Road Base
From $410
Our Road Base is great for roads, driveways, and more. It’s a mix of crushed rock and sand, ranging from 1″ down to fines (sand-size particles) down to fines. Designed to be compacted, it provides a solid foundation for your project.
“Seamless shopping, from click to delivery—never knew it could be so straightforward.”
- Free Dump Truck Delivery Service
- Unmatched Value: Premium Quality at Competitive Prices
- Consistent, On-Time Delivery to Your Neighborhood
How it Works
Ordering any aggregate materials through Gravel Monkey is simple:
- Enter your zip code on our site.
- Choose the quantity you need (see our calculator or reach out if you’re not sure).
- Select your target delivery date at checkout.
- Pay securely with any major credit card/bank wire.
Once your order is placed, our support team will follow up to confirm the details. You’ll receive delivery reminders the day before and the day of drop-off. A dump truck will arrive at your location and unload the material. Please make sure someone is on site to guide the driver to the right spot.
Delivery Info
- A dump truck will deliver your materials.
- Orders under 15 tons are usually one truckload.
- Over 15 tons? You’ll receive multiple loads.
- We don’t spread material manually, but in some cases, our drivers may offer tailgate spreading (releasing material while slowly driving forward), depending on the location and conditions.
- Someone must be present at delivery to direct the driver.
We Guarantee Satisfaction
We aim to deliver exactly what you ordered and ensure it meets expected quality standards. If there’s an issue, we’ll do our best to resolve it — including issuing a full or partial refund if the situation qualifies under Gravel Monkey’s guidelines. Just make sure to report the problem within the required timeframe and under the conditions outlined below.
What You Need to Do:
- Check your delivery within 48 hours
- Photograph any problems you notice
- Make sure the issue existed at the time of drop-off (not due to weather or site changes)
- Submit your concern promptly so we can review it
Eligible for Refund:
- Delivered the wrong product or dumped in the wrong location
- Material quality falls short of expected standards
- The product doesn’t match what was ordered
Not Eligible for Refund:
- Delivery couldn’t be completed due to access problems
- Material was altered after delivery by weather or site conditions
- The issue wasn’t reported within 48 hours
- Color differences that are considered normal
- Claims without photo proof
Road Base: What You Need to Know
Road base, also called aggregate base course (ABC), is the hardworking middle layer between natural ground and whatever surface goes on top, whether asphalt, concrete, pavers, or gravel. It’s not just filler; it’s structural. A properly compacted road base spreads the weight of vehicles, buildings, and foot traffic evenly across the subgrade, reducing stress and helping to prevent cracks, ruts, and other failures.
If you’re building a driveway, access road, equipment pad, or prepping for a slab foundation, road base gives it strength and staying power.
What It’s Made Of: Not Just “Crushed Rock and Sand”
“1 inch down to fines” is a popular shorthand, but the real makeup of road base is more technical. This mix is all about structure and performance. Here’s what goes into it:
Common Material Sources:
- Crushed Stone: Like limestone, granite, basalt, or sandstone. Limestone is widely used for its availability and compaction ability, but granite or basalt often brings greater long-term durability.
- Natural Sand & Gravel: Used after screening and crushing to refine gradation.
- Recycled Aggregates: Crushed concrete, reclaimed asphalt, and slag are gaining ground. They’re budget-friendly and eco-friendly, but they still must meet spec.
Local supply and engineering demands often dictate material selection. That’s why the same “road base” may look slightly different from Texas to Colorado, but its job stays the same.
Gradation Is Everything
In road base, how the pieces fit together is everything. The goal is maximum density and minimum voids.
Two Key Types:
- Dense-Graded: Has everything from coarse chunks to fine particles, which pack tightly together. Great for strength and stability.
- Open-Graded: Mostly larger particles with almost no fines. These are used for drainage, not support, because they don’t compact tightly.
Dense-graded road base is the strong, silent type. Once compacted, it locks together tightly and doesn’t move, so it’s used under driveways, roads, and parking pads.
Why Road Base Works: Interlock, Density, and Load Control
The strength of a base layer isn’t just in the rocks- it’s in how they fit and how well they’re compacted.
- Interlock: Crushed, angular stones with sharp faces lock together when compacted. Smooth gravel? Not so much.
- Compaction: When compacted at the proper moisture level, particles pack into a dense layer that resists movement and efficiently spreads loads.
- Load Distribution: Road base spreads the weight from the surface down into the soil, so your subgrade doesn’t get squashed or rutted under pressure.
The stiffer the base, the better it handles load, and the longer your project lasts.
Where Road Base Is Used: Not Just for Roads
Road base plays a key role in all kinds of builds:
- Driveways: As the main base, under asphalt or loose gravel.
- Roads & Access Paths: Whether private lanes or rural roads.
- Parking Areas: For cars, trucks, RVs, or heavy equipment.
- Under Slabs: Like patios, garages, or foundations.
- Walkways: Where you need structure before laying pavers or gravel.
- Retaining Wall Backfill: Helps with drainage and support.
- Drainage Layers: Using an open-graded base where water needs to flow.
- Shoulders & Subbases: Adds lateral strength and frost resistance.
Just ensure you’re using the right type and gradation for the job. One-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it in base material.
The Real Benefits of Road Base (When It’s Done Right)
Serious Compaction
When the dense-graded base is compacted at the right moisture content, it forms a stiff, interlocked layer that can carry much weight.
Structural Stability
That interlocked matrix doesn’t shift or sag easily, especially under driveways and vehicle pads.
Cost-Conscious Foundation
It’s often cheaper than complete paving and critical for supporting pavement, so you get more bang for your buck long-term.
Local & Recycled Options
Using recycled concrete or asphalt (if it meets quality standards) is budget-smart and environmentally responsible.
But Let’s Be Clear:
- Standard road base doesn’t drain well. If you need drainage, go open-graded.
- It’s not zero-maintenance. If road base is your final surface (like on gravel driveways), you’ll need occasional raking, topping off, and dust control.
- Poor compaction means poor performance. There is no shortcut here- get it tight, or it won’t hold up.
How to Install Road Base (Without Regret Later)
Proper installation is what makes or breaks a base. Here’s how to do it right:
- Excavate: Remove topsoil and organic material. Your base needs to sit on a firm, well-graded subgrade.
- Know Your Thickness: 4–8 inches is common for driveways. 10–12 inches isn’t unusual for heavier loads or weak soil.
- Spread in Lifts: Each layer should be no more than 3–6 inches thick. Compact each one before adding more.
- Water and Compact: Lightly moisten to optimal moisture (usually tested in a lab), then compact until dense. Depending on the job size, use rollers or plate compactors.
- Grade and Top: Finish with the proper slope for drainage and, if needed, a surface layer (gravel, asphalt, etc.).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping compaction (or doing it dry)
- Laying based on a soft or muddy subgrade
- Overwatering during compaction
- Using unspecified or contaminated material
- Ignoring proper thickness or moisture range
- It is not layering correctly; it is too thick and won’t compact evenly.
Specs Matter: It’s Not “Just Rock”
Good road base follows strict specs, usually from AASHTO or your state DOT. Those include:
- Gradation: Particle sizes that fit tight specs
- Acceptable Content: Controlled for compaction and frost protection
- Durability: Measured with soundness and abrasion tests
- Plasticity Index: How much the fines behave like clay (lower is better)
Use spec-grade material to build anything beyond a basic gravel path. No exceptions.
Maintenance: What to Expect Long-Term
If it’s under pavement:
- Minimal maintenance unless the pavement itself fails.
If it’s the top layer (like a gravel driveway):
- Regarding: A few times per year
- Adding material: Every 1–2 years, depending on traffic
- Dust control: Especially in dry seasons
- Drainage upkeep: Ditch clearing and slope maintenance
- Weed control: Optional but helpful
- Optional re-compaction: After heavy rains or winter freeze-thaw
Using a geotextile fabric or geogrid at installation can save headaches by keeping the base in place and reducing rutting.
Final Thoughts
Road base isn’t a one-size-fits-all mix; it’s engineered. Choosing the right type, following proper installation steps, and maintaining it smartly make a gravel driveway hold firm or a new slab foundation stay level for years. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or managing a build site, investing time in your base layer is the best decision for long-term durability.
I ordered driveway gravel from Gravel Monkey, and the experience was quite smooth. The delivery was prompt, and the gravel was just what I needed. Their material calculator was helpful in figuring out the right amount, and I was satisfied with the overall process.
I chose Gravel Monkey for a drainage project, and they provided quality drain rock that worked well. The delivery was timely, and their customer service helped me pick the right product. I’d use them again for similar needs.
For my landscaping project, I went with topsoil and walkway gravel from Gravel Monkey. The materials were delivered on time and suited my needs well. The online calculator made it easier to estimate the quantities, which I appreciated.
I ordered walkway gravel for my garden from Gravel Monkey. The gravel looks good in my yard, and the delivery process was straightforward. Overall, a positive experience, and I’d recommend them for similar projects.
I bought mulch from Gravel Monkey, and it was a good experience. The mulch was free of large debris, and the delivery was punctual. It has definitely improved the appearance of my garden, and I’d consider ordering again.
Gravel Monkey provided solid service for my patio project. Their calculator and support team helped me figure out the amount of gravel needed, and the order arrived on time. The prices were reasonable, and I was happy with the outcome.
FAQs
You can use our online calculator by entering the dimensions of the area (length, width, and depth) to get an estimate of the material needed for your project.
Outdoor materials, such as those used for pathways, driveways, or gardens, typically require maintenance or replenishment every 1 to 3 years. Factors like climate, usage, and weather conditions can impact this timeline.
Consider factors like durability, drainage, aesthetics, and the specific needs of your project. Make sure the materials are suitable for your climate and the intended purpose.
We provide delivery to every state, and almost any location in the US. Enter your zip code before adding a product you your cart to confirm deliverability.
Materials are typically delivered using a dump truck or flatbed, depending on the type and quantity of material. Our driver will unload the material at the location you specify, provided it is accessible. Please ensure there is sufficient space for the truck to maneuver.
Our standard delivery service includes dropping off aggregate via dump truck, but we do not provide spreading services.
Natural materials like gravel, stone, and soil can vary in color and texture due to regional differences and natural variations. We make every effort to accurately depict our products, but slight differences may occur.
If there is any problem with your order, please reach out to our customer service team immediately. We’re here to resolve any issues quickly and ensure your satisfaction.
