Top 5 Grading Contractors Near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho | North Idaho Guide
1. What Homeowners in Coeur d’Alene Need to Know Before Hiring a Grading Contractor
Let’s be honest—grading is not the most glamorous part of a home project. It’s not what people take pictures of when a build is done. But when it’s done wrong? That’s when people start noticing.
Maybe your yard is sloping the wrong way and water’s pooling around your foundation. Maybe your driveway keeps washing out. Maybe you’re planning to build, but your site is uneven or holding water. That’s where proper grading comes in—and where the right contractor can save you from some serious headaches (and repair bills) down the road.
If you’re like most homeowners in Coeur d’Alene or North Idaho, you don’t have time to gamble on a bad hire. You want to know who you can trust. Who’s experienced. Who answers their phone. And most importantly, who’s not going to leave your property worse than they found it.
We get it. At Western Earthworks LLC, we’ve seen what can happen when corners get cut. And we’re writing this guide to help you make a confident choice—whether you end up calling us or not.
2. How We Chose the Top Grading Companies Near Coeur d’Alene
This isn’t just a random list. These companies were selected based on what real property owners actually care about:
Reputation – Verified reviews, word of mouth, and how they’re talked about locally.
Experience – Not just how long they’ve been around, but what kind of jobs they’ve handled.
Equipment and Capability – The right tools for the job actually matter, especially in rough North Idaho terrain.
Responsiveness – Do they show up when they say they will? Do they follow through?
Custom Approach – Not every property is the same. The best companies treat each job like it’s one of one.
We live and work in this region—so we know which companies are just in it for a paycheck, and which ones take pride in their work. The five listed below are the ones we believe are worth a serious look.
3. The Top 5 Grading Contractors Serving Coeur d’Alene and Surrounding Areas
1. Western Earthworks LLC (Spirit Lake, ID)
Let’s get this out of the way—yes, this is us. And no, we’re not writing this to pat ourselves on the back. We’ve just worked hard to earn trust across Kootenai, Bonner, Benewah, Shoshone, Latah, Nez Perce, and Clearwater Counties. Most of our clients come from word of mouth. We’re not the biggest outfit in town, but we don’t try to be. Every job we take is custom-built around what you actually need—no upselling, no nonsense.
We specialize in residential grading, drainage correction, site prep, and driveway repair. We also work on tough, sloped, rocky properties that others might walk away from. If you want the job done right the first time, that’s where we shine.
2. CNI Excavation (Post Falls, ID)
Known for large-scale work and solid site prep, CNI has the crew and equipment to handle complex commercial and residential grading jobs. They’re often chosen for subdivisions, larger builds, and engineered drainage projects.
They tend to stay booked out, so if you’re planning ahead, get on their schedule early.
3. North Country Contracting (Sandpoint, ID)
If you’re looking for a local favorite in Bonner County, North Country is one to watch. They’re a smaller team, but they take pride in detail work—perfect for rural properties, lake lots, and custom homes. They also do land clearing and road construction, which makes them a good fit for full site prep.
They’re known for clear communication and fair pricing.
4. Peake Excavation & Grading (Coeur d’Alene, ID)
Peake is another well-reviewed contractor based right in Coeur d’Alene. They’re trusted for residential grading, especially for new builds, shop pads, and driveways. They work well with builders and general contractors, which makes them a good fit if you’re working through a home builder.
What stands out about Peake is their ability to keep jobs moving without constant hand-holding.
5. Clark Dirtworks (St. Maries, ID)
Serving Benewah and nearby counties, Clark Dirtworks is a solid pick for rural and off-grid grading projects. If you’ve got raw land and want it shaped into something usable, this crew knows how to work with tough terrain. They're known for being reliable and well-equipped, especially in harder-to-reach parts of North Idaho.
They may not have the flashiest website, but they’ve got the machines and the know-how.
4. What Sets Each Contractor Apart (And Which One Might Be Right for You)
Every property is different—and so is every grading contractor.
Here’s how we see it:
Choose Western Earthworks LLC if you want personal attention, no shortcuts, and someone who actually listens before firing up equipment. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all grading.
Go with CNI if you’re doing a large subdivision or engineered pad with tight deadlines and bigger specs.
North Country Contracting is a great choice if you’re building on forested land or near the lakes, and want a contractor who understands tricky terrain.
Peake Excavation is for homeowners or contractors who want a smooth process and good collaboration with their builder.
Clark Dirtworks is your best bet if your property is remote and you need someone who’s not afraid of the backcountry.
The best contractor for you depends on the kind of job, your timeline, your budget, and how much support you want during the process.
5. Questions to Ask Before You Hire Any Grading Company in North Idaho
Grading may look simple from the outside, but it can make or break your entire build—or your home’s long-term health.
Before you hire anyone, here are five smart questions to ask:
What experience do you have with properties like mine?
Rural acreage, hillsides, wetlands, or tight city lots all need different approaches.How will you make sure water drains away from my house or building?
If they can’t answer this clearly, walk away.What equipment will you use for this job?
It helps you gauge whether they’re properly equipped or just guessing.Will I be able to reach you during the job if I have questions?
Communication matters. Ghosting isn’t just for dating.Can you explain what happens if weather delays the work?
Things happen—how they handle them shows their professionalism.
6. Our Take at Western Earthworks LLC
We’re Western Earthworks LLC, based in Spirit Lake. We serve most of North Idaho—including Kootenai, Bonner, Benewah, Shoshone, Latah, Nez Perce, and Clearwater County. And grading is one of our favorite types of work.
Why? Because when it’s done right, it feels right. Water flows where it should. Pads stay level. Driveways last longer. It’s the kind of thing you never think about again—because it just works.
We’ve worked on steep slopes, soggy pastures, hardpan clay, and everything in between. What we enjoy most is figuring out the puzzle—what your land needs, what your project calls for, and how to shape the ground so it supports everything that comes after.
We’re not a big crew. We don’t take on 20 jobs at once. We focus on doing each one right, one at a time. That’s how we keep our clients happy—and how we sleep well at night.
If you’re in or near Coeur d’Alene and thinking about grading, we’re happy to take a look. Even if you’re just trying to figure out what’s next, we can give you real answers—without pressure or sales talk.
Final Thoughts
Grading isn’t just moving dirt. It’s setting the foundation—literally and figuratively—for everything you build on top of it. Whether it’s your dream home, a new shop, or just a dry, usable backyard, choosing the right grading contractor can make all the difference.
We hope this guide helps you get started. And if you’re still unsure, reach out. We’re here to help however we can.
