Gravel Driveways & Access Roads
Build and Restore Driveways That Hold Up
Gravel Driveway and Access Road Services in Cathlamet
You're tired of ruts forming every winter, gravel washing into the ditch after a storm, or potholes that scrape the underside of your vehicle in Cathlamet. A gravel driveway that wasn't built with a proper base or maintained with the right material will shift, sink, and fail, especially in areas with seasonal rain and freeze-thaw cycles.
Jamie's Yard Services LLC installs, repairs, and resurfaces gravel driveways and access roads throughout Cathlamet. The work includes new driveway construction with compacted base layers, repairing sections that have washed out or settled, resurfacing worn driveways with fresh gravel, and correcting drainage issues that cause ongoing damage. You'll get a stable driving surface that sheds water and stays level under regular vehicle traffic.
If your driveway needs work in Cathlamet, reach out to discuss materials, grading, and timing.
How a Gravel Driveway Gets Built or Fixed
A new driveway in Cathlamet starts with clearing the path, removing topsoil, and grading the base to create a slight crown or slope that sheds water to the edges. A layer of crushed rock or quarry spalls is spread and compacted to create a stable foundation, then topped with a surface layer of smaller gravel that packs tightly and resists rutting.
When the work is finished, you'll see a smooth, crowned surface that drains water off to the sides, firm footing that doesn't sink under tires, and edges that stay defined without gravel spreading into your yard. Vehicles will drive without bouncing or scraping, and you won't see washout channels forming after heavy rain.
Repairs involve excavating damaged sections, adding new base material if needed, and regrading to match the surrounding surface. Resurfacing spreads a fresh layer of gravel over an existing driveway, filling ruts and restoring a smooth driving surface. Washout correction includes installing edge restraints, adding cross-slope drainage, or placing culverts where water is cutting across the driveway. This service does not include paving, concrete work, or driveway permits if required by your county.
You Probably Have Specific Questions About Your Driveway
Property owners in Cathlamet often ask about gravel types, how often driveways need maintenance, and what can be done to prevent washouts on sloped terrain.
What type of gravel do you use for driveways in Cathlamet?
Jamie's Yard Services LLC uses crushed rock or quarry spalls for the base layer because they compact tightly and resist shifting, and a smaller angular gravel for the surface that locks together under traffic. The specific size depends on your driveway's length, slope, and expected vehicle weight.
How do you prevent a gravel driveway from washing out?
You grade the driveway with a crown or cross-slope so water runs off to the sides, install culverts or dips where water crosses the path, and use larger rock at the edges to hold material in place. On steep driveways, drainage bars or gravel berms are added to slow water flow.
When should I resurface my gravel driveway?
You should resurface when ruts are deep enough to cause scraping, when the surface layer has worn thin and you see base rock showing through, or when gravel has migrated to the edges and left the center bare. Most driveways need fresh gravel every three to five years depending on traffic and maintenance.
How long does it take to install a new gravel driveway?
A typical residential driveway in Cathlamet can be installed in one to two days depending on length, site conditions, and whether drainage features need to be added. Longer access roads or driveways requiring significant grading may take several days.
What's the difference between repairing and resurfacing?
Repairing involves excavating damaged sections, adding base material, and regrading to fix structural problems like washouts or settling. Resurfacing spreads a new layer of gravel over an existing driveway to restore the surface without rebuilding the base.
Jamie's Yard Services LLC builds and maintains gravel driveways across Cathlamet where vehicles need reliable access and surfaces need to hold up through wet seasons. If your driveway is overdue for attention, contact us to schedule an assessment.
