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 Santa Fe, TX

Houston Docks is a family-owned team with 15+ years building durable docks, piers, boathouses, and bulkheads across Galveston County. We’re fully insured, OSHA-trained, and we design for Gulf Coast wind, tide, and corrosion. From storm-damaged structures to new construction, we handle permitting, pile driving, and dock electrical that meets NEC 555.

If you need a reliable Dock Builder Santa Fe TX homeowners can count on, we’re here to help. We fix hazardous structures, replace failing pilings, and craft low-maintenance composite decks that look great and last. Fast estimates, clear timelines, and workmanship warranties. Call us today for a free on-site assessment.

Dock Construction & Marine Contracting Services in Santa Fe, TX

We design, build, and repair docks, piers, boathouses, lifts, and shoreline protection tailored to West Bay and Galveston Bay conditions. Our crews follow coastal codes, use marine-grade materials, and stand behind our work.

Dock Construction

Salt, sun, and surge punish coastal structures. We build fixed and floating docks that resist marine borers and high winds. Our pile-driving barge sets CCA 2.5 pcf Southern Yellow Pine or EcoPile vinyl/fiberglass pilings using vibratory/impact hammers and jetting pumps, then we add cross-bracing and hurricane ties. Choose composite decking like Trex or TimberTech with 316 stainless fasteners and galvanized hardware for longevity. We handle GLO and USACE submittals and deliver a clean, code-compliant finish.

Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Custom Dock Design

Every site is different—fetch, depth, soil, and access all matter. Our designs optimize layout, gangway slope (ADA where needed), and fixed vs. floating choices for tides on Highland and Dickinson Bayous. We provide permit-ready plan sets, pile layouts, and electrical datum plane compliance per NEC Article 555. Options include fish-cleaning stations, potable water, lighting, and safe GFCI/ELCI-protected power. Get a dock that fits your boat, budget, and shoreline—without surprises during permitting or build.

Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.

Dock Repair

Storms, rot, or marine borers can turn a good dock unsafe fast. We replace broken stringers, joists, and caps, perform piling replacement and encapsulation, and re-deck with composite for a long-lasting upgrade. Our crews arrive by water when needed, using cranes and winches to work efficiently with minimal disturbance. We also conduct maintenance inspections, tighten hardware, and add cathodic protection for steel. Insurance claim support is available for hurricane and wind losses.

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Elevated Boathouse Construction

Protect your investment with a boathouse engineered to ASCE 7 wind loads common in Galveston County. We build elevated boathouses with Galvalume roofing, cross-bracing, and hurricane strapping, and integrate Golden Boat Lifts or similar 10k lb systems. We route wiring above the electrical datum plane and install marine pedestals with GFCI/ELCI protection to reduce ESD risk. From covered slips to custom catwalks and lighting, we deliver safe, convenient, and good-looking structures.

Learn more about our Elevated Boathouse Construction services.

Bulkhead Installation

Shoreline erosion on West Bay tributaries is relentless. We install vinyl sheet piling (ShoreGuard), tie-rods with concrete deadmen, and treated whalers for strong, low-maintenance bulkheads. Where habitat or permitting calls for it, we combine living shoreline elements with riprap and vegetation for a softer edge. We also replace failed walls, add returns, and repair cap and tie-rod issues. Our team handles surveys, elevation checks, and floodplain coordination for a smooth, code-compliant project.

Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.

Other Services We Offer

Why Homeowners Choose Houston Docks in Santa Fe, TX

At Houston Docks, we combine coastal engineering know-how with meticulous craftsmanship to build structures that last. Our team brings 15+ years of marine construction experience, thousands of completed projects around Galveston Bay, and a commitment to clear communication and clean job sites. If you’re comparing Dock Builder Santa Fe TX options, we back our work with strong warranties, robust safety practices, and fully insured operations.

Certified Marine Expertise

Our crews hold OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, and NCCCO crane operator credentials, so pile-driving and heavy lifts are performed safely and efficiently. For dock power and lighting, our ABYC-certified marine electrical professionals design to NEC Article 555 and NFPA 303 standards, including ELCI protection and correct electrical datum planes. We’re manufacturer-certified with ShoreGuard and install Golden Boat Lifts and Wave Armor systems per spec.

We specify AWPA UC5B-treated lumber, 316 stainless fasteners, and galvanized or aluminum framing where appropriate. For harsh salt/brackish sites, we offer EcoPile or polymer-wrapped pilings to resist marine borers. These material choices reduce maintenance and extend service life.

Permitting, Codes, and Compliance

Regulatory steps can be the hardest part of waterfront work. We prepare permit-ready plan sets and handle Texas General Land Office registrations, Galveston District USACE Section 10/404 reviews, county floodplain coordination, and city approvals when applicable. Our designs follow FEMA NFIP elevations, ASCE 7 wind loads, and Texas Administrative Code 31 TAC 155 coastal policies.

Whether you need a residential pier up to the GLO’s 115-foot registration threshold or a multi-slip marina, we’ll align scope and drawings to the right pathway—general permits, regional permits, or individual review—so timelines stay predictable.

Equipment, Techniques, and Build Quality

From barge-mounted vibratory and impact hammers to jetting pumps, cranes, winches, and skiffs, we bring the right gear to every shoreline. We set pilings true using laser levels and cross-bracing, then hurricane-strap framing to resist uplift and racking. For bulkheads, we install deadmen and tie-rods with reinforced caps and whalers, or design living shoreline alternatives with riprap and plantings where suitable.

Result: straighter piles, tighter connections, and cleaner finishes. Many clients choose composite deck resurfacing for older docks, gaining slip-resistant decking that stands up to UV and salt spray.

Local Knowledge, Bay Conditions, and Case Studies

Santa Fe projects face unique variables—fetch across West Bay, soft bayou bottoms, and tide swings into Highland and Dickinson Bayous. We design floating vs. fixed solutions accordingly and plan dredging where access is limited. In 2024, we rebuilt an 80-foot fixed pier on Dickinson Bayou with CCA 2.5 pcf pilings, Trex decking, and a 10,000 lb Golden Boat Lift—completed in seven weeks including GLO registration and USACE verification.

For shoreline stabilization near Arcadia/Algoa, we recently installed a ShoreGuard vinyl bulkhead with riprap toe and geotextile underlayment, solving active erosion while preserving access for a kayak launch.

Customer Experience and Warranties

You get one point of contact from estimate to final inspection. We provide schedule updates, photo check-ins, and clear change-order policies. Our workmanship warranty is written, and we offer annual maintenance plans and ESD electrical safety audits. If a storm hits, we prioritize existing clients for post-event inspections and emergency repairs.

We’re proud of our 5-star local reviews, clean safety record, and the many referrals we earn from neighbors along Galveston County waterways.

Marine Construction Service Area Around Santa Fe and Greater Houston

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston and the Galveston Bay system. If you’re within a 30-mile radius of Santa Fe, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood—from Clear Lake to West Bay and the bayous in between. Count on fast response, local permitting knowledge, and dock crews familiar with coastal conditions.

Serving All Neighborhoods in Santa Fe

We regularly build along Highland Bayou, Dickinson Bayou, and Chocolate Bayou, and throughout Arcadia and Algoa in ZIP codes 77510 and 77517. Our team understands floodplain rules, wind-load requirements, and the right materials for brackish environments near Santa Fe.

If you’re searching for Dock Builder Santa Fe TX with real local experience, we’re ready to help—whether it’s a fishing pier, lift installation, or bulkhead repair.

Other locations we serve near Santa Fe

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits to build a dock or pier in Galveston County and Texas?

Most projects require approvals. On coastal waters, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) may require a Structure Registration or Easement, and the USACE Galveston District often reviews work under Section 10/404. Galveston County floodplain permits and city approvals may also apply. We prepare plan sets, coordinate surveys, and submit to the GLO, USACE, and local authorities on your behalf to keep your Santa Fe project compliant and moving.

How far can a private residential pier extend in Texas without a GLO easement?

Under GLO guidance, many residential piers can be registered up to 115 feet from the shoreline if they meet width and non-commercial criteria. Beyond that, or for special conditions, an easement may be required. We’ll verify site specifics—water depth, navigation, and wetlands—and advise whether a Structure Registration or Easement is appropriate for your Santa Fe waterfront.

What does a dock cost per square foot in Texas?

Costs vary by site, water depth, and materials. As a planning range, residential docks in the Galveston Bay area often fall between $85–$150 per sq ft for fixed piers, and floating systems can be similar depending on anchoring and gangways. Composite decking, EcoPile pilings, and premium hardware add longevity. We provide a line-item estimate after a site visit in Santa Fe, TX.

Is a floating dock or fixed pier better for Galveston Bay tides and storms?

It depends on exposure, fetch, and water level changes. Floating docks track tides and can simplify access on bayous; fixed piers offer rigidity in wave energy. We evaluate wind fetch on West Bay and bayou flow, then design anchoring, cross-bracing, and hurricane strapping accordingly. Our recommendation balances storm performance, accessibility, and budget for your Santa Fe site.

What wood treatment is best for Gulf Coast pilings?

For salt and brackish water, AWPA UC5B/CCA 2.5 pcf treated Southern Yellow Pine is standard. Where marine borers are aggressive or you want lower maintenance, we suggest EcoPile vinyl/fiberglass pilings or polymer-wrapped wood. We pair pilings with 316 stainless fasteners and galvanized hardware to resist corrosion in Galveston County conditions.

How long do GLO and USACE approvals take?

Timelines vary by scope and season. Simple residential registrations can be processed in a few weeks, while projects needing USACE review may run 45–120 days. We submit complete packages, track responses, and coordinate any revisions quickly. Early site surveys and clear drawings help keep Santa Fe projects on schedule.

Do docks require special wiring to prevent ESD (electric shock drowning)?

Yes. Dock electrical must follow NEC Article 555 and NFPA 303. We install GFCI/ELCI protection, correct bonding, and maintain equipment above the electrical datum plane. Our ABYC-certified marine electrical team performs ESD safety audits and remediation, so your dock in Santa Fe meets code and reduces shock risk.

Can a living shoreline be approved instead of a hard bulkhead?

Often yes, especially along West Bay tributaries where a softer edge benefits habitat. Designs may combine riprap, fiber logs, and native vegetation. Approvals depend on site exposure, erosion severity, and navigation. We model alternatives, seek GLO/USACE consistency, and build living shorelines or hybrid bulkhead-riprap systems suited to your Santa Fe property.

Will my boathouse need wind-load engineering in Galveston County?

Yes. Boathouses must be engineered to ASCE 7 wind speeds for the coastal zone, commonly 140–150 mph, with appropriate connections and uplift resistance. We provide stamped plans, hurricane strapping, and diaphragm bracing to meet local requirements. Lift selections (e.g., 10k lb) and roof systems are designed together for safety and durability.

What’s a typical timeline from survey to final inspection?

After a site visit, design and surveys usually take 1–3 weeks. Permitting can range 3–12 weeks depending on GLO/USACE review. Construction for a residential pier often runs 2–6 weeks, weather permitting. We share a written schedule and provide updates at each milestone for Santa Fe projects.