Restore shape without hiding deeper damage
Washboard and shallow ruts can often be reworked using the gravel already on the drive. Restoring crown or a suitable cross-slope gives water a way off the surface. Grading alone is unlikely to solve a deep, pumping soft spot or a base that has lost support.
Signs to look for
- Washboard vibration and loose ridges
- Shallow ruts and uneven gravel
- Water sitting in low spots
- A flattened or reversed driveway crown
Reshape, redistribute and compact
- 01Loosen and redistribute usable surface material
- 02Cut high spots and fill low areas
- 03Restore crown or cross-slope where conditions allow
- 04Blend new gravel when the existing layer is too thin
- 05Compact the finished surface
What affects grading time and materials
Surface condition and available gravelDriveway length, width and slopeDepth of ruts or potholesNeed for new materialDrainage or base failures below the surface
Compare materials and scope with the gravel and road-base guide.
Questions about grading
What is a driveway crown?
A crown is a slightly raised center that encourages water to drain toward the sides instead of running along the wheel paths.
Will grading fix deep soft spots?
Not always. A soft area can indicate saturated or weak base material. That section may need excavation, base repair or drainage work before final grading.