Bulkhead Construction Costs in Texas: What to Expect in 2026
If you own waterfront property in Houston or Galveston, then you need a solid bulkhead to protect you against erosion and storm surges.
But how much will you have to pay for it?
Material costs and labor trends are ever-shifting, but here’s what we’re seeing for the 2026 year ahead.
What is the average cost per linear foot for a bulkhead in 2026?
Here in Texas, homeowners can currently expect to pay $200 to $600 per linear foot for a professional bulkhead installation. This typically translates into total project costs of $10,000 to $30,000, though of course every project is different.
Why such a wide range?
Every project is different. Every project includes differences in:
- Material selection
- Wall height
- Site terrain
Expect to recoup these costs by avoiding major repair and damage bills in the future.
How do material choices impact the final price of a bulkhead?
The materials you choose are the largest variable in your budget. In 2026, the most common options in Houston are:
- Vinyl (PVC) – $250 to $450 per linear foot
- Pressure treated wood – $200 to $350 per linear foot
- Composite or steel – $500+ per linear foot
When considering materials, price isn’t the only factor. You should also be thinking about:
- Traffic (commercial or residential?)
- Lifespan
- UV resistance
- Rot resistance
- Wind resistance
- Wave resistance
When we quote your job we’ll always recommend the materials we think will serve your shoreline best.
What Texas-specific factors drive up bulkhead construction costs?
In Houston and Galveston, hidden costs often include:
- Soil composition – heavy clay or soft muck requires deeper pile driving.
- Water depth – deep water requires taller sheets and more robust tie-back systems.
- Accessibility – Will we have to bring in barges or heavy machinery via the water, or can we get to them over land?
How much does a bulkhead permit fee cost in the state of Texas?
Most bulkhead projects require permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers and local entities like the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District. Some HOA boards impose permitting costs of your own.
Expect permitting and engineering fees to add $1000 to $5000 to your project.
You cannot bypass these fees. Unpermitted bulkheads can lead to even more expensive fines. Furthermore, authorities can demand you remove the bulkhead at your own expense. We will not work on a project without pulling the proper permits first.
Why is professional bulkhead installation so important?
Savings aren’t savings if bulkheads fail. If tie-backs and anchors aren’t engineered correctly, the entire bulkhead can collapse instead of protecting your property. The resulting damage can be catastrophic.
Our installations include warranties. We stand by our work, and we ensure walls are balanced against hydrostatic pressure, which is the leading cause of bulkhead collapses during heavy Texas rains.
Are you planning a shoreline project? The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a site-specific evaluation from DreamBoat Docks. Contact us for a project estimate that gives you the real breakdown!
