Driveway Preparation and Installation

No matter what your surface choice, a driveway is only as good as its preparation and foundation. From asphalt to millings, we've built dozens of driveways throughout the Okanagan Valley and prepared even more for paving companies to come in and do their work.

What surface is your new driveway going to have?

In order to prepare your driveway foundation properly, we need to know which materials you're planning to install as our process can depend on your selection. The three main choices we see all the time throughout the Okanagan Valley are as follows:

• Paved Asphalt: The industry & residential standard we all know, offering a smooth durable surface that will Stand and is ideal for heavy traffic and easy maintenance..
• Gravel: Provides a cost-effective, permeable option with natural aesthetics, suitable for a Multitude of landscape designs.
• Millings: Millings "is" recycled asphalt, dark gray to black in color. Millings create a very sturdy surface that packs extremely well especially in the heat of summer. Weeds have a very hard time breaking through and surviving on milling driveways and paths making it a very popular and low cost solution with minimal upkeep.

Driveway Site Preparation

Step 1: Evaluation

First things first, we need to examine the land we are going to work with and the surrounding area to identify any overhead or underground utilities, understand the specific geography and materials we will be working with, and establish the proper drainage slopes to ensure the finished product will last for years to come.

Step 2: Clearing the Land

Removal of all obstacles including trees, rocks, vegetation, and organic materials until we reach a base layer that can sustain compaction and maintain integrity of what’s to come.

Step 3: Grading and Leveling

Shaping the land to the desired contour according to the plan, ensuring optimal drainage away from the driveway to prevent water pooling. Leveling creates a uniformly flat surface, crucial for the next steps of compaction and base installation.

Step 4: Compacting

Once we've cleared, grated, leveled and sloped your driveway to be, it’s time for compaction to increase the ground density, making it more stable and less prone to shifting under pressure. A critical step in preventing future settling and cracking of your new driveway.

Step 5: Base Installation

Base installation is a key step that involves laying down a strong foundation layer to support your new driveway. This base layer needs to be strong enough to handle the weight of vehicles and regular use without shifting or deforming. Gravel or crushed stone is often the material of choice due to its stability, drainage, and compatibility.

Paving and Surfacing

If you've chosen to put down an aggregate surface like gravel or millings, we'll handle the entire process from start to finish. For asphalt paving, while we prepare the base expertly, we can connect you with several reputable paving companies to complete your project.

Why Work with Rockhard Excavating

• Expert Guidance: We will work with you every step of the way, providing clear, expert advice on the best preparation and surfacing options for your needs.
• Quality Assurance: Our focus on high-quality workmanship ensures that your driveway will be durable and long-lasting.
• Transparent Pricing: We provide upfront and competitive pricing with no hidden costs.
• Efficient Service: We minimize disruption by efficiently managing all stages of your driveway preparation and installation.
• Trusted Partnerships: For asphalt surfaces, we connect you with reputable paving companies, ensuring a seamless transition and consistent quality.