Our Services

Excavation & Site Preparation
in Eastern Ontario

Proper excavation and grading is the foundation every outdoor project is built on. We handle full site prep — from initial dig to finished grade — so whatever goes on top is built on solid, well-drained ground.

Why Base Prep Is the Most Important Part of Any Project

You can't see a properly prepared base once the project is finished — but you'll feel the difference every year when nothing shifts, heaves, or settles. Eastern Ontario winters are hard on outdoor structures. Clay soils expand with frost, drainage has to be right, and excavation depth matters. Getting the base wrong means redoing the project in three to five years.

That's why we take excavation seriously. We dig to proper depth, remove unsuitable material, bring in the right base product, and compact it in layers. It takes more time than most contractors allow — which is exactly why we build it into every quote and don't treat it as an afterthought.

Full Site Excavation Services

We handle excavation for hardscaping installations, lot clearing, and general grading work. Whether it's a tight backyard job with a compact machine or a larger lot requiring significant material removal, we have the equipment and experience to handle it efficiently.

All excavated material is loaded and hauled away as needed. We leave the site grade-ready for whatever comes next — whether that's interlock, drainage work, topsoil, or further site development.

Site excavation — Gratto Hardscapes Eastern Ontario

Regrading & Drainage-Focused Grading

Poor grading is one of the most common causes of property damage in Eastern Ontario — water pooling near foundations, low spots that never drain, and ground that stays saturated long after it should have dried out. Regrading corrects these problems at the source rather than managing symptoms.

All our grading work is done with drainage in mind. Slopes are calculated, swales are shaped correctly, and the finished grade moves water where it belongs — away from your home and off your property. We don't eyeball it and move on.

Excavation FAQ

Common Questions About Excavation & Grading

Yes. Excavated soil, aggregate, and debris are loaded and removed from site. You won't be left with a pile of dirt to deal with after we're gone.

Yes — we use compact equipment sized for restricted access areas. Most residential backyards are fully accessible with the right machine. If access is a concern, mention it when you reach out and we'll assess it during the site visit.

Yes — always. All our hardscaping installations include full excavation, base grading, and preparation. We don't subcontract that work or treat it as an add-on line item. It's built into every hardscaping quote.

Excavation work — Gratto Hardscapes

What's Included in Excavation & Grading Work

Our excavation services deliver a complete, ready-to-build surface for whatever phase comes next. No guesswork, no shortcuts.

  • Full excavation to required depth and dimensions
  • Soil and material removal and haul-away
  • Subgrade leveling and compaction
  • Granular base placement where applicable
  • Drainage-focused finish grading
  • Site left clean and ready for next phase
Client Reviews

Honest Work. Happy Homeowners.

How It Works

Simple Process. Solid Results.

1

Reach Out

Call, email, or fill out a quote request. We'll get back to you quickly.

2

Site Visit

We visit your property, assess the space, and talk through your project in detail.

3

Your Estimate

You receive a detailed, transparent quote — no surprises, no hidden costs.

4

We Build It

Our team executes the work with quality materials and proper preparation throughout.

5

Final Walkthrough

We review the finished project together and make sure you're completely satisfied.

Service Area

Serving Eastern Ontario & Surrounding Areas

Hawkesbury Vankleek Hill L'Orignal Eastern Ontario
Based In

Gratto Hardscapes

24 Stanley Ave, Vankleek Hill, Ontario, K0B 1R0

Free Estimates

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

No obligation. No guesswork. Just an honest quote from a hands-on team that takes pride in doing the job right — from base prep to final walkthrough.