide a rigid platform for rivers with steady depths and allow robust bracing against current. Floating docks with encapsulated foam floats work well in coves and lakes with seasonal fluctuation. We evaluate sediment, wind exposure, and vessel traffic, then recommend pile sizes, connections, and anchoring to match your site.

How much does it cost to build a dock in Texas?

Costs vary by size, water depth, access, materials, and permit scope. Basic freshwater docks may start around the mid-$30s per square foot; boathouses, composite decking, aluminum gangways, and electrical increase budgets. Pilings, lifts, and bulkheads are additional. We provide a detailed, line-item proposal after a site visit so you know exactly what’s included—design, permitting support, materials, and construction.

What electrical code applies to docks and boathouses in Texas?

Shore power must comply with NEC Article 555 and NFPA 303. That includes GFCI/GFPE protection, equipment grounding/bonding, in-use weatherproof covers, labeling, and periodic testing. Our Texas-licensed electricians follow ABYC marine electrical best practices, use leakage-current meters, and document commissioning. This reduces shock hazards and improves insurance and inspection outcomes for residential and marina docks.

How deep should dock pilings be on Lake Livingston?

Depth is driven by geotechnical conditions, design loads, and exposure. We typically drive timber or concrete piles to refusal or engineered bearing using a vibratory hammer and jetting pump, then verify with set and embedment checks. In higher-flow zones, we increase pile diameter, add cross‑bracing, and use double-bolted connections for stiffness. Site-specific engineering ensures long-term performance.

How can I prevent zebra mussels from damaging my dock or lift?

On Lake Livingston and connected waters, follow TPWD decontamination guidance: clean, drain, and dry boats/lifts; pressure-wash hard growth; and use protective coatings where appropriate. We design for maintenance access and can recommend materials that resist fouling. During service visits, we inspect bunks, cables, and wiring for mussel-related abrasion and advise on safe cleaning practices.

How quickly can storm‑damaged docks be inspected, permitted, and rebuilt?

We prioritize emergency dock repair after major storms. Typically, we can inspect within 24–72 hours, provide insurance-ready estimates, and begin permit submittals immediately. Temporary safety measures (de-energizing power, securing loose members) come first, followed by rebuilds with stronger tie-backs, upgraded connections, and improved freeboard. Our barge and crane availability helps compress schedules during peak recovery periods.