Driveway Grading and Base Preparation
Excavation, grading, and stone base.
Free Estimate: (410) 212-8084South State Paving does excavation, grading and stone base work for driveways, parking areas and pads, as a job of its own or as the first stage of paving. George's own words on what makes a driveway done right: "The preparation is key and the thickness of material." George Cooper, the owner, is a fourth-generation paver. South State Paving is family owned and operated, the owners are on site on jobs, and the company holds Maryland Home Improvement Commission license #05-169105.
What industry guidance says about the base
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says to start with the site: the subgrade soil type, drainage, utilities and the loads the pavement will carry. It says the subgrade should be graded smooth, made free of organic material, and have weak spots undercut and replaced with suitable material, and that drainage, crown and slopes need to be addressed.
It says a base course of 6 to 8 inches of crushed aggregate is usually adequate for a residential driveway, spread evenly and compacted with suitable rollers and compactors.
Sources
- Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (published by the Asphalt Institute), Best Practices for the Use of Asphalt Driveways, technical brief
Grading & Base step-by-step
We walk the property with you and explain every step before work starts.
We walk the property with you and explain every step before work starts.
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says the subgrade should be graded smooth and free of organic material.
It says base aggregate should be spread evenly and compacted with suitable rollers.
It says drainage, crown and slopes need to be addressed. NAPA calls standing water the leading cause of driveway failure.
“We had a great experience with South State Paving and I wanted to share it.”
Grading & Base Projects
Grading & Base in your town
Grading & Base FAQs
How deep should the stone base be under a driveway?
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says a base course of 6 to 8 inches of crushed aggregate is usually adequate for a residential driveway.
Can you do the base now and pave later?
Yes. Grading and base work is a service South State offers on its own.
Water runs toward my garage. Can grading help?
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says drainage, crown and slopes need to be addressed in a driveway's design, and the National Asphalt Pavement Association calls standing water the leading cause of driveway failure. Point out where the water goes during the estimate.