Expert Excavation & Grading Services in North Texas

Proper site preparation is the foundation of any long-lasting paving project. Poor excavation and grading is the #1 cause of premature pavement failure. Without adequate base depth, proper compaction, and correct drainage, your asphalt or concrete will crack, settle, and deteriorate quickly—requiring expensive repairs or complete replacement.

In North Texas, our expansive clay soils make proper site prep even more critical. We excavate to the proper depth (typically 6-12 inches depending on use), install a compacted aggregate base, establish correct slopes for drainage, and ensure the subgrade is stable. This prevents settling, water infiltration, and soil movement that would otherwise damage your pavement.

Excavation depth varies based on soil conditions and intended use. For residential driveways, we typically excavate 8-10 inches total: 4-6 inches for crushed aggregate base plus 2-3 inches for asphalt (or 4 inches for concrete). For commercial parking lots with heavier traffic, we excavate 10-14 inches: 6-8 inches of base plus 3-4 inches of asphalt.

In areas with poor soil (soft clay, organic material, high water table), we may need to excavate deeper and add extra base material or even geotextile fabric for stabilization. Every site is different—we assess soil conditions during your free estimate and recommend the proper depth for long-lasting results.

We own and maintain a full fleet of modern excavation equipment including: excavators (various sizes for different job scales), bulldozers for land clearing and rough grading, skid steers for tight access areas, motor graders with laser guidance for precision work, compaction equipment (plate compactors, rollers, jumping jacks), and dump trucks for material hauling.

We select equipment based on your specific project needs, site access, and scale. For residential work in established neighborhoods, we use smaller, more maneuverable equipment. For large commercial sites, we bring in heavy machinery for maximum efficiency. All equipment is professionally maintained and operated by experienced crew members.

Yes—proper drainage is a critical part of every excavation project. Water is the enemy of pavement. We design and establish grading that directs water away from structures and pavement surfaces. This includes establishing minimum 2% slopes for drainage, creating crowned surfaces on driveways and parking lots, installing French drains or swales where needed, and ensuring water flows to appropriate discharge points.

In North Texas, we often encounter challenging drainage situations due to heavy clay soils that don't absorb water well. We have extensive experience designing drainage solutions that comply with local regulations while protecting your investment. If you have standing water, poor drainage, or erosion problems, we can engineer a solution during the excavation phase.

Excavation costs vary significantly based on: amount of excavation required (depth and area), soil conditions and what must be removed, accessibility (can equipment reach the site easily?), disposal of excavated material, base material type and quantity needed, and site-specific challenges (utilities, trees, slopes, etc.).

Generally, excavation accounts for 30-40% of total paving project costs—it's a substantial investment but absolutely essential for quality results. The best way to get accurate pricing is with a free on-site estimate. We'll assess your specific site conditions, explain what work is needed, and provide transparent pricing. Call (469) 971-3640 to schedule your free estimate.