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Hick's Paving

Preparation Steps for an Asphalt Driveway

Installing an asphalt driveway is an excellent investment for homeowners looking for a durable, attractive, and cost-effective solution for their driveways. However, proper preparation is key to ensuring the longevity and performance of your asphalt driveway.


Whether you're installing a new driveway or replacing an old one, following the right preparation steps can help you avoid issues like cracking, sinking, or premature wear.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to prepare for your new asphalt driveway installation.


Evaluate the Site

Before any work begins, a thorough site evaluation is necessary. The first step is to check for any potential issues, such as drainage problems, uneven ground, or underlying soil conditions that could affect the stability of your driveway. If the area slopes toward your house or another structure, drainage may need to be addressed to prevent water from pooling on the surface or near your foundation.

A professional contractor can assess whether your site needs grading or other adjustments to ensure proper water flow and avoid future problems.


Remove Existing Surface

If you’re replacing an old driveway, the next step is to remove the existing surface, whether it's concrete, gravel, or an old asphalt driveway. This removal process typically involves heavy machinery such as a skid steer or backhoe. It's crucial to remove the old material down to the subgrade to ensure a solid base for your new driveway.

For those installing a driveway in a new location, any existing vegetation, including grass, roots, and rocks, must be cleared. This provides a clean, stable surface to work with.


Excavate the Driveway Area

Once the old surface has been removed, the site needs to be excavated to the appropriate depth. The excavation depth will depend on several factors, including soil conditions and the expected traffic load. In most cases, the depth should be around 8 to 10 inches, but this may vary if heavy vehicles will frequently use the driveway.

Proper excavation allows for the installation of the base material, which will provide the structural foundation for the asphalt. Excavating also helps remove weak soil that could otherwise cause your driveway to shift or settle over time.


Install a Stable Subgrade

The subgrade is the layer of soil directly beneath the driveway. Ensuring that this layer is properly compacted and stabilized is crucial for the longevity of the asphalt. Poorly compacted soil can lead to the asphalt surface cracking or sinking under pressure.

Your contractor may use additional methods to stabilize the subgrade, such as using geotextile fabric to separate the subgrade from the base material. This step is particularly important if the soil in your area is soft or prone to shifting.


Add a Gravel Base

The next step is to add a layer of gravel or crushed stone to create a stable foundation for the asphalt. The thickness of the gravel base will depend on the type of soil, but it’s usually about 4 to 6 inches deep. The gravel should be evenly spread and then compacted using a roller to ensure a firm, even surface.

The gravel base provides drainage and helps distribute the weight of the asphalt surface more evenly, preventing cracking or deformation. It’s important that the base is perfectly level and properly compacted to prevent future issues with the asphalt surface.


Ensure Proper Drainage

One of the most critical steps in driveway preparation is ensuring proper drainage. Asphalt driveways can suffer from damage if water pools on the surface, leading to cracks and potholes over time. To prevent this, your contractor will ensure that your driveway has a slight slope, typically 1 to 2 percent, to allow water to run off the surface.

In some cases, it may be necessary to install drainage pipes or catch basins to direct water away from the driveway and nearby structures. Proper drainage planning is essential to protect both the driveway and your property.


Compact the Base Layer

Once the gravel base has been installed, it needs to be thoroughly compacted. This is usually done with a heavy roller or plate compactor to create a solid, even surface. Proper compaction ensures that the gravel will not shift or settle over time, which can lead to problems with the asphalt above it.


Each layer of the gravel base should be compacted individually, especially if multiple layers are required for added stability. The final result should be a smooth, level surface ready for asphalt installation.


Apply an Edge Restraint (If Needed)

Edge restraints are optional but can be beneficial in some driveway installations. These restraints help keep the edges of the driveway stable and prevent cracking or crumbling. Concrete curbs or metal edging can be installed along the sides of the driveway to reinforce the structure.


Edge restraints also give your driveway a more polished appearance and can protect landscaping around the edges.


Double-Check and Adjust the Grade

Before laying the asphalt, it’s essential to double-check the grade to ensure proper drainage and leveling. Even small deviations from the ideal slope can lead to pooling water or uneven surfaces, which can damage your driveway over time.

Your contractor will make any necessary adjustments to the base and ensure that it meets all slope and drainage requirements before moving forward with the asphalt installation.


Prepare for Asphalt Installation

Now that the site is prepared, the final step before applying the asphalt is ensuring that the base layer is clean and free of any debris or loose gravel. A well-prepared, stable base is essential for achieving a smooth, durable asphalt surface. Once this is done, the asphalt can be applied in layers and compacted to create a strong, long-lasting driveway.



Preparing for an asphalt driveway requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure a stable, long-lasting surface. From evaluating the site and removing the old surface to grading, compacting, and ensuring proper drainage, each step plays a crucial role in the overall success of your new driveway. By following these preparation steps, you can avoid common issues and ensure that your asphalt driveway will stand the test of time.

For best results, always work with an experienced asphalt contractor who can handle each phase of the preparation and installation process professionally.

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