Define the load and final surface
A lightweight shed, parked RV, loaded trailer, equipment storage area, and future concrete slab place different demands on the pad. Confirm whether aggregate is the finished surface or a base for another system.
Protect the finished elevation and drainage
The pad should not trap water against a building, block a drainage path, or send runoff toward neighboring property. Account for excavation, base thickness, final surface, transitions, and settling before material arrives.
Choose material by function
Well-graded material with fines is commonly considered where compaction is needed. Clean stone may provide drainage but will not compact like a graded base. Product specifications and local availability must be confirmed.
- Existing soil and soft areas
- Geotextile or stabilization requirements
- Base and surface layer thickness
- Edge restraint and erosion protection
- Equipment access for placement and compaction
Plan more working room than the object footprint
A useful pad often extends beyond the shed, RV tires, or equipment footprint for drainage, access, maintenance, and edge stability. Confirm the planned dimensions before calculating quantity.
What property owners ask us
Can I place rock directly over grass?+
Organic material and weak surface soil can create settlement and rutting. Proper preparation depends on the site, load, drainage, and design.
How deep should the base be?+
There is no single depth for every pad. Soil, load, drainage, stabilization, material, and compaction determine the design.