Your Trusted Excavation Company in Puyallup, WA
FTS Excavation, LLC is a women-owned excavation contractor based in Puyallup, WA. We offer reliable site prep, land clearing, drainage, and demolition services throughout the South Puget Sound.



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- Licensed and Insured
- Women-Owned and Local
- Serving Puget Sound, WA
Full-Service Excavation in Puyallup, WA
Our experienced team provides complete excavation services tailored to the needs of homeowners, builders, and municipalities. We’re known for clean work, strong communication, and dependable results across Western Washington.
Site Preparation
We clear, grade, and compact your site to create a solid foundation for construction.
Property Drainage
Our drainage solutions protect your property from standing water, erosion, and storm runoff.
Retaining Walls
We build strong, functional retaining walls that stabilize slopes and enhance usable space.
Foundations
From excavation to backfill, we handle foundation prep for homes, additions & more.
ADUs
We provide site prep for accessory dwelling units for Pierce, King, Kitsap, & Thurston Counties.
Land Clearing
Our crew removes trees, brush, and debris to get your property ready for development.
Utility Extensions
We dig and trench for water, sewer, electrical, and gas lines with care and precision.
Public Works
We proudly provide excavation services for government projects in the Puget Sound.
Excavation Services Backed by Integrity and Experience
We treat every project like it’s our own. From the initial quote to the final grade, we believe the best excavation contractors should focus on clear communication, efficient execution, and high-quality results that last.
- Fully licensed and insured
- Trusted by local homeowners and contractors
- Skilled operators and maintained equipment
- Transparent quotes and realistic timelines
- Clean job sites and great follow-through
Proudly Serving South Puget Sound & Parts of King County
Based in Puyallup, WA, FTS Excavation completes projects throughout Pierce, King, Thurston, Kitsap, and Mason Counties. If you’re located anywhere in the South Sound, we’re ready to dig in.
Pierce County
King County
Kitsap County
Mason County
Thurston County
We love hearing that we have made a customer's day better
Roy Falker2024-07-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing company to work with! Frank and his team are very professional and will work with you to deliver your project. They are very reasonably priced and get the job done quickly. I highly recommend FtS!!! Jeremy Greer2024-04-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frank was wonderful! Came for an estimate and was open to all the work we were hoping for, talked us through it, recorded videos to outline the work, and shared a reasonable estimate. The guys who came to work were also great - scheduled quickly, work was done in 2 days, and the final result looks great with little mess! Overall we're really happy here in Redmond and will definitely call on them again 🙂 Ronald Robertson2024-04-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just want to say frank is a stand up guy. His work is on spot. I would hire him again with out issues Kat Hellen2024-03-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm very happy with the way my project turned out. Frank worked with us to come up with a perfect compromise between what I imagined and what I could afford. The guys who showed up to do the job were prompt, courteous, and fast. Overall they did a great job and I couldn't be more pleased. Dennis Walrath2024-03-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Work was done as directed on time at price agreed to. Ben Vanik2023-12-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Frank and his crew are reliable, communicate well, and are thorough. As a new homeowner discovering deferred maintenance/repairs coming up on their due date on nearly a weekly basis Frank's experience and intuition on what projects to prioritize, how much to invest, and how to approach the projects to ensure they could be picked back up when funds/time were available has been invaluable. Joe was the foreman from FtS on my various projects (driveway tear-out/replacement, french drain remediation and installation, catch basin installation and directed runoff, gravel drive cleanup/compaction, and culvert remediation) and kept me in the loop as work progressed and when opportunities arose to improve the project or take care of other future issues was happy to work through the process and scope. An example of a particularly important one was when I noticed issues with the old house gutter drainage adjacent to the new driveway and we were able to get new drainage pipes installed just days before the pour so that I didn't need to potentially tear up my nice new driveway just a few years down the road. There's other nice touches too like them having their own portapotty brought on-site and keeping things clean/covering damaged grass with hay. I've got a lot more projects to do and FtS will be doing them! Chanel K2023-12-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used FtS Excavation to do the ground work for our addition. Frank was prompt in all communications. He came out quickly to give a reasonable bid and had the job done within a week! Frank and his team were absolutely a joy to work with and I definitely will recommend him to all our friends! Rich Komko2023-11-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had had them come out and dig out for our addition foundation and backfill once it was poured. Frank was very prompt when coming out for the bid and once we agreed to use them, his guys were out the following week to start. They finished their scope of work in a very timely mannor and left our yard very clean after they were all done. Highly recommend. John McLaughlin2023-10-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did a drainage project for new home that came out great. I would recommend them to anyone that needs excavation work. Rob Henson2023-09-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Contacted FTS for a bid on some clean up on my property. They responded and checked out the site, gave me a bid later the same day. With a bid that was very reasonable. They came out and performed the work and completed the job in the promised time. I am very happy with the work they did and will be hiring them again for further projects. Rob Henson
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Whether you’re building, clearing, or protecting your property, FTS Excavation brings professional service and reliable results to every job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for excavation work in Puyallup or Pierce County?
No, most excavation projects in Puyallup and Pierce County do not require permits unless it is large in size and is often included in a building permit. Retaining walls under four feet does not require permits, but it’s always a good idea to call and check with your local municipality to find out if a permit is required, especially if you’re significantly disturbing soil, altering elevation, or working near utilities. At FTS Excavation, we guide homeowners and contractors through the permitting process so you can avoid unnecessary delays or compliance issues.
How much does excavation cost for a residential project in Washington?
Excavation costs can vary depending on your project’s size, site conditions, and the services involved. In the Puyallup area, most residential excavation projects fall between $3,000 and $30,000. Costs may increase if you need over-excavation, grading, drainage, demolition, or have difficult terrain. We’re always happy to provide a transparent, detailed quote specific to your property.
How long does excavation take for a new home foundation or site prep?
For a standard residential foundation dig-out in Pierce County, excavation usually takes a week or less. Once the foundation is poured, we will be back to install footing drains and backfill. Site prep work such as trenching, compaction, or land clearing extends the timeline slightly. We use efficient equipment and experienced operators to stay on schedule and reduce downtime.
Can FTS Excavation help with both land clearing and drainage on the same project?
Absolutely. We often perform land clearing, grading, and drainage installation as part of a single project. This streamlines your schedule, reduces mobilization costs, and ensures all components work together to keep your property safe and build-ready.
What areas do you serve outside of Puyallup?
We serve clients across Western Washington, including Pierce County, King County, Thurston County, Kitsap County, and Mason County. Whether you’re in a major city or a rural area, we’ve likely worked nearby and can bring our trusted excavation services to your location.
What should I do to prepare my property before excavation begins?
You’ll want to remove personal items, mark any private utilities if possible, and ensure pets or livestock are secured. We conduct a pre-construction walkthrough with you to confirm readiness, and we’ll bring marking tools and any necessary blueprints, caution tape, and landscape protection to safely plan out the job before we break ground.
Do you handle excavation for both new builds and home additions?
Yes, we provide excavation for new construction as well as additions to existing homes. Whether you’re building a new foundation, extending a driveway, or preparing for a patio, we adjust our work to fit the size and complexity of your project.
What kind of equipment does your team use for excavation and land grading?
Our fleet includes excavators, track loaders (skidsteers), loaders, compaction equipment, and dump trucks, all sized appropriately for residential and commercial jobs. We maintain our equipment regularly for safety and precision, and our trained operators can handle tight access areas and complex jobs with ease.
How does FTS Excavation protect against erosion and drainage problems?
We install drainage systems that direct water away from your foundation, lawn, or hardscaping. Depending on your property, we may install french drains, catch basins, wet wells, curtain drains, slope grades, erosion control fabric, or many other types of drainage structures. Every project includes a site-specific assessment to make sure the solution works in all seasons.
What makes your excavation process safer or more reliable than others in the area?
We follow strict safety protocols, always call 811, have daily safety meetings, communicate clearly, and bring decades of experience to every job. We evaluate the site before we begin, operate with precision around utilities and structures, and clean up thoroughly. Homeowners and contractors in Puyallup trust us to do the job right the first time.
Can you help remove old concrete or structures before a hardscape or landscaping job?
Yes, we offer demolition services, including concrete removal, slab demolition, and disposal of old patios or driveways. Once removed, we level and prep the area so it’s ready for new landscaping, retaining walls, or other improvements.
Are your excavation services available year-round in Western Washington weather?
We operate all year, including winter, as long as the ground is workable and safe for equipment. If extreme weather delays your project, we stay in contact and reschedule as quickly as possible to keep things moving forward.
What should I look for when hiring an excavation contractor?
Choosing the right excavation contractor ensures your project starts off right. Most homeowners look for licensing, insurance, experience, and a strong local reputation. FTS Excavation checks all those boxes and more: we’re fully licensed and insured in Washington, offer clear estimates, and have a proven track record throughout the Puget Sound region.
How deep can excavation go for a residential project?
Most residential excavation projects range from 3 to 10 feet deep, but can even get as deep as 20’ or more. The depth depends on what’s being installed, whether foundations, underground utility lines, or basements, as well as local frost lines and code requirements. Sometimes ground water can be an issue. We are equipped to pump out the ground water as we dig using well points so that we can effectively and safely dig to great depths. We use trenching and shoring when depths are four feet and below and follow all regional standards to keep your site compliant and safe.
Do you offer free quotes for excavation services in Puyallup?
Yes, we provide free estimates for all excavation work. Every quote includes a site evaluation, service breakdown, and honest pricing so you know exactly what to expect before we start.
Can excavation damage my property or nearby structures?
When handled by professionals, excavation should not damage your home or adjacent structures. We plan carefully around utilities, use the right equipment for your property, and apply protective methods to minimize impact on the surrounding landscape.
What types of drainage systems do you install?
We install French drains, trench drains, swales, dry wells, and custom drainage channels. We recommend the best option based on your yard’s slope, drainage issues, and water flow patterns to protect your foundation, driveway, and landscaping long-term.
How do I know if I need land grading or just drainage work?
If your yard has pooling water or uneven terrain, you may need both grading and drainage. Grading changes the slope to direct runoff, while drainage systems remove excess water from low areas. We assess your site and recommend a comprehensive solution based on the layout and problem areas.
Do you work directly with general contractors or just homeowners?
We regularly work with both. General contractors appreciate our reliability, communication, and ability to stay on schedule. Homeowners trust us for honest advice and clean, efficient work. No matter who you are, we’ll meet you where you’re at and make the process easy.
What’s the difference between site prep and land clearing?
Land clearing involves removing trees, brush, and debris from the property. Site prep takes it further with grading, compaction, trenching, and foundation-ready leveling. At FTS Excavation, we often handle both steps in one seamless project.
How early should I book excavation services before my project starts?
You should book excavation services at least 2 to 6 weeks before your desired start date. We work hard to accommodate project timelines, but scheduling ahead ensures we can complete site prep, drainage work, or foundation excavation when you need it. Early booking also allows time for permitting and site evaluations in Pierce and King County.
What happens if bad weather delays my excavation project?
If weather delays your excavation, we stay in close contact and reschedule your project as quickly as possible. Western Washington weather can be unpredictable, especially during fall and winter. As a reliable excavation contractor in Puyallup, we monitor conditions closely and adjust the timeline while keeping you updated every step of the way.
Can you assist with public works excavation projects in Pierce County?
Yes, FTS Excavation has experience supporting public works projects throughout Pierce County, King County and beyond. We handle site preparation, utility extensions, RRFB crosswalks, drainage systems, and grading for municipal projects like parks, sidewalks, stormwater management, and road improvements. Our team is licensed, insured, and familiar with local standards for public sector work.
Is erosion control included in excavation services for foundations and ADUs?
Yes, we include erosion control planning as part of foundation and ADU excavation and all site development services. Proper erosion protection is critical when preparing sites for home foundations, additions, or accessory dwelling units. Our excavation company uses techniques like slope grading, temporary barriers, and drainage installation to keep your project stable and compliant.
Do you help with septic system excavation or replacements?
Yes, we are certified and provide excavation services for new septic systems, drainage fields, and septic system replacements. Septic excavation requires careful soil assessment and precise trenching, especially in areas like Puyallup where groundwater levels can vary. Our experienced team ensures your system is installed properly and passes local inspections.