Driveway grading and compaction
Proper base prep, compaction layer by layer and a crown that sheds water. It's the unglamorous part of the job, and it's what makes a gravel driveway last.
What you're probably dealing with
- No crown, so water runs down the middle of the drive
- A surface that feels spongy or settles where the tires run
- Loose gravel that moves under your tires instead of locking together
- Edges breaking off because the base was never packed
- A newer driveway that already looks tired
How we do it
- Regrade to set the right crown for the slope and width
- Add base material and compact it in layers, not all at once
- Pack every layer with our vibratory roller
- Use the right stone size for what the surface has to do
- Add cross-drainage where water would pond or channel
- Finish with a final pass so the surface is locked and ready to drive
Grading and compaction work
Same driveway, before and after.
“After all the rains this past spring. My driveway was truly a mess. Lots of ruts, potholes, and humps. … Gravel was spread, graded, and compacted. Within a few hours the job was complete. I am completely happy with the results.”
How it works
Call, text or request a quote
Tell us what the driveway is doing. We'll set a time to come look.
On-site look
We check the crown, the base and the surface, then give you a written quote.
Grade, compact, finish
We grade, lay the right base in layers, compact each one, set the crown and finish the surface.
Common questions about grading and compaction
What does compaction actually mean?
Packing down each layer of base and gravel with a heavy roller as it's laid. Without it, the gravel stays loose, the base shifts, and ruts and potholes come back. We don't skip it.
How often does a gravel driveway need regrading?
It depends on the base, the drainage and the traffic. A driveway built on a good base, with the water handled and the surface compacted, needs a lot less touch-up. When we finish, we'll show you what to watch for and when it will need attention.
Can you fix a crown that's wrong?
Yes. We regrade the surface to set the right crown for the slope, add or remove material as needed, then compact it.
How long does it take?
It depends on the length, the slope and how much base work is needed. We'll give you the timeline before we start.
Driveway already looking tired?
Free on-site look. We'll grade, compact and crown it so it holds.
Call or text(931) 400-8002