Houston Docks

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

Trusted Dock Builder in West University Place, TX

At Houston Docks, we design, build, and repair docks, boathouses, and bulkheads across Greater Houston. We’re family-owned, fully insured, and bring 15+ years of marine construction expertise to every project. Our crews handle permits, engineering, and safe installation—so you get a durable, low-maintenance waterfront that fits your lifestyle.

Whether you need a floating dock on Clear Lake, a fixed pier on Lake Conroe, or a boat lift on Galveston Bay, we manage everything from pile driving to NEC 555-compliant electrical. Expect responsive communication, clean worksites, and quality materials like Trex and stainless 316 hardware. Call us today for a free estimate—your Dock Builder West University Place TX homeowners trust for worry-free waterfront builds.

Marine Construction Services Built for Houston Waters

We focus on long-lasting docks and waterfront structures tailored to our climate and water conditions. Every build is engineered, permitted, and delivered with precision and safety at the forefront.

Custom Dock Design

Your dock should fit your shoreline, boat, and lifestyle. We start with a site assessment, wave and wake analysis, and soil evaluation. Then we develop plans, permits, and materials specs (Trex/TimberTech/WearDeck, AWPA UC4/UC5 piles, stainless 316 fasteners). Our team designs gangways, railings, power pedestals, and lighting to ABYC and NEC Article 555 guidelines. You’ll review 2D/3D layouts, budgets, and timelines before we build—so there are no surprises and your dock performs season after season.

Learn more about our Custom Dock Design services.

Dock Construction

From Lake Houston fishing piers to Galveston Bay slips, we install driven timber/steel piles using barge-mounted rigs and vibratory hammers. Cross-bracing, hurricane ties, and corrosion protection ensure strength in high-wake corridors. We use encapsulated foam floats on modular sections where needed and hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel hardware for durability. Our crews are OSHA-trained, and work is documented with laser levels and as-builts for a clean, code-compliant project from day one.

Learn more about our Dock Construction services.

Floating Dock Construction

Floating systems adjust with water levels—ideal for Clear Lake, canals, and bayous. We build with HDPE/encapsulated foam floats, aluminum or treated framing, and composite/PVC decking. Anchoring options include helical screw piles, deadman/tieback systems, or pile guides for stability. We can integrate kayak launches, ADA-friendly gangways, and LED lighting with GFCI protection and bonding to reduce ESD risks. You get a stable, quiet platform that’s easy to maintain and upgrade over time.

Learn more about our Floating Dock Construction services.

Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation

Protect your investment with the right lift. We install and service cradle, elevator, and PWC lifts sized to your vessel and site conditions. Structural components are engineered for wind and wave loads; power and controls are installed by TDLR-licensed electricians to ABYC E-11 and NEC 555. Ask about remote controls, catwalks, and canopy options for daily convenience. We also retrofit older lifts, swap cables, and balance cradles for smooth, reliable operation.

Learn more about our Boat & Jet Ski Lift Installation services.

Bulkhead Installation

Stop erosion before it reaches your yard or foundation. We install vinyl ShoreGuard bulkheads, riprap, and tie-back systems with concrete caps and corrosion-resistant hardware. For challenging soils, we offer helical anchors and FRP composite piles. Our shoreline stabilization protects landscaping and ties seamlessly into your dock, ramp, or boathouse. We handle permitting and inspections so your project meets local and state requirements the first time.

Learn more about our Bulkhead Installation services.

Other Services We Offer

Why Homeowners Choose Houston Docks in West University Place

Houston Docks blends marine engineering, precise construction, and concierge-level service. We’ve built and serviced thousands of docks around Greater Houston—from Lake Houston to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. Our team handles permitting, pile driving, electrical to NEC 555, and final inspections. If you’re comparing options for a Dock Builder West University Place TX residents rely on, we’re the crew that delivers longevity, safety, and clean workmanship.

Certified Marine & Electrical Expertise

Dock safety starts with standards. Our crews hold OSHA 10/30 training and follow ABYC E-11 practices for dock/boat electrical. Dock power is installed by a TDLR-licensed Electrical Contractor under NEC Article 555, with GFCI protection, bonding/grounding, and ESD mitigation strategies. We also specify NFPA 303 considerations for marinas and commercial fuel docks.

On the water, we work to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.106 with USCG-approved PFDs, fall protection under Subpart M, and documented over-water rescue plans. That means safer sites, fewer delays, and compliant installations you can insure and resell with confidence.

Permitting Without the Headaches

Permits vary by waterbody. We prepare and submit City of Houston Lake Houston pier permits (and the annual Lake Houston pier license), USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 where applicable, and Texas General Land Office coastal structure registration/leases on state submerged lands. We also coordinate floodplain approvals when required.

Expect a clear timeline: design, submittals (often via the USACE RRS portal), agency review windows, and construction mobilization. We keep you updated at every step and address comments quickly to keep your project moving.

Materials and Equipment Built for the Gulf

We specify AWPA UC4/UC5-treated piles, stainless steel 316 or hot-dipped galvanized hardware, and composite/PVC decking to resist Houston humidity and salt exposure. Options include FRP composite piles, aluminum framing, and corrosion protection coatings for brackish zones. For stability, we design cross-bracing, hurricane ties, and wave/wake strategies tailored to your site.

Our fleet includes barge-mounted pile drivers, vibratory hammers, jetting pumps for sandy soils, and helical drive heads for screw piles. RTK-grade layout and laser leveling keep tolerances tight and documentation accurate.

Safety, Insurance, and Transparent Warranty

We carry full general liability and workers’ compensation coverage and follow written JHAs for over-water work. Projects include documented torque logs for helical anchors, pile logs, and electrical testing results. You’ll receive a workmanship warranty and manufacturer-backed coverage on materials (TrexPro, WearDeck, EZ Dock, and ShoreGuard installations).

This discipline gives you predictable performance, lower lifetime maintenance, and compliance paperwork ready for your records or HOA.

Local Experience and Proven Results

West U homeowners often build on nearby waters—Clear Lake, Lake Houston, Lake Conroe, and Galveston Bay. We manage logistics and schedules around local conditions. Recent example: a 60-foot fixed pier with a covered slip in Clear Lake Shores (2023) using 10" timber piles, Trex decking, stainless hardware, and a 10,000-lb lift. Permits and approvals took ~3 weeks; construction finished in 21 working days.

We communicate proactively, protect landscaping during access, and leave the site clean. You’ll know exactly what we’re doing and when—start to finish.

Dock Services Across Greater Houston

Houston Docks proudly serves residential and commercial clients across the Greater Houston area. If you’re within a 25–30 mile radius of Houston, we’ve likely worked in your neighborhood. Our local crews mobilize quickly, coordinate permits, and build to each waterbody’s conditions for dependable results.

Serving All Neighborhoods in West University Place

We help West U homeowners build on nearby waterfronts, including Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, Lake Houston, and Lake Conroe. We know 77005 and nearby 77025 (Rice Village, Southside Place, Southampton, Braeswood Place, Bellaire, Upper Kirby, Museum District, Texas Medical Center) and plan access accordingly.

From ADA-compliant gangways to boat lifts and electrical upgrades, we bring the same standards to every site. As a Dock Builder West University Place TX residents turn to, we handle logistics, permitting, and construction so your project runs smoothly.

Other locations we serve near West University Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you build docks for West University Place homeowners even though the city is landlocked?

Yes. Many West U homeowners build on nearby waters such as Clear Lake (Kemah/Seabrook/Nassau Bay), Lake Houston (Atascocita/Kingwood/Huffman), Lake Conroe, and Galveston Bay. We handle logistics, permits, and access routes from your West University Place address to the waterfront. You’ll get one point of contact, clear timelines, and a fixed proposal tailored to your site’s wave, wake, and soil conditions.

How much does a boat dock cost in the Houston area?

Budgets vary by length, water depth, soil, decking, and accessories. As a planning range, residential docks commonly run $175–$350 per sq. ft. in our region. Floating systems, composite/PVC decking, stainless 316 hardware, and boat lifts increase cost. We provide itemized estimates after a site review, including design, permitting, pile driving, utilities, and options like lighting, power pedestals, and kayak/PWC add-ons.

Do I need a permit to build a pier on Lake Houston?

Yes. The City of Houston requires a Lake Houston stationary/floating pier construction permit, plus an annual pier license. Depending on scope and location, floodplain review may apply. We prepare drawings, submit applications, and coordinate inspections. After approval, we schedule mobilization and handle license renewal guidance for future years.

What’s the difference between a floating dock and a fixed pier?

Floating docks rise and fall with water levels, making boarding easier during level changes. They’re anchored with piles, helical anchors, or deadman systems. Fixed piers use driven timber/steel piles and stay at one elevation—best where water levels and wave action are predictable. We’ll evaluate water depth, bottom type, exposure, and usage to recommend the right structure for your site.

Which decking material lasts longest in Houston’s climate?

Composite and PVC decking (Trex, TimberTech, WearDeck) resist rot, UV, and humidity better than untreated wood. In brackish or saltwater, we pair these with stainless 316 or hot-dipped galvanized hardware and AWPA UC5-treated piles. For premium aesthetics, hardwoods like ipe or cumaru perform well with proper fastening and maintenance. We’ll compare lifecycle cost and traction for your specific conditions.

Can you help with USACE and Texas GLO permits?

Absolutely. We manage USACE Galveston District Section 10/404 authorizations when required and handle Texas General Land Office coastal structure registrations/leases for state submerged lands. We also guide City/County permits and floodplain reviews. Our team prepares drawings, submittals (including RRS uploads), and responds to agency comments to keep your project moving.

Do you install boat lifts and PWC ports?

Yes. We install and service boat and jet ski lifts sized to your vessel, plus modular PWC ports and kayak launches. Electrical is installed by TDLR-licensed electricians to NEC Article 555 and ABYC E-11. We can add remote controls, lighting, catwalks, and canopy systems for convenience and protection.

What electrical safety standards apply to docks in Texas?

Dock electrical must follow NEC Article 555 for marinas and boatyards and ABYC E-11 best practices. We use GFCI protection, proper bonding/grounding, in-use covers, and corrosion-resistant components to reduce electric shock drowning risks. We also recommend signage, periodic testing, and maintenance checks tailored to your environment.

How long does dock construction take from permit to completion?

Timelines depend on permitting agency response and project scope. Typical residential projects run 3–6 weeks for permits, then 2–5 weeks for construction once mobilized. For example, a recent Clear Lake fixed pier with a covered slip and lift took ~3 weeks for approvals and 21 working days to build. We’ll provide a detailed schedule before we start.

Do you offer dock inspections, maintenance, and storm repairs?

Yes. We provide inspection and maintenance plans, storm damage assessments, float replacement, re-decking, and piling repair or replacement. Our teams can also retrofit electrical to current NEC 555/ABYC standards and upgrade hardware to stainless 316 or hot-dipped galvanized for longer service life in Houston’s climate.