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 San Jacinto River, TX
At Houston Docks, we design and build durable, code-compliant docks and boathouses for the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. With 15+ years in marine construction, we’re local, family-owned, and fully insured. We handle permitting, floodplain requirements, and safe electrical so your waterfront investment performs in current, fluctuating water, and storms.
From new piers and covered slips to bulkheads, lifts, and storm restoration, our crews use proven materials like composite decking, vinyl sheet piling, and 316 stainless fasteners. Searching for Dock Builder San Jacinto River TX? We’re ready to help. Get a fast, no-pressure estimate—reach out today.
Dock Construction, Repair & Marine Services on the San Jacinto River
We build and restore docks, boathouses, lifts, and bulkheads engineered for river currents, wake, and flood conditions. Our team focuses on safety, longevity, and clean workmanship—on time and on budget.
Custom Dock Design
Every site is different—depth, current, bank stability, and permitting. We design floating and fixed docks that fit your shoreline, freeboard needs, and boat types. Our plans account for flood elevations, ADA-accessible gangways, and encapsulated float sizing. Materials include composite/PVC decking, galvanized or aluminum framing, and 316 stainless fasteners. We coordinate Lake Houston/SJRA/USACE approvals and plan power per NEC Article 555/ABYC E-11. Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.
Dock Construction
We install piles with a pile driver and vibratory hammer from a stabilized work barge with spuds. Framing uses diagonal bracing, hurricane ties, and uplift-rated connections for flood zones. We jet pilings where appropriate, use helical anchors in soft soils, and deploy turbidity curtains to protect water quality. Decking options include Trex, TimberTech, and WearDeck for low maintenance. We deliver safe, long-lasting piers and gangways built for river wake and wind. Learn more about our Dock Construction services.
Dock Repair
Storms, wake, and age can loosen connections and damage decking or floats. We replace rotten stringers and boards, swap corroded hardware with 316 stainless, and re-level sections. For floats, we install encapsulated EPS to restore buoyancy and freeboard. If needed, we add cross bracing and new pilings or helical anchors. We also handle re-decking and electrical safety upgrades. After floods, we document damage for insurance and rebuild to current standards. Learn more about our Dock Repair services.
Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation
Protect your investment with platform, hydraulic, or cable lifts sized to your vessel and water conditions. We set pilings or beam supports, align bunks/cradles, and wire power with GFCI/ELCI protection to mitigate electric shock drowning risks. Controls and lighting follow ABYC and NEC guidelines. We also offer maintenance and repair for noisy gearboxes, cables, and switches. Get a smooth, reliable lift that fits your boathouse or open dock. Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.
Bulkhead Installation
Stop erosion and protect your property with vinyl or composite sheet piling systems tied back with deadmen and finished with a durable cap. We grade the shoreline, add toe protection with riprap, and set tie-rods to engineering specs. Our crews use excavators, cranes/winches, and vibratory hammers to achieve proper embedment. Options include ShoreGuard-style vinyl sheets and concrete caps. We also coordinate permits and provide turbidity/silt control for in-water work. Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.
Other Services We Offer
- Dock Re-Decking
- Dock Storm Damage Repair
- Emergency Dock Repair
- Dock Sealing & Staining
- Floating Dock Construction
- Fixed Pile Dock Construction
- Custom Residential Dock Construction
- Commercial & Marina Dock Construction
- Elevated Boathouse Construction
- Covered Slip Construction
- Floating Platform Installation
- Modular Dock Installation
- Wood Dock Construction
- Composite Dock Construction
- Vinyl Dock & Bulkhead Construction
- Aluminum Dock Construction
- Concrete Dock & Seawall Construction
- Steel Sheet Piling Installation
- Boat & Jet Ski Lift Repair
- Boat Ramp Construction
- Boat Ramp Repair
- Bulkhead Repair
- Piling Repair & Replacement
- Erosion Control Solutions
- Riprap Installation
- Retaining Walls for Waterfront Properties
- Seawall Construction
- Seawall Repair
- Trex Dock Installation
- TimberTech Dock Installation
- WearDeck Dock Construction
- ShoreGuard Bulkhead Installation
- EZ Dock Installation
- Float Replacement
Why Homeowners Choose Houston Docks on the San Jacinto River
Houston Docks brings licensed expertise, local insight, and a safety-first mindset to every waterfront. We’ve completed hundreds of projects across the San Jacinto River, Lake Houston, and Lake Conroe—new docks, boathouses, bulkheads, and lift systems. We manage permitting, engineering, and electrical to deliver a reliable, code-compliant result. If you’re searching for Dock Builder San Jacinto River TX, count on our team for clear communication, durable construction, and responsive service.
Permitting and Compliance—Handled Start to Finish
Permits can be complex. We navigate Lake Houston applications and annual licenses through the Houston Permitting Center. For Lake Conroe, we coordinate SJRA residential structure licenses and bulkhead permits. Where required, we submit USACE Section 10/404 documentation via the Galveston District’s RRS portal. In flood zones, we obtain City of Houston Chapter 19 or Harris County floodplain development permits and provide elevation data.
We prepare site plans and engineered details, including pile layouts, embedment, and dock freeboard. Our team uses a total station and rotary lasers for accurate as-builts. For larger sites (1+ acre disturbance), we implement TCEQ CGP SWP3 controls. We also deploy Type II/III turbidity curtains and BMPs to protect water quality during in-water work.
Electrical Safety and ESD Prevention
Freshwater marinas and residential docks must mitigate electric shock drowning. Our electrical designs align with NEC Article 555 and ABYC E-11 principles. We integrate GFCI/ELCI protection, bonding, and proper isolation for lift motors, receptacles, and lighting. We specify in-use covers, corrosion-resistant fittings, and labeled disconnects where required.
Our team maintains ABYC marine electrical familiarity and follows NFPA 303 guidance for marinas and boatyards. From pedestal power to boathouse lighting, we design systems that are safe, reliable, and easy to maintain—paired with periodic testing to confirm ground-fault protection is functioning.
Materials, Engineering, and Build Quality That Last
We select materials for longevity in Texas heat and freshwater: marine-grade pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine pilings, galvanized or aluminum framing, and composite/PVC decking such as Trex, TimberTech, or WearDeck. Connections use 316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized hardware. Where soils are soft, we install helical anchors with torque monitoring for predictable capacity.
Structural detailing includes diagonal/cross bracing, hurricane ties, and uplift-rated connections. For floating systems, we size encapsulated foam floats for proper freeboard under live load. Shorelines receive vinyl/steel sheet piling with deadmen and riprap toe protection as needed. The result: docks and bulkheads that stand up to wake, current, and flood events.
Equipment, Trained Crews, and Site Safety
We own and operate the right tools: a work barge with spuds, pile driver and vibratory hammer, excavators and skid steers, material-handling winches, and portable welding equipment. This allows efficient mobilization on the San Jacinto River, including narrow channels and shallow approaches.
Our crews follow OSHA 10/30 safety practices and maintain tidy, secure sites. We stage materials to minimize shoreline impact and use silt/turbidity curtains during in-water operations. Expect clear schedules, daily updates, and professional cleanup—start to finish.
Marine Construction & Dock Services Across Greater Houston
Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston. If you’re within a 30-mile radius of Houston or along the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood. Our local crews respond quickly, know the permitting landscape, and build to the unique demands of each shoreline.
Serving All Neighborhoods in San Jacinto River
We regularly work along the lower San Jacinto River and connected waters—Crosby (77532), Highlands (77562), Channelview (77530), and Baytown (77520/77521/77523)—as well as Lake Houston communities like Summerwood/77044, Huffman/77336, Atascocita/77346, Kingwood/77339/77345. Upstream, we serve Porter (77365), New Caney (77357), and beyond.
With strong currents, fluctuating pool levels, and floodplain regs, success here takes experience. We understand Lake Houston dock licensing and floodplain requirements, and we build resilient structures for local conditions. When you need reliable dock services on the San Jacinto River, we’re ready to help.
Other locations we serve near San Jacinto River
- Houston
- Pasadena
- Pearland
- The Woodlands
- League City
- Sugar Land
- Baytown
- Atascocita
- Conroe
- Missouri City
- Kingwood
- Spring
- Texas City
- Cypress
- Huntsville
- Channelview
- Friendswood
- Mission Bend
- Deer Park
- Lake Jackson
- Alvin
- Fresno
- Cloverleaf
- Katy
- Dickinson
- Angleton
- Cinco Ranch
- Stafford
- Bellaire
- Manvel
- La Marque
- Humble
- Pecan Grove
- South Houston
- West University Place
- New Territory
- Seabrook
- Sienna Plantation
- Santa Fe
- Richmond
- Greatwood
- Four Corners
- Tomball
- Freeport
- Webster
- Clute
- Galena Park
- Jacinto City
- Harris County
- Fort Bend County
- Montgomery County
- Brazoria County
- Galveston County
- Liberty County
- Waller County
- Chambers County
- Lake Conroe
- Lake Livingston
- Lake Houston
- Lake Anahuac
- Galveston Bay
- East Bay
- West Bay
- Trinity Bay
- San Leon Bayfront / Dickinson Bay
- San Jacinto River
- Trinity River
- Brazos River
- Clear Lake
- Seabrook / Kemah waterfronts
- Galveston Island & Jamaica Beach
- Bayou Vista & Tiki Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build or repair a pier/dock on Lake Houston?
Yes. Lake Houston requires permits through the Houston Permitting Center for stationary/floating piers, bulkheads, dredging, and related work. Many properties also require an annual pier/vessel/shoreline license. We prepare drawings, help complete applications, and coordinate inspections. If your site lies in a mapped floodplain, a City of Houston Chapter 19 floodplain development permit may also be required. We’ll confirm requirements up front so your project moves forward without delays.
What is the annual pier license and vessel licensing for Lake Houston?
Lake Houston typically requires annual licensing for piers, shorelines, and vessels. Fees vary by structure size and use. Renewals keep you compliant and help avoid penalties. We document dimensions, decking area, and slip counts for accuracy, then submit forms with the City. During design, we verify your proposed footprint meets spacing and size rules so licensing is straightforward year after year.
How do I license a residential dock/boathouse on Lake Conroe with SJRA?
The SJRA requires a residential structure license for docks, boathouses, and bulkheads on Lake Conroe. We assemble the submittal package (site plan, elevations, materials), coordinate any needed surveys, and answer reviewer comments. After approval, we build to the licensed plans and provide as-built documentation if required. We also assist with bulkhead permits and boat lift service on Lake Conroe to keep everything in compliance.
Do floodplain development rules apply in Houston or unincorporated Harris County?
Often, yes—especially along the San Jacinto River, Lake Houston, and nearby bayous. Projects may need a City of Houston Chapter 19 permit inside city limits or a Harris County Floodplain Development Permit in unincorporated areas. We verify your Base Flood Elevation, design for uplift and debris impact, and provide anchor schedules and elevations as needed. Our goal is a compliant, flood-resilient structure from the start.
When is a USACE permit needed for docks or shoreline work?
USACE authorization under Section 10/404 may be required for structures in navigable waters or when fill/dredge activities occur. We assess your site and, if needed, submit through the Galveston District’s RRS portal. Many small projects qualify for Nationwide Permits if they meet thresholds and conditions. We coordinate mitigation measures—like turbidity control and timing windows—to help you proceed without surprises.
Which is better for Lake Houston: a floating dock or a fixed pier?
It depends on site conditions and use. Floating docks adapt to water-level changes and work well in fluctuating pools. Fixed piers feel solid underfoot and can support heavier loads and lifts but must be engineered for flood and current. We evaluate depth, wake exposure, soils, and your boat type to recommend the best approach—sometimes a hybrid system with a gangway and anchored float offers the ideal balance.
What decking material lasts longest on freshwater docks?
Composite/PVC products like Trex, TimberTech, and WearDeck perform well in Texas heat and humidity, resisting rot and UV. For premium aesthetics, hardwoods like Ipe are options but require maintenance. We pair low-maintenance decking with 316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners to reduce corrosion. During design, we consider traction when wet, color heat gain, and warranty terms to choose the best fit for your dock.
What electrical safety standards help prevent electric shock drowning (ESD)?
For residential docks and boathouses, we follow NEC Article 555 concepts and ABYC E-11 practices: GFCI/ELCI protection for circuits, equipment grounding/bonding, corrosion-resistant enclosures, and labeled disconnects. We also specify regular testing of GFCI/ELCI devices and clear signage where appropriate. Proper wiring methods, separation from water, and quality components are critical to minimizing ESD risk on freshwater docks.
How much does it cost to build a boat dock in Texas?
Costs vary by type, water depth, access, materials, and permitting. As a rough range, simple residential docks can start in the low five figures, while covered slips, lifts, and composite decking increase investment. Bulkheads, long gangways, or challenging access add cost. We provide a site visit, confirm permitting scope, and deliver a fixed proposal so you know exactly what’s included before we start.
When are turbidity curtains or other BMPs required during construction?
On the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, in-water work often requires turbidity/silt control to protect water quality—especially during pile driving, bulkhead installation, or dredging coordination. We deploy Type II/III turbidity curtains and follow BMPs specified by permit conditions or SWP3 plans. Our crews stage materials, minimize disturbance, and remove controls once water clarity stabilizes and work is complete.