Grading & Base Work
Pavement That Stays Put Starts With Grading and Base Work
We shape the ground so water runs off and build a compacted stone base that holds up under cars, trucks and winter.
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Grading & Base Work
What grading and base work is
Grading means shaping the ground so it has the right slope. Base work means digging out soft soil and building a layer of compacted stone. Together they are the foundation under any driveway, lot or lane.
Most pavement problems start below the surface. In Ocean County the soil is often loose sand. Farther west, clay and greensand hold water. We read your ground and build the base to match.
How it works
3 simple steps
- Step 1
Request your free quote
Call or send the form. We walk the site, look at slope, soil and drainage, and give you a free written quote.
- Step 2
We dig, shape and compact
We remove soft soil and roots, set the slope for drainage, bring in stone and compact it in layers.
- Step 3
Firm ground, dry pavement
You get a solid, well drained base, ready for asphalt, millings or concrete.
Problems it fixes
Problems good grading solves
Water running toward the house
The wrong slope sends rain toward your garage and foundation. Grading turns it the other way.
Soft, muddy drives
Dirt and thin gravel turn to mud in spring and rut under heavy trucks.
Pavement that sinks
Asphalt laid on soft soil cracks and settles. A compacted stone base keeps it level.
Washouts after big storms
A nor'easter can carve channels through loose stone and sand. Good grading moves water off slowly and evenly.
Benefits
Why choose grading & base work
Pavement lasts longer
A firm base is the biggest reason good asphalt holds up for years.
Better drainage
Water runs off instead of sitting on or under your surface.
Fewer ruts and soft spots
Compacted stone carries weight without sinking.
Ready for paving
Your site is set up for asphalt, millings or concrete.
Protects your home
Water is steered away from your garage and foundation.
Handles heavy loads
A strong base stands up to delivery trucks, oil trucks and equipment.
Why us
Why Gallagher and Sons Paving
61 years in the ground
Four generations of our family have learned how central New Jersey soil behaves.
Owner run
Patrick Gallagher runs the business and makes sure the base is built right.
3 year guarantee
We guarantee our workmanship and materials for 3 years.
Licensed and insured
We are licensed and insured, and estimates are always free.
Options
Grading and base options
Driveway grading
Reshape your drive so water runs off and the surface sits level.
Excavation and base replacement
Dig out soft or failed soil and rebuild with compacted stone.
Stone base for new paving
A fresh, compacted base set to your soil and how you use the space, ready for asphalt.
Regrading gravel or millings
Bring an old gravel or millings drive back to shape and fill the low spots.
Our work
Grading & Base Work projects
FAQ
Grading & Base Work questions
Still have questions? Call (908) 720-2444. We pick up.
Do I really need base work before paving?+
Often, yes. Asphalt is only as good as what is under it. If your current base is firm and well drained, we will tell you and save you the cost.
Can grading fix water that pools on my property?+
In many cases it can steer water away from paved areas and your home. We look at the slope and tell you honestly what grading can and cannot fix.
Do you grade without paving?+
Yes. We can grade and add stone base for a gravel or millings drive, or to get ready for paving later.
How much does grading and base work cost?+
It depends on the size of the area, how much soft soil needs to come out and access for equipment. Your quote is free and written.
More we do
Related services
Asphalt Paving
New asphalt for driveways, private roads and lots, built on a base made to last.
Explore service
Driveway Paving
A new asphalt driveway built for your home, your cars and our winters.
Explore serviceAsphalt Millings
Recycled asphalt millings for firm, lower cost drives, lanes and lots.
Explore serviceNot sure what you need?
We'll walk the property, explain the options and give you a free written price.
Book a free estimateWhere we do it
Grading & Base Work by county
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