Houston Docks

Thousands of satisfied customers
Local and family owned
+15 years in business
Licensed and insured
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Trusted Dock Builder in West Bay, TX

Houston Docks is a local, family‑owned team with 15+ years of marine construction experience on West Galveston Bay. We design, build, and repair docks, piers, boathouses, lifts, and bulkheads that stand up to salt, sun, and storms. Fully insured and compliant with USACE/GLO permits, NEC 555, and NFPA 303 standards.

If you need a Dock Builder West Bay TX homeowners trust, we’re ready. From canal re‑decking and helical piles in soft soils to ADA gangways, lighting, and power pedestals, we handle everything—fast. We also assist with GLO Structure Registration and HOA approvals for Pirates Cove, Sea Isle, and more. Tell us your vision and we’ll tailor a durable, low‑maintenance solution. Call today for a free on‑site estimate.

Marine Construction & Core Dock Services in West Bay

We focus on long‑lasting dock and shoreline structures engineered for West Bay’s wind, wave, and salt exposure. Every project is built to code, with premium materials and proven methods for safety and reliability.

Dock Construction

Wave action, currents near San Luis Pass, and brackish conditions can shorten a dock’s life. We solve that with engineered piling layouts, cross‑bracing, and materials chosen for saltwater. Our barge with spud poles, vibratory/impact hammers, and laser levels ensure plumb, driven pilings; we also offer helical piles for soft soils. Decking options include composite/PVC (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck) and marine‑treated SYP with 316 stainless fasteners and hot‑dip galvanized hardware. Learn more about our Dock Construction.

Custom Dock Design

Every shoreline is different. We design docks, piers, and gangways around water depth, fetch, and setbacks—while navigating USACE/GLO permits and City of Galveston/Jamaica Beach requirements. We address ADA gangway slope, clearances over seagrass/oyster reefs, and electrical planning to NEC 555. Expect stamped drawings where required, plus HOA coordination for neighborhoods like Pirates Cove and Sunset Cove. Learn more about our Custom Dock Design.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

Protect your boat and PWC from corrosion and marine growth. We install aluminum boat lifts and PWC lifts with corrosion‑resistant cabling, proper piling spacing, and controls. We follow ABYC E‑11 practices for power, GFCI protection, and bonding to reduce electric shock risk. We fit your lift to hull weight and slip geometry, and can add walk‑boards and lighting for easy boarding. Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation.

Bulkhead Installation

Erosion sneaks up fast on West Bay shorelines. We install vinyl/PVC sheet piling (ShoreGuard), FRP or treated timber components, and geotextile with tie‑backs and deadmen. Where appropriate, we recommend hybrid solutions—low‑sill bulkhead plus riprap or living shoreline—to preserve habitat and absorb wave energy. Our crews use excavators and cranes for tight sites, finishing with clean grades and caps. Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation.

Dock Repair

Storms, ship wakes, and corrosion can loosen pilings, warp stringers, and rot decking. We provide fast assessments, emergency shoring, float replacement, and re‑decking with composite boards for low maintenance. We also correct unsafe wiring, upgrade to NEC 555 GFCI/bonding, and retrofit cross‑bracing for stability. Our goal: restore safety and extend service life—without overbuilding your budget. Learn more about our Dock Repair.

Other Services We Offer

Why Choose Houston Docks as Your Dock Builder in West Bay, TX

Choosing a marine contractor on West Galveston Bay isn’t just about price. It’s about engineering, permitting, and safety done right. At Houston Docks, we back every project with 15+ years of coastal building experience, full insurance, and a clean safety record. When you want a reliable Dock Builder West Bay TX homeowners recommend, we’re the team that plans carefully, builds precisely, and stands behind the work.

Permitting, Compliance, and HOA Coordination

Waterfront projects move faster when the paperwork is in order. We handle USACE Galveston District Section 10 permits, Texas GLO Structure Registration (TNRC §33.115) or coastal easements, and city/floodplain approvals for Galveston and Jamaica Beach. Our designs respect navigation clearances, seagrass and oyster habitat, and setback lines.

We also coordinate with HOAs like Pirates Cove, Sea Isle, Sunset Cove, Laffite’s Cove, and Tiki Island to align submittals with neighborhood rules. Expect stamped drawings where needed, photos, and site plans that reduce back‑and‑forth—so construction starts on time.

Engineered for Gulf Conditions and Longevity

We design for wind, wave, uplift, and corrosion. That means correct pile embedment (driven or helical), cross‑bracing, and hurricane‑rated boathouse framing. Materials are selected for service life: FRP or marine‑treated pilings, composite/PVC decking, hot‑dip galvanized through‑bolts, and 316 stainless fasteners. We evaluate fetch and boat wake exposure to choose batter piles or additional bracing where appropriate.

For shorelines, we install vinyl/PVC sheet piling with geotextile and consider hybrid approaches—low‑sill bulkheads plus riprap or living shoreline—balancing erosion control with habitat. The result is less maintenance and more seasons on the water.

Electrical and Fire Safety You Can Trust

Waterfront power demands precision. We design to NEC Article 555 with GFCI protection, bonding/grounding, and correct electrical datum plane elevations to mitigate electric shock drowning (ESD). Our team follows ABYC E‑11 practices for lifts and pedestals, and we place signage where required.

Lighting, power pedestals, and shore power are laid out to NFPA 303 guidelines. We recommend periodic inspections and can upgrade older docks with GFCIs, isolation transformers where needed, and corrosion‑resistant components for safer, more reliable service.

Heavy Equipment, Certified Crews, and Safe Operations

Our barge with spud poles, crane/excavator, and vibratory/impact hammers let us work efficiently—even in tight canals. For helical piles, we use calibrated torque drivers to verify capacity. Crews are OSHA 10/30 trained; crane operators carry NCCCO; TWIC‑cleared personnel are available when required.

We maintain strict water‑work safety: USCG‑approved PFDs, ring buoys, and rescue skiffs on site. Laser levels and total stations keep layouts accurate, while hot‑work is controlled with fire watches and shields. That discipline shows in cleaner jobsites and fewer delays.

Responsive Service, Clear Communication, Solid Warranties

From Offatts Bayou to San Luis Pass, we know tides, silt, and access constraints. We schedule around weather windows, communicate permit status, and provide photo updates during construction. You’ll always know what’s next and who’s on site.

Our workmanship warranty and preferred maintenance plans help protect your investment. Need a quick repair after a storm? We triage, stabilize, and prioritize critical fixes—then plan thoughtful long‑term upgrades when the time is right.

Dock Builder Services Across West Galveston Bay and Greater Houston

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Greater Houston’s waterfronts—from West Bay and Clear Lake to the upper bays and rivers. If you’re within a 25–30 mile radius of Houston, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood and can mobilize quickly with our barge crews.

Serving All Neighborhoods in West Bay

We build and repair docks in Jamaica Beach, Sea Isle, Terramar Beach, Pirates Cove/Laffite’s Cove, Isla del Sol, Sunset Cove, Indian Beach, Bay Harbor, Pointe West, Tiki Island, Bayou Vista, and Offatts Bayou (ZIPs 77554 and 77563). We understand local codes, HOA rules, and the wind/wave exposure near San Luis Pass.

Whether it’s canal re‑decking, boathouse upgrades, or shoreline protection, we deliver reliable tree-free access and safer power systems. When you need tree services—correction: when you need professional dock services in West Bay—call the team locals trust. We’re your experienced Dock Builder West Bay TX for fast response and durable results.

Other locations we serve near West Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock on West Bay?

Yes. Most private piers and boathouses on West Galveston Bay require a USACE Galveston District authorization and Texas GLO Structure Registration (TNRC §33.115) or a coastal easement. City of Galveston or Jamaica Beach permits and floodplain approvals may also apply, along with HOA approvals in neighborhoods like Pirates Cove or Sea Isle. We handle applications, site plans, and agency coordination so your project stays compliant from day one.

How long does it take to get USACE/GLO approval for a private pier?

Timelines vary by scope and environmental factors, but 6–12 weeks is common for straightforward residential docks using regional or general permits. Projects needing additional review—for example, near seagrass, oyster reefs, or navigation channels—can take longer. We submit complete, accurate packages and respond quickly to comments to help keep your schedule on track.

What dock materials last longest in saltwater on West Galveston Bay?

Composite/PVC decking (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck), FRP or marine‑treated pilings, hot‑dip galvanized hardware, and 316 stainless fasteners perform well in saltwater. We often pair vinyl/PVC sheet piling on shorelines with geotextile and riprap for durability. Material selection depends on exposure, water depth, and your maintenance preferences—we’ll recommend options with the best life‑cycle value for your site.

What is the electrical datum plane and why does it matter for my dock?

The electrical datum plane is a reference elevation used by NEC Article 555 to determine where equipment must be located to reduce shock and corrosion risk. Outlets, panels, and pedestals must be above this plane and protected by GFCIs and proper bonding. Following NEC 555 and ABYC E‑11 reduces electric shock drowning (ESD) risk and helps your system pass inspection.

Can you install a boat lift on an existing pier?

Often, yes. We evaluate piling spacing, embedment, alignment, and framing to confirm capacity. If needed, we add or replace pilings, upgrade hardware, or reinforce cross‑bracing. We then size the lift to your vessel, install controls, and verify electrical safety to NEC 555/ABYC E‑11. The result is a reliable lift retrofit without rebuilding your entire dock.

Are floating docks a good option for shallow West Bay canals?

Floating docks work well in consistent, shallow canals with modest wave action. We use encapsulated foam floats and HDPE components, secure them with piles or anchors, and provide ADA‑friendly gangways when needed. In more exposed areas or near boat traffic, fixed pile docks or hybrid systems may perform better. We’ll recommend the right approach after a site assessment.

Do Jamaica Beach or Tiki Island require separate dock permits?

Yes. In addition to USACE/GLO requirements, Jamaica Beach and Tiki Island have their own building and floodplain permits for docks, bulkheads, and lifts. Some HOAs impose design standards or height limits for boathouses and lifts. We coordinate all submittals, including drawings and neighbor notifications when required, to prevent delays.

How much does a residential pier or boathouse cost in Galveston County?

Costs depend on length, water depth, materials, exposure, and features like lifts, lighting, or fish cleaning stations. As a general framing, simple canal re‑decking can be a few thousand dollars, while new pile‑supported docks with boathouses and lifts are significantly more. We provide a detailed, line‑item estimate after a free site visit.

How do I prevent electric shock drowning at my dock?

Use GFCI protection on all circuits, proper bonding/grounding, and place equipment above the electrical datum plane per NEC 555. Schedule routine inspections, add ESD warning signage, and avoid swimming near energized docks. We offer electrical safety audits and upgrades for older systems to help protect your family and guests.