Pittsburgh Excavation Services

Nestled in the heart of the South Hills, Pittsburgh, Dirt Works Excavation Inc is a family-owned business that has been setting the standard in landscaping and excavation for years. We offer hydroseeding, build retaining walls, do excavation and drainage for erosion control, and provide concrete work for functional, attractive driveways and patios.

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4.8Rating on Google

Pittsburgh Excavation done right.

Our team is ready to handle projects of any scale – from minor landscaping enhancements to complete outdoor overhauls. We take pride in not just meeting but exceeding your expectations, ensuring every project results in outstanding outcomes.

Testimonials

Real Results from Real Customers

Join hundreds of satisfied Pittsburgh homeowners

Susan Godlewski5 reviews · 3 photos
★★★★★

Brian did an amazing job installing 14×12 stamped and colored concrete patio then installed my new gazebo. He was very professional and meticulous with his work. I will definitely be using Dirt Works again!

6 months ago
Jared Miller3 reviews · 5 photos
★★★★★

Brian completely renovated our 8,000 sqft. Yard with screened topsoil and topped it off with Hydroseeding. Brian's attention to detail and perfection is unmatched.

a year ago
Ashley Paradise2 reviews · 3 photos
★★★★★

We were very pleased with the quality retaining wall that Brian and his team at Dirt Works built for us. Brian was fairly priced, professional, and responsive to our communications.

a year ago
Charles MoonLocal Guide · 29 reviews
★★★★★

This spring, we had Dirt Works repair the damaged yard, regrade around the foundation. Outstanding results and great communication throughout.

a year ago
Adam Withers3 reviews · 8 photos
★★★★★

Had a new firepit patio, wall and french drain installed by Brian and his crew. Brian was very knowledgeable and made recommendations to solve the drainage problem.

3 years ago
Joseph Caruso7 reviews · 4 photos
★★★★★

Brian Patter of Dirt Works recently completed my large driveway & retaining wall. We are extremely pleased with the end product. He was very responsive and up front during the project.

a year ago
Derek Schwartz5 reviews · 5 photos
★★★★★

Brian and his team at Dirt Works are awesome! I had my walls along my driveway done by them years ago and they completely changed the look of my home.

3 years ago
Susan Godlewski5 reviews · 3 photos
★★★★★

Brian did an amazing job installing 14×12 stamped and colored concrete patio then installed my new gazebo. He was very professional and meticulous with his work. I will definitely be using Dirt Works again!

6 months ago
Jared Miller3 reviews · 5 photos
★★★★★

Brian completely renovated our 8,000 sqft. Yard with screened topsoil and topped it off with Hydroseeding. Brian's attention to detail and perfection is unmatched.

a year ago
Ashley Paradise2 reviews · 3 photos
★★★★★

We were very pleased with the quality retaining wall that Brian and his team at Dirt Works built for us. Brian was fairly priced, professional, and responsive to our communications.

a year ago
Charles MoonLocal Guide · 29 reviews
★★★★★

This spring, we had Dirt Works repair the damaged yard, regrade around the foundation. Outstanding results and great communication throughout.

a year ago
Adam Withers3 reviews · 8 photos
★★★★★

Had a new firepit patio, wall and french drain installed by Brian and his crew. Brian was very knowledgeable and made recommendations to solve the drainage problem.

3 years ago
Joseph Caruso7 reviews · 4 photos
★★★★★

Brian Patter of Dirt Works recently completed my large driveway & retaining wall. We are extremely pleased with the end product. He was very responsive and up front during the project.

a year ago
Derek Schwartz5 reviews · 5 photos
★★★★★

Brian and his team at Dirt Works are awesome! I had my walls along my driveway done by them years ago and they completely changed the look of my home.

3 years ago
Brendan ButlerLocal Guide · 12 reviews
★★★★★

Brian came to my home to see the job site and was completely honest and forthright with both me and my neighbor about the best approach, the cost, and timeline.

5 months ago
A NeffLocal Guide · 32 reviews
★★★★★

Brian with Dirt Works was the only one who gave great communication from the get go and also a good price. The whole job was completed in less time than quoted.

5 months ago
V Potanko9 reviews · 9 photos
★★★★★

The best experience all around. There are not enough good things to say about this company/owner, quality & value, care/work ethic, communication.

2 years ago
Blair Oldaker3 reviews · 4 photos
★★★★★

I could not recommend this company enough. I had two crumbling retaining walls replaced and the difference in quality is incredible. No corners were cut.

2 years ago
Josh FranksLocal Guide · 3 reviews
★★★★★

Brian did an amazing job on my patio in the Southside. The new patio is absolutely amazing. Brian is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly responsive.

3 years ago
Carlo Berardelli10 reviews
★★★★★

We had a large project that included excavation, grading, a retaining wall, and lighting. Brian and his team nailed every aspect of the project.

6 months ago
Brandon BonwellLocal Guide · 8 reviews
★★★★★

Brian and his team quickly came and replaced two retaining walls for us. Along the way, he showed photos of the progress. The upgrade for us is immense.

2 years ago
Brendan ButlerLocal Guide · 12 reviews
★★★★★

Brian came to my home to see the job site and was completely honest and forthright with both me and my neighbor about the best approach, the cost, and timeline.

5 months ago
A NeffLocal Guide · 32 reviews
★★★★★

Brian with Dirt Works was the only one who gave great communication from the get go and also a good price. The whole job was completed in less time than quoted.

5 months ago
V Potanko9 reviews · 9 photos
★★★★★

The best experience all around. There are not enough good things to say about this company/owner, quality & value, care/work ethic, communication.

2 years ago
Blair Oldaker3 reviews · 4 photos
★★★★★

I could not recommend this company enough. I had two crumbling retaining walls replaced and the difference in quality is incredible. No corners were cut.

2 years ago
Josh FranksLocal Guide · 3 reviews
★★★★★

Brian did an amazing job on my patio in the Southside. The new patio is absolutely amazing. Brian is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly responsive.

3 years ago
Carlo Berardelli10 reviews
★★★★★

We had a large project that included excavation, grading, a retaining wall, and lighting. Brian and his team nailed every aspect of the project.

6 months ago
Brandon BonwellLocal Guide · 8 reviews
★★★★★

Brian and his team quickly came and replaced two retaining walls for us. Along the way, he showed photos of the progress. The upgrade for us is immense.

2 years ago
Kathleen Carter1 review · 1 photo
★★★★★

We highly recommend Dirt Works for any concrete work. Brian was very professional and the quality of his work was top notch.

3 years ago
Lucy Mitchell8 reviews · 4 photos
★★★★★

We would not hesitate to recommend Brian and the team at Dirtworks. We called them initially for a quote for some concrete work and they exceeded expectations.

a year ago
Mary Lou Houy2 reviews
★★★★★

Dirt Works did a garage tear down and landscaping for me. Brian, the owner, was awesome; professional, reliable and knowledgeable.

2 years ago
Andrew Lyons1 review
★★★★★

I had a stamped and dyed concrete patio done. It turned out amazing. Brian is very knowledgeable, informative, efficient and clean. I highly recommend!

6 months ago
L J5 reviews
★★★★★

Brian was easy to work with and extremely professional. He arrived early and worked until sundown. He provided premium sod with quality installation.

4 years ago
Ken Marks1 review
★★★★★

The work was done in an orderly fashion with cleanup after every work day. Brian kept in touch with us everyday with a progress report and we couldn't be happier.

a year ago
Kathleen Carter1 review · 1 photo
★★★★★

We highly recommend Dirt Works for any concrete work. Brian was very professional and the quality of his work was top notch.

3 years ago
Lucy Mitchell8 reviews · 4 photos
★★★★★

We would not hesitate to recommend Brian and the team at Dirtworks. We called them initially for a quote for some concrete work and they exceeded expectations.

a year ago
Mary Lou Houy2 reviews
★★★★★

Dirt Works did a garage tear down and landscaping for me. Brian, the owner, was awesome; professional, reliable and knowledgeable.

2 years ago
Andrew Lyons1 review
★★★★★

I had a stamped and dyed concrete patio done. It turned out amazing. Brian is very knowledgeable, informative, efficient and clean. I highly recommend!

6 months ago
L J5 reviews
★★★★★

Brian was easy to work with and extremely professional. He arrived early and worked until sundown. He provided premium sod with quality installation.

4 years ago
Ken Marks1 review
★★★★★

The work was done in an orderly fashion with cleanup after every work day. Brian kept in touch with us everyday with a progress report and we couldn't be happier.

a year ago
Dirt Works excavation project
Common Questions

Excavation FAQ

Everything you need to know about excavation services in Pittsburgh

Most residential excavation projects in Pittsburgh take 1-5 days depending on scope. Simple grading jobs can be completed in a day, while foundation excavation or major drainage work may take up to a week. We provide accurate timelines after our free on-site assessment.

Most excavation work requires permits from your local municipality. We handle the permit process for our clients, ensuring all work meets Pittsburgh-area building codes and regulations. Permit requirements vary by borough—Baldwin, Mt Lebanon, Castle Shannon, and Whitehall each have their own requirements.

We provide full-service excavation including site preparation, foundation digging, drainage installation, grading and regrading, utility trenching, pool excavation, and land clearing. Our equipment handles everything from small backyard projects to large residential sites.

Excavation costs vary based on project size, soil conditions, accessibility, and scope of work. Small grading projects may start around $1,500, while major excavation can range from $3,000 to $15,000+. We provide free detailed estimates for every project.

Yes. Pittsburgh's hilly terrain is what we specialize in. Our equipment and experienced operators are well-suited for challenging sites with limited access, steep grades, and tight spaces common throughout the South Hills.

Before we arrive, mark or note any underground utilities, sprinkler systems, or septic components. Clear the work area of outdoor furniture and vehicles. We'll call PA One Call to mark public utilities before digging.