Dock Builder in Myrtle Beach
Custom Dock Building & Marine Construction
The Dock Builder Myrtle Beach Homeowners Call First
You bought waterfront property in Myrtle Beach. Maybe it's on the Intracoastal Waterway. Maybe it's a tidal creek off Murrells Inlet or a canal home near North Myrtle Beach. Either way, at some point you looked out at that water and thought — I need a dock.
That's where we come in.
We're a local dock builder in Myrtle Beach, and we've been putting wood, composite, and steel into the water all along the Grand Strand for years. We know how the tides move through Pawleys Island creeks. We know what a Category 2 storm does to a dock that wasn't built right. We know the difference between a quick-flip install and a dock that your grandkids will still be fishing off of.
This page covers everything we build and install — from the pilings in the mud to the lights on the cleats at night. If you've got a waterfront property and a project in mind, keep reading. If you already know what you need, just call us.
Our 3 Promises to You
Projects Completed
Year On Year Growth
Years Of Experience
Satisfied Clients
WHAT WE OFFER
Custom Dock Building & Marine Construction
in Myrtle Beach
Cantilevered Dock Construction
Cantilevered docks are one of the more popular builds we do along narrow tidal channels. No mid-water support. The deck extends out over the water from a strong shore-side frame. It keeps the water flowing naturally underneath and looks clean from the water. We engineer every cantilever to handle tidal flex and the kind of wind loads Myrtle Beach sees from late-season storms.
Tidal Dock Engineering & Build
Most of our residential and commercial builds along the Grand Strand are tidal dock projects. Water goes up. Water goes down. Your dock has to work in both conditions — and everywhere in between. We size your decking height, your gangway angle, and your piling depth based on the specific tidal range at your property. No guessing. We pull the tide data, we do the math, we build it right the first time.
Floating Jet Ski Port Assembly
Got a couple of jet skis and no good way to store them in the water? We put together floating jet ski ports that attach to your existing dock structure or sit on their own anchor system. They keep your PWC out of the water when it's not in use, which is way better for the hull and the engine. These are popular installs from Barefoot Resort all the way down to Garden City.
Floating Dock Anchor System Installation
A floating dock without a proper anchor system is just a problem waiting to happen. We install complete floating dock anchor systems — spud poles, chain, auger anchors, and guide pilings — sized for your water depth and your boat traffic. We've reset plenty of docks that floated off in a storm because someone skipped this part. Don't skip this part.
Aluminum Gangway Installation
The gangway is the connection between your land and your dock. We install aluminum gangways in a range of widths and lengths, depending on the tidal swing and the shore slope at your property. Aluminum holds up better than wood out here — no rot, no warping, and it handles the salt air for decades without much maintenance. We'll get the angle right so it's easy to walk even at low tide.
Covered Boat Slip Roofing Construction
Covered boat slips are one of the best things you can add to an existing dock. The sun down here is brutal. UV damage to a boat's gel coat, upholstery, and electronics adds up fast. We build covered boat slip roofs using aluminum framing and metal or polycarbonate panels — structures that can take wind and hold up against the kind of weather that rolls in off the Atlantic between August and November.
Hydraulic Boat Lift Installation
We install hydraulic boat lifts for everything from 17-foot bay boats to 30-foot center consoles. Hydraulic systems are smoother, quieter, and easier on the boat than older cable systems. We'll assess your water depth, your boat weight, and your slip configuration before recommending a lift model. Then we do the full install — cradle, motor, hydraulic lines, control panel, and all the dock-side wiring.
Cradle Lift Cable Rigging & Installation
Cable rigging on a boat lift is one of those things that looks simple and absolutely is not. Bad cable routing causes uneven lifting, puts stress on the wrong parts of the boat hull, and wears out faster. We do complete cradle lift cable rigging and installation for new builds and for existing lifts that need a proper re-rig. We use marine-grade stainless cable — not hardware store stuff.
Heavy-Duty Fender & Bumper Installation
Docking a boat without proper fenders is how you scratch up a hull real quick. We mount heavy-duty dock fenders and bumpers sized to the kind of boats using your slip. Foam-filled, rubber, or custom piling-wrap fenders — we use what makes sense for your setup. Clean install, secure mounting, and positioned at the right heights for how your boat sits in the water.
Integrated Marine Lighting Installation
Dock lighting in Myrtle Beach isn't just about looks. It's about safety at night, especially on busy waterways during summer. We install integrated marine lighting systems — underwater lights, dock edge lighting, piling-cap lights, and pathway lighting from the yard to the dock. All fixtures are rated for salt water exposure. We run everything through a weatherproof panel with GFI protection. It looks great and it lasts.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our Dock Building Values
Quality Craftsmanship
We take pride in delivering meticulous workmanship with attention to every detail.
Reliability
Count on us to be on time, on budget, and always dependable.
Transparency
We maintain open communication and clear pricing throughout every project.
Customer-Centric
Your needs guide every decision — we build with your vision in mind.
Dock Decking Installation & Composite Surfacing
Composite Dock Decking Installation
Composite decking has become the go-to choice for most of our dock decking installations in Myrtle Beach. It handles UV, salt spray, and foot traffic better than pressure treated lumber, and it doesn't splinter. We use marine-grade composite boards from brands built for docks — not just residential decks — and we install them with hidden fasteners for a clean finish.
Ipe Hardwood Dock Construction
Some homeowners want real wood. We get it. Ipe hardwood is as good as it gets for dock construction — one of the densest, most durable hardwoods on the planet. It naturally resists rot, insects, and UV. Ipe docks look stunning and they last for decades when properly maintained. We do full Ipe hardwood dock builds for clients who want the premium natural wood look without compromising on longevity.
ThruFlow Grated Decking Setup
ThruFlow grated decking panels are a smart choice in certain spots — particularly on floating docks, kayak launches, and areas where you want water drainage and light penetration. We install ThruFlow setups as standalone decking or as sections within a larger composite or wood deck. They're easy on bare feet, they don't get slippery, and they're one of the lower-maintenance decking options out there.
Marsh Walkway Construction
Building a walkway out through marsh grass is a different project than a standard dock build. Marsh areas have soft, unstable substrates. The pilings need to go deeper, the framing needs to be elevated to protect the marsh ecology, and the whole structure needs to deal with tidal flooding regularly. We build marsh walkways the right way — properly permitted, properly elevated, and built to last in that wet, salty environment.
Marine Engineering & Shoreline Stabilization
Hurricane Reinforcement Retrofitting
After every major storm season, we get calls from dock owners who got lucky — their dock survived but they know it shouldn't have. We offer hurricane reinforcement retrofitting for existing docks and shoreline structures. That means adding cross-bracing, upgrading fasteners to stainless, reinforcing piling connections, and addressing any weak points that a structural review turns up. Better to do it before the storm.
Marine Timber Framing
Heavy timber framing is the backbone of serious dock construction. We do full marine timber framing for large commercial docks, heavy-use residential builds, and any structure that needs to handle real weight — fuel stations, boat ramps, fishing piers. The framing work we do uses treated lumber rated for ground contact and saltwater exposure, and every connection is made with hot-dipped galvanized or stainless hardware.
Vinyl Bulkhead Installation
Bulkheads hold the land back from the water. Without one, your shoreline erodes — and in Myrtle Beach, that process can happen faster than you'd think after a few storm events. We install vinyl bulkhead systems that are rated for tidal and wave exposure. Vinyl outperforms old wood bulkheads significantly in terms of lifespan and maintenance. We also tie the bulkhead into your dock structure when the project calls for it.
Riprap Stone Revetment Installation
Riprap stone revetment is another solid option for shoreline stabilization along Myrtle Beach canals, creeks, and waterfront properties. Its layers of angular stone are placed along the waterline to absorb wave energy and stop erosion. We handle the grading, the filter fabric, and the stone placement — sizing the stone to the specific wave and current energy at your shoreline. It's a durable and natural-looking solution that works well in high-energy coastal environments.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Testimonials
"We bought our place on a tidal creek off Murrells Inlet two years ago and the old dock was basically falling apart. The guys at MB Elite came out, looked at the property, and didn't try to oversell us on anything. They explained the tidal range, showed us exactly why the old dock failed, and built us a new tidal dock with composite decking and cable railing. It's been through two storm seasons now and hasn't moved an inch. Best money we've spent on this property."
Rick & Donna
Murrells Inlet, SC
Tidal Dock Build
"I had a hydraulic lift installed by another company a few years back and it was never right. Uneven, noisy, and the cable rigging was a mess. Myrtle Beach Elite Dock Builders came in, re-rigged the whole cradle system, replaced the hydraulic lines, and installed a covered boat slip roof over the whole setup. Night and day difference. My 26-foot center console sits perfectly now. These guys actually know what they're doing with marine equipment — it's not just framing and decking with them."
Jason
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Hydraulic Boat Lift + Covered Slip
"After Hurricane Idalia we had serious erosion on the waterfront side of our property. I was worried about how close the waterline had gotten to the yard. MB Elite came out and did a full assessment — ended up recommending a combination of vinyl bulkhead on one section and riprap stone revetment on the other where the wave energy was higher. They handled the whole thing, permits and all. The shoreline has been completely stable since. Genuinely glad I called them first instead of just grabbing whoever showed up cheapest on Google."
Carol
Pawleys Island, SC
Vinyl Bulkhead + Riprap
"We wanted a dune walkover from our house down to the beach and had no idea how involved the permitting was going to be. This team walked us through every step, handled the permit application, and built us a beautiful Ipe hardwood walkover with stainless cable railing. They also added dock lighting along the path — the underwater light accent at the bottom is a nice touch. Our neighbors have asked about it more times than I can count. Worth every penny."
Stephen & Tegan
Litchfield Beach, SC
Dune Walkover + Marine Lighting
"We operate a small waterfront commercial property in Georgetown County and needed to bring our boat ramp up to ADA standards before the season opened. MB Elite understood the code requirements immediately — didn't need to be educated on it. They had the ramp, handrails, and surface texture done ahead of schedule. Inspector passed it on the first visit. If you need commercial marine work done right and on time, these are the people to call."
Derek
Georgetown County, SC
Commercial Marina Ramp + ADA Compliance
Marine Pile Driving & Foundation Piling Services
Helical Pile Installation
Helical piles are a specialized foundation solution for waterfront and marine structures. They screw into the substrate rather than being driven, which makes them ideal in areas where vibration could be a problem, or where the soil conditions don't support standard driven piling. We install helical piles for docks, bulkheads, and elevated walkway foundations throughout the Myrtle Beach area.
Marine Piling Encapsulation
Salt water is hard on pilings. Marine borers — worms and crustaceans that eat wood from the inside out — are a real problem in South Carolina coastal waters. Marine piling encapsulation wraps your existing pilings in a protective fiberglass shell, cutting off the borers and slowing deterioration dramatically. It's way cheaper than replacing pilings and it can add decades to the life of your existing structure.
Piling Cap Installation
The top of a piling takes a beating from sun, rain, and bird activity. Piling caps protect the exposed end grain and keep moisture from working its way down into the wood. We install both copper piling caps — which are the traditional long-lasting option — and UV-polymer caps, which are newer and offer good protection at a lower price point. Small detail. Big difference over the long run.
Marine Railing Installation & Safety Handrails
Stainless Steel Cable Railing Installation
Cable railing is one of the most popular railing systems we install on docks and walkovers along the Grand Strand. The stainless steel cables give you a clean, unobstructed view of the water, they hold up against salt air better than powder-coated aluminum, and they look great on both modern and traditional dock designs. We do full stainless steel cable railing installation — posts, fittings, tensioners, and all.
Marine Grade Handrail Installation
Standard residential handrails don't belong on a dock. We install marine-grade handrails built from materials that handle constant moisture, UV, and salt spray. Whether it's stainless, aluminum, or composite — we size the rail heights and post spacing to code, and we use fasteners that won't rust out in two seasons. Safe, solid, and built for the waterfront environment.
ADA Compliant Marine Ramp Installation
If you're building a commercial marine facility, a public boat access point, or a property that needs to meet accessibility standards, we install ADA compliant marine ramps with the proper slope, handrails, and surface texture required. We've done ADA ramp installs for marinas, fishing piers, and waterfront commercial properties across Horry and Georgetown counties. We know the code requirements and we build to meet them.
TRUSTED BY THE GRAND STRAND
Why Myrtle Beach Waterfront Owners Trust Us
This area has unique challenges. The tidal range in Murrells Inlet is different from the tidal range on the ICW near North Myrtle Beach. The marsh conditions in Pawleys Island are different from the open water conditions at Grande Dunes. And storm season is real — we're not in the middle of the country where a dock just sits there year-round without getting tested.
We know this water. We've built on it, rebuilt after storms, and stood on docks we built 15 years ago that are still solid. When you hire a dock builder in Myrtle Beach, you want somebody who's actually been out here doing the work — not a company that subs everything out and hopes for the best.
Call us. Tell us what you've got and what you want to build. We'll come look at your property, talk through the options, and give you a straight answer on what it'll take.
Dock Building Questions?
We Have Straight Answers.
Waterfront projects come with a lot of moving parts — permits, materials, tidal conditions, engineering requirements. Most homeowners have never been through this process before, and that's completely normal.
How much does it cost to build a dock in Myrtle Beach?
Dock pricing in the Myrtle Beach area varies a lot depending on size, materials, water depth, and what you're adding to the structure. A basic tidal dock with pressure treated framing and composite decking might start around $15,000–$25,000 for a modest residential build. Add a boat lift, covered slip, cable railing, and lighting, and a full custom build can run $60,000–$100,000 or more. The best way to get an accurate number is to have us walk your property — every waterfront lot is different, and pricing from the internet is rarely reliable for your specific situation.
Do I need a permit to build a dock in South Carolina?
Yes. In South Carolina, dock construction in tidal and navigable waters requires permits from SCDHEC-OCRM (Office of Coastal Resource Management) and potentially the Army Corps of Engineers depending on the scope of the project. Marsh walkways, bulkheads, and structures in wetland areas have their own additional requirements. We handle the permitting process for our clients — it's part of how we work, not an add-on.
How long does it take to build a dock in Myrtle Beach?
Permitting is usually the longest part of the process. OCRM permit approvals can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the project type and time of year. Once permits are in hand, most residential dock builds take 1–3 weeks of active construction depending on size and complexity. We'll give you a realistic timeline after the site visit so you're not caught off guard.
What is the best decking material for a dock in South Carolina?
For most of our clients along the Grand Strand, marine-grade composite decking is the best overall choice. It handles the UV exposure, salt spray, and humidity better than pressure treated lumber, and it doesn't splinter or warp. That said, Ipe hardwood is a legitimate premium option if you want the look of natural wood and are willing to maintain it. ThruFlow grated decking works well in specific spots like kayak launches or floating dock sections. We'll recommend what makes sense for your budget and how you use the dock.
How deep does the water need to be to install a boat lift?
That depends on the lift type and the size of your boat. As a general rule, you need enough water depth at low tide to float your boat into the lift cradle without grounding. For most hydraulic lifts we install in the Myrtle Beach area, a minimum of 2.5 to 3.5 feet at mean low water is a starting baseline — but we assess your specific water depth, tidal range, and boat draft before recommending any lift model. Getting this wrong is expensive, so we don't guess.
What is marine piling encapsulation and do I need it?
Marine piling encapsulation is a protective fiberglass wrap applied around your existing dock pilings to stop marine borer damage and slow deterioration from saltwater exposure. If your dock is more than 8–10 years old and the pilings haven't been treated or wrapped, this is worth a serious look. Marine borers — organisms that eat wood from the inside — are active in South Carolina coastal waters. Encapsulation is significantly cheaper than replacing pilings and can add 15–20 years to the life of your existing structure.
Can my dock be reinforced to handle hurricanes?
Yes. We offer hurricane reinforcement retrofitting for existing docks throughout the Myrtle Beach area. This typically involves adding cross-bracing, upgrading to stainless fasteners, reinforcing piling connections, and addressing any structural weak points identified during a site review. If your dock survived the last few storm seasons but you're not confident it should have, this is a smart investment before the next one rolls in.
What is the difference between a floating dock and a fixed dock?
A fixed dock is built on pilings driven into the bottom — it stays at the same elevation regardless of the tide. A floating dock rises and falls with the water, connected to the bottom with anchor systems like spud poles or auger anchors. Fixed docks are common on tidal creeks and the ICW in the Myrtle Beach area. Floating docks work better in locations with significant tidal swing, calmer water, or where the bottom conditions make piling installation difficult. We build both and will tell you honestly which one fits your property better.
How do I stop my shoreline from eroding in Myrtle Beach?
The two most effective solutions we install in this area are vinyl bulkhead systems and riprap stone revetment. Bulkheads work well along canals and calm tidal creeks — they create a hard vertical wall that stops the shoreline from retreating. Riprap works better in higher-energy environments where wave action is heavier — the angular stone absorbs that energy and holds the bank in place. Some properties benefit from a combination of both. The right answer depends on your specific shoreline conditions, and we'll assess that before recommending anything.
Do you build docks for commercial properties and marinas?
Yes. We work on commercial marine projects including marinas, waterfront restaurants, fishing piers, boat ramps, and commercial boat storage facilities across Horry and Georgetown counties. Commercial builds often require heavier framing, ADA compliance, fuel dock infrastructure, and higher-load engineering — all of which we handle. If you're managing a commercial waterfront property and need a contractor who understands the difference between a residential dock install and a commercial marine build, give us a call.
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