Gravel driveway repair that starts with the ground.

More gravel, reshaping, or a base repair?

A driveway can lose its surface stone while the base underneath remains firm. It can also look serviceable in dry weather and rut as soon as a loaded truck uses it. Those conditions call for different work. We look at the damaged area, the surrounding surface, and the route water takes before setting the repair scope.

A surface refresh

When the base is firm and water can leave the drive, grading and a measured top-up may be enough. The material needs to match the intended surface and traffic. An excessive layer of loose stone can create another maintenance problem instead of resolving one.

Ruts and recurring potholes

The work may include loosening the damaged surface, reshaping the area, adding suitable aggregate, and compacting it. Deep ruts or mud working through the stone need a closer look at the base. Read why driveway potholes keep returning before ordering a load to fill them.

Washouts and soft ground

Replace lost stone after reviewing where runoff enters and leaves the driveway. Some repairs require removing unsuitable material or rebuilding part of the base. A drainage structure, engineered design, or work outside the driveway may need a separate scope. We identify those responsibilities before treating a gravel top-up as the answer.

What the repair quote should include

Ask for a defined repair area and finished condition. The quote should distinguish grading, excavation, replacement material, spreading, compaction, and any material leaving the property. Include tie-ins at the road, garage, or existing paved surface when they are part of the work.

Tell us about regular delivery trucks, loaded trailers, or construction equipment. The surface needs to suit the traffic it will carry. Also flag gates, steep approaches, overhead lines, and areas where equipment cannot turn. Our delivery access checklist covers the details dispatch needs.

For a lot or building pad beyond the driveway, see our grading and site-preparation service. Civil engineering, testing, and permitting requirements depend on the project and must be addressed in its scope.

Choose the material after defining the repair.

Crusher run contains stone and fines for a compacted base. Clean #57 limestone has a different gradation and purpose. They are not interchangeable simply because both are called gravel. Compare clean and minus rock, or use our driveway material guide to discuss the proposed layers.

The gravel calculator estimates material by area and depth. Use the area being repaired, which may be smaller than the whole driveway. Final quantity depends on the agreed repair depth, material, and site conditions.

Driveway work across the county and metro.

J1S is based in Festus and serves Jefferson County and the St. Louis metro. Start with Festus grading, Jefferson County grading, or our St. Louis service information. Provide the exact address so we can review travel, access, and scheduling for your job.