Houston Docks

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

Trusted Riprap Installation in Houston, TX

Erosion doesn’t wait. Slumping banks, undercut shorelines, and scoured culvert outlets can threaten yards, foundations, and infrastructure. We design and build riprap systems that lock slopes in place, control scour, and protect property for the long term.

Our CPESC-led team has over 15 years stabilizing bayous, lakes, and channels across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties. We use the right stone size, geotextile filter fabric, and toe keys for Houston’s clay soils and wave conditions. Barge placement, bypass pumping, and turbidity control are standard when needed. Contact us today for a free site assessment and estimate for Riprap Installation Houston TX.

We’re fully insured, OSHA-trained, and experienced with TxDOT and HCFCD standards. From Buffalo Bayou to Clear Lake, we know the permits, access, and construction methods that deliver durable results.

Why Our Professional Riprap Installation Delivers Lasting Bank Protection

You want erosion stopped and stability restored—without surprises. Professional riprap installation gives you proven engineering, correct gradation, and proper toe protection that DIY attempts miss. With our riprap installation experience across bayous and shorelines in Houston, you get durable results, clean job sites, and clear documentation to satisfy inspectors and HOAs.

Safety & Risk Elimination

Unstable slopes and active scour create liability. We reduce risk with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 safety practices, Job Hazard Analyses near water, and controlled access zones. Our crews install toe keys and key trenches that lock the rock mass so it won’t slide, even during high water or storm surges.

We protect structures, utilities, and public ways with silt fence, inlet protection, and turbidity curtains as needed. Example: a culvert outlet on Greens Bayou where our apron, sized to spec with 18–24 inch stone, halted headcutting that threatened a road shoulder.

Professional Results & Quality

Quality riprap holds because it’s built to specification. We follow TxDOT Item 432 and HCFCD Section 02378 for gradation, thickness, and crest elevation. Nonwoven geotextile filter fabric is overlapped and anchored, and stone is placed from the toe upward to avoid segregation.

We provide gradation tickets, photos, and as-built notes. For high-energy sites or steep slopes, we offer grouted riprap using Class B grout and proper weep paths to relieve pressure—ideal for outfalls and bridge abutment scour zones.

Time & Stress Savings

Coordinating materials, equipment, and permits is a full-time job. We handle it. Our team manages USACE NWP 13 submittals, GLO coastal coordination, and TCEQ SWPPP paperwork so you don’t have to. We mobilize quickly with rock trucks, tracked excavators with thumbs, and GPS/laser grade control.

Typical residential shoreline projects finish in 3–7 days after permits and materials are in place. Commercial channel riprap and detention basin work scale with multiple crews and barges when needed to meet deadlines.

Cost-Effective Solution

Proper riprap prevents callbacks, washouts, and rework. We select the right stone—limestone, granite, or recycled concrete—based on hydraulic forces and salinity. That means fewer failures, less sediment cleanup, and lower lifecycle cost versus “cheap rock” that won’t interlock.

We also size culvert/outfall aprons correctly to prevent downstream scour. One Clear Creek project saved the client an estimated $25,000 in future erosion repairs by upgrading to a thicker section with a stabilized toe and bedding stone.

Peace of Mind & Warranty

You get insured, documented work and a clear warranty. We stand behind our workmanship with a written warranty and provide maintenance guidance for storm checks and seasonal inspections. Need help fast after a storm? We offer rapid-response erosion control to secure banks and protect assets.

Credentials matter. Our team includes CPESC/CESSWI-certified staff, OSHA 10/30 training, and TWIC for marine sites. We’re active with IECA (South Central), AGC Houston, and ASCE Houston Branch—so you know we follow best practices.

Our Riprap Installation Process: Clear Steps, Strong Results

We keep projects predictable with a proven, inspector-ready process built for Houston’s waterways and soils.

1) Site Visit & Hydraulic Review

We evaluate erosion, soil conditions, water levels, and access. When helpful, we capture drone photos for documentation.

2) Proposal & Design Coordination

You receive a detailed scope with recommended stone size, section thickness, and toe protection. We coordinate with your PE or provide design-build support to align with HCFCD/TxDOT criteria.

3) Permitting & Pre-Construction

We help with USACE NWP 13, GLO coastal approvals, and TCEQ SWPPP requirements. Utilities are located and site protection BMPs are installed.

4) Build & Quality Control

We perform grading, key trench excavation, geotextile placement, and stone placement from the toe up. QC includes thickness checks and gradation verification.

5) Final Walkthrough & As-Builts

We complete punch items, remove temporary BMPs, and provide photos/as-built notes. You receive a maintenance checklist and warranty.

Why Choose Houston Docks for Riprap Installation in Houston

At Houston Docks, riprap is what we do daily—on bayous, lakes, and tidal shorelines. Since 2010, we’ve protected 1,800+ properties across Greater Houston with engineered riprap revetments, outfall aprons, and channel bank stabilization. We combine certified erosion-control expertise, proper equipment, and rigorous quality control to deliver results that last through storm season and beyond.

Certified Erosion-Control Expertise

Riprap performance starts with correct design assumptions and soil/water behavior. Our team includes CPESC and CESSWI professionals who tailor gradation, thickness, and toe keys to local hydraulics. We understand Houston clay, rapid drawdown scenarios, and wave climates on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.

Where required, we coordinate with licensed PEs for design and provide design-build delivery. We also offer hybrid living shoreline options—riprap combined with native vegetation or oyster-friendly elements for ecological benefit where conditions allow.

Compliance, Permits, and Documentation

We help you navigate USACE Nationwide Permit 13, Section 10/404 when applicable, Texas GLO coastal authorizations, and TCEQ Construction General Permit TXR150000. City of Houston SWQ rules and HCFCD standards are routine for us.

Expect documented QC: gradation tickets, geotextile specs, thickness/crest checks, and photo logs aligned to HCFCD Section 02378 and TxDOT Item 432. This saves time during inspections and HOA/architect reviews.

Equipment and Access for Any Site

From backyard lakes to tight bayou banks, we bring the right tools: tracked excavators with rock thumbs, dozers, skid steers, and rock trucks. For waterfront-only access, we mobilize cranes and barges for precise marine placement.

Special conditions—cofferdams, bypass pumping, turbidity curtains, or hydraulic breakers—are handled in-house. GPS/laser grade control improves accuracy and reduces rework.

Local Waterway Knowledge

Every Houston waterbody behaves differently. Buffalo Bayou and Brays Bayou call for interlocking 18–24 inch stone with secure toe keys. Clear Lake and Galveston Bay often require 24–30 inch or larger with crest elevations tuned for boat wake and storm surge.

We’ve stabilized channels in Harris County, residential shorelines in Kingwood and Clear Lake, and outfalls in Pasadena and Baytown. That local experience helps us prevent common failures like undercut toes and fabric blowouts.

Customer Protection & Guarantees

We’re fully insured, OSHA 10/30 trained, and TWIC-credentialed for port/marine work. We stand behind our work with a written workmanship warranty and clear maintenance guidance.

Active memberships with IECA, AGC Houston, and ASCE Houston signal our commitment to industry best practices. References and recent case studies are available upon request.

Riprap Installation Results Backed by Local Experience

We deliver riprap revetments, channel lining, and outfall aprons built for the Greater Houston area’s unique hydraulic forces. From Lake Houston to Trinity Bay, our team sizes stone, builds toe keys, and installs geotextiles to spec—so your bank stays put. Ask about our recent Riprap Installation Houston TX projects and how our methods apply to your site.

Types of Riprap Projects We Handle

Residential shorelines and pond banks: we stabilize yards, boathouses, and bulkhead toes with limestone or granite. Commercial and municipal: channel riprap installation, detention basin shorelines, and culvert/outfall scour aprons per HCFCD requirements.

Marine and tidal sites: barge-based placement for Galveston Bay, Clear Creek, and San Leon waterfronts, including saltwater-resistant stone recommendations and toe scour protection for wake energy.

Our Proven Methods & Standards

We start with subgrade prep and grading, then excavate a key trench. Nonwoven geotextile filter fabric is placed with correct overlaps and secured. Stone is placed from the toe up, interlocked with spalls, and compacted where specified.

Typical sections: 12–18 inch stone for protected ponds, 18–24 inch for bayous, and 24–30 inch for high-energy lakefront or coastal edges. Grouted riprap is available for steep slopes, outfalls, or where public safety demands minimal voids.

Complex Situations We’ve Mastered

No land access? We’ve completed barge-only jobs with cranes and GPS-guided placement. In-water work may include cofferdams, bypass pumping, and turbidity curtains to meet SWPPP BMPs and water-quality goals.

Case example: 220 linear feet on Clear Lake using 24–30 inch limestone over geotextile, 36-inch toe key, and 8-inch bedding stone—installed in 5 days, 310 tons placed, and documented to TxDOT Item 432.

Results You Can Expect

Stabilized banks, reduced sediment loading, and less maintenance after storms. Outfalls with correctly sized aprons that stop downstream scour. Shorelines that resist boat wake and seasonal water-level swings.

We provide a maintenance plan: quick post-storm inspections, occasional chinking, and debris removal. Our team can also repair legacy riprap by rebuilding toes and adding filter layers to extend service life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is riprap and how does it prevent shoreline erosion?

Riprap is a layer of large, durable stone placed on slopes and shorelines to dissipate wave and current energy. Installed over geotextile filter fabric with a keyed toe, it interlocks to resist sliding and scour. In Houston, riprap protects bayou banks, pond edges, and outfalls by stopping soil loss, controlling velocities at the water’s edge, and shielding clay slopes from undercutting during storms or rapid drawdown events.

Which riprap size do I need for my Houston property?

Stone size depends on hydraulic forces, slope, and exposure. Protected ponds may use 12–18 inch stone. Bayous like Buffalo Bayou often require 18–24 inch. High-energy areas such as Clear Lake or Galveston Bay may need 24–30 inch or larger. We confirm with HCFCD guidance and site-specific conditions, then set thickness and crest elevations that match the design. A short site visit lets us size it correctly.

Do you install geotextile fabric under riprap?

Yes. Nonwoven geotextile filter fabric is standard to prevent soil migration and voids. We overlap seams, secure the fabric, and protect it from damage during placement per FHWA/USACE guidance. In some sections, we add bedding stone or geogrid as specified. Proper filtration is key to preventing sinkholes and extending the life of the riprap.

What is the difference between grouted and ungrouted riprap?

Ungrouted riprap relies on stone interlock and is most common. Grouted riprap uses a cementitious grout (often Class B) to lock surface stones, reducing voids and displacement. It’s useful at outfalls, steep slopes, or public areas where stone movement is a concern. We evaluate hydraulics, drainage, and maintenance needs before recommending grouted sections to avoid trapping water and causing pressure buildup.

How much does riprap installation cost in Houston?

Costs vary by access, stone size, thickness, and permitting. Smaller residential banks might range by the linear foot, while channels or outfalls are priced per ton with mobilization. Barge access, grouting, or deep toe keys increase cost. We provide line-item proposals after a site visit so you can compare options. Ask for a free estimate for Riprap Installation Houston TX—often delivered within 48 hours.

Do I need permits for riprap on a bayou, lake, or coastal lot?

Often, yes. Projects may fall under USACE Nationwide Permit 13, City/County approvals, and for tidal waters, Texas GLO coastal authorization. Larger jobs may require Section 10/404 coordination. We help identify requirements and can manage TCEQ CGP SWPPP documentation when land disturbance thresholds apply. We make permitting straightforward and keep inspectors satisfied with proper documentation.

Do you follow TxDOT Item 432 and HCFCD specifications?

Yes. We build to TxDOT Item 432 and HCFCD Section 02378 when specified, including gradation, thickness, and toe/crest details. We provide rock tickets, QC measurements, and photo logs for submittals and closeout. If your engineer has different details, we coordinate to ensure design intent is met while maintaining constructability and durability.

Can you place riprap by barge for waterfront sites?

Absolutely. For properties without land access, we mobilize barges, cranes, and material scows for marine placement. We set up safe load-out, use GPS/laser control for accuracy, and deploy turbidity curtains as needed. Barge work is ideal for Galveston Bay and Clear Lake shorelines where wakes and tides demand larger stone and robust toe protection.

How soon can you start and how long will installation take?

After approvals and material procurement, many residential projects take 3–7 days. Channel segments and outfalls vary with scope and access. We offer emergency mobilization after major storms to secure banks quickly. You’ll receive a schedule with milestones and a dedicated point of contact for updates throughout the job.

Do you offer emergency erosion repairs after storms?

Yes. We provide rapid-response stabilization, including temporary rock, sandbags, and dewatering to stop active erosion. Once the site is stable, we install permanent riprap with proper filter layers and toe keys. Our storm program prioritizes vulnerable sites on bayous and lakefronts so you can prevent further loss and protect structures.