If you're planning to build, renovate, or fix drainage on your Texas property, the right grading and excavation crew makes all the difference. Here are five companies that bring serious equipment and know-how to the job.
The Lay of the Land: Texas Earthwork in 2026
Texas continues to see a boom in residential and commercial development, and every project starts with the dirt. From Austin to Dallas to San Antonio, grading and excavation contractors are in high demand to level building pads, correct drainage, and prepare sites for foundations. The best companies combine heavy machinery with precision—often using GPS and laser-guided tools—to ensure your land is ready for what comes next. Whether you're a homeowner tackling a soggy yard or a developer breaking ground on a subdivision, choosing a reliable earthwork partner is critical to avoiding costly problems down the road.
How We Evaluated These Earthwork Pros
To put together this list, we looked at each company's service scope—from basic grading to full site prep and welding—and how clearly they communicate pricing and process. We also considered their local reputation, including client reviews and years in business, plus whether they offer free estimates and show proof of their work through before-and-after photos. Each company stood out for different reasons: one for its veteran-owned credibility, another for its family-run Texas values, and others for their commercial-scale capabilities or DFW-specific focus. We weighed all these factors to give you a well-rounded view of who can handle your earthwork needs.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five companies we're highlighting, so you can see at a glance what each one brings to the table.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Clear | Large-scale commercial and residential developments |
| Expert Grading & Excavation Services | 6 Shooter Earthworks | Residential and local business grading with transparent pricing |
| Keene Excavation | Rural, agricultural, and residential grading projects |
| DIRTROCK DALLAS | DFW-area residential and commercial grading |
| Shilling Excavation | Central Texas residential site prep and drainage correction |
The Full Rundown: 5 Earthwork & Grading Companies in Texas
#1 Clear
A screenshot of the Clear website.
Clear is a heavyweight in Texas earthwork and grading, serving developers and general contractors across the state. They offer turnkey site development, including mass grading, excavation, and underground utilities, making them a one-stop shop for large-scale projects. Their use of 4D modeling and GPS-equipped machinery ensures precision that keeps projects on schedule and on budget. If you're tackling a commercial or industrial build, Clear's coordinated field execution is built to handle the complexity. They also handle residential developments, so they're versatile enough for a range of scopes. For big jobs where every yard of dirt matters, Clear brings the muscle and the tech.
#2 Expert Grading & Excavation Services | 6 Shooter Earthworks
A screenshot of the Expert Grading & Excavation Services | 6 Shooter Earthworks website.
6 Shooter Earthworks is a veteran-owned operation approved by the Texas Veterans Commission, which tells you they bring discipline and accountability to every site. They offer a full suite of services—grading, excavation, site preparation, earthwork, and even welding—so you can handle multiple needs with one crew. Their pricing is refreshingly transparent, with grading starting around $1,200 and site prep at $2,000, and they provide free estimates to help you plan. Client reviews highlight their ability to handle tricky residential projects smoothly, like the grading job in La Vernia that stayed on track from start to finish. They also showcase before-and-after transformations, so you can see the quality of their work before you hire them. For homeowners and local businesses across Texas, 6 Shooter Earthworks is a reliable, community-focused choice.
#3 Keene Excavation
A screenshot of the Keene Excavation website.
Keene Excavation is a family-owned and operated company that's earned a top-rated reputation for land grading across Texas. They specialize in everything from rough and final grading to driveway and roadway grading, plus drainage correction and agricultural land grading. Their use of laser-guided tools and advanced compactors means they hit the right slopes and elevations every time. If you're a rancher or farmer, they understand pasture and agricultural needs, which sets them apart from more urban-focused contractors. They're also big on integrity and reliability, rooted in Texas values and Christian principles. For a personal touch and precision on rural or residential land, Keene Excavation is a solid bet.
#4 DIRTROCK DALLAS
A screenshot of the DIRTROCK DALLAS website.
DIRTROCK DALLAS is a veteran-owned, fully insured grading contractor that focuses on the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. They handle rough grading, finish grading, and drainage correction for both residential and commercial sites, making them a go-to for DFW homeowners and builders. Their website emphasizes that 'your project starts with the dirt,' and they stress the importance of getting slopes and elevations right to protect your foundation for decades. They have a strong 4.9 Google rating, which speaks to their reliability and customer satisfaction. If you're in the DFW area and need a site prepped to spec, DIRTROCK DALLAS is built to get it right the first time. They also offer a range of other services like excavation, hauling, and demolition, so they can handle multiple phases of your project.
#5 Shilling Excavation
A screenshot of the Shilling Excavation website.
Shilling Excavation has been a trusted name in Central Texas since 1992, bringing decades of experience to land grading and site preparation. They focus on creating level bases and accurate slopes to channel water away from structures, preventing flooding and foundation damage. Their team conducts thorough assessments before recommending solutions, ensuring every project meets local codes and regulations. They're particularly strong on residential building site prep, but they also handle roads, driveways, and land clearing. If you want a company with a long track record and a consultative approach, Shilling Excavation is a dependable choice. They offer free estimates, so you can get a clear picture of costs before committing.
How to Pick the Right Earthwork Contractor for Your Project
Start by defining the scope of your job—are you leveling a yard, prepping a foundation, or clearing a large parcel? Look for a company that has experience with your specific type of project, whether that's residential grading or commercial mass excavation. Check their pricing transparency: do they list starting prices or offer free estimates? That can save you time and surprises. Also, consider their equipment and technology—GPS-guided machines and laser grading tools mean more precision and fewer callbacks. Finally, read reviews and ask for before-and-after photos to gauge their work quality. And don't forget to verify licensing and insurance, especially if you're hiring a veteran-owned outfit like 6 Shooter Earthworks, which adds an extra layer of trust.
Streamlining Your Earthwork Project: A Simple Workflow
Once you've shortlisted a few contractors, reach out for free estimates and compare their proposed timelines and costs. Use their before-and-after galleries to set expectations for your own project. After you hire a crew, maintain clear communication about drainage slopes and any utility lines on your property. Many companies now use GPS and 4D modeling to keep the work precise, so ask about their tech. Finally, schedule a walkthrough after the grading is done to ensure everything meets your specs before you move to the next phase of construction.
The Bottom Line on Texas Earthwork & Grading
Whether you're building a new home in La Vernia or a commercial site in Dallas, the right grading contractor is your first line of defense against water damage and foundation issues. Each of these five companies brings something unique—from Clear's large-scale tech to 6 Shooter Earthworks' veteran-led transparency, Keene's agricultural expertise, DIRTROCK's DFW focus, and Shilling's decades of Central Texas trust. Take the time to match your project's needs with their strengths, and you'll set your build on solid ground.