What Prep Is Needed to Pave a Driveway?

Grade the Driveway

• Level and slope the driveway using a small tractor with a front-end loader attachment. As the driveway needs at least 8 inches of crushed gravel as a base, you should level the driveway path to 6 inches below grade. You should also slope the driveway away from your home's foundation to allow water to flow away from the house. Additionally, the driveway should not have any low spots that would allow surface water to collect.

Compact the Soil

• The subsoil under the driveway must be compressed prior to installation. A 3,000-pound roller should be used to compact the graded area until the soil is even and no longer loose.

Lay a Gravel Foundation

• Driveways require a crushed stone foundation to bear the weight of vehicle traffic. If you are preparing soil that is sandy or frequently saturated with water, you should start the foundation with a 4-inch-thick layer of larger crushed stone. This layer should be compacted with a construction roller. A second 4-inch layer of smaller crushed gravel should be evenly spread on top of the foundation and compressed with a roller again.

Pave the Driveway

• Spread a 3-inch-thick layer of asphalt over the crushed gravel foundation. The paving material should be evenly distributed and compressed with a roller to create a smooth, flat and durable surface.