Dock & Pier Construction
Custom private docks and commercial piers on driven pilings — fixed docks, floating docks, pier heads, gangways and covered platforms built for Lowcountry tides.
A Charleston dock builder for homes, communities and public owners
Every dock starts with the water — depth at low tide, the tide range, current, bottom conditions and how far the permit will let you go. We design the walkway, pier head, floating dock and lift around those realities and the way you use the water.
- Private residential docks and pier heads
- Community and HOA docks
- Public fishing piers and commercial docks
- Fixed and floating docks, gangways and platforms
- Covered docks, benches and custom hardwood details
Dock construction, start to finish
Design & layout
Walkway, pier head, float and lift layout drawn to your water and permit.
Permitting support
Applications for SCDES (formerly SCDHEC) OCRM critical area permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorizations and HOA/POA review.
Driven piles
Marine-grade pilings driven to refusal — the foundation that makes a dock last.
Floating docks
Floats and gangways that keep boarding height constant at every tide.
Decking & rails
Treated, hardwood or composite decking and rail systems.
Lifts & utilities
Boat lifts, power, lighting and water coordinated with trades.
Covered docks
Roofs, boathouses and shaded platforms.
Hardwood details
Benches, fish-cleaning stations and custom cabinetry.
From first call to first launch
Site visit
We measure depth and tide and walk the property line.
Design & quote
Layout and a line-item proposal.
Permits
We prepare and guide the applications.
Build
Piles, framing, decking, lift and final walkthrough.
What owners say
They have built three piers, a massive seawall, and a beautiful boat house for us. Their work is on budget and executed to the highest standards. And they are always available after the fact for enhancements or maintenance.
I have used BluTide Marine for two projects in the last year and have been very pleased with both outcomes. BluTide’s ability to produce, manage and maintain schedule, cost, quality, attention to detail as well as communication and problem solve are some of their strengths.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dock cost in Charleston?
Length to deep water, pier head size, floating dock, lift, roof and materials drive the price. Our dock cost guide covers typical ranges; we provide a line-item quote after a site visit.
Fixed or floating dock?
Most Lowcountry docks combine a fixed walkway and pier head with a floating dock reached by gangway. See fixed vs. floating docks.
Do you build docks for HOAs and communities?
Yes — community docks, landings and kayak launches. See HOA & community docks and public piers.
Do I need a permit?
Almost always. We guide you through SCDES (formerly SCDHEC) OCRM critical area permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorizations.
Related services, sectors and resources
Have a project out for bid?
Send the plans or a solicitation number. We’ll price it, schedule it and build it — crews, barges and pile-driving equipment included.