If you’ve lived through a winter in Victor, Driggs, Tetonia, or Alta, you already know our driveways take a beating. Snowplows, freeze-thaw cycles, spring mud — they all conspire to turn a poorly built driveway into a rutted mess. The good news? Whether you go with a classic gravel finish or a sleek asphalt surface, choosing the right base (and having it installed correctly) will save you time, money, and headaches for years.

Why Crushed is King (Even Under Asphalt)

Around here, crushed gravel — also called road base — is the go-to choice for a stable driveway foundation. Unlike round river rock or pea gravel, crushed gravel has sharp, angular edges that lock together when compacted. That means less shifting, better stability, and a surface that drains without washing away every spring.

Even if your end goal is asphalt, Shawn at ParkFab starts with a properly graded and compacted gravel base. Without it, asphalt will crack, settle, and fail long before it should.

The Right Depth Matters

A skim coat of gravel might look fine at first, but it won’t last. For a new driveway in Teton Valley, you’re usually looking at:

  • 4–6 inches of compacted road base for light residential gravel driveways

  • 6–8 inches (or more) for long driveways, heavy equipment, or poor drainage areas

  • Extra prep for asphalt — a consistent, well-compacted base is non-negotiable for a smooth, long-lasting blacktop finish

And yes — compacted means Shawn brings the right equipment to achieve density, not just dumping rock and hoping for the best.

Other Options (and When They Work)

  • Pea Gravel – Great for decorative walkways, terrible for driveways in snow country. Plow blades will send it flying.

  • Recycled Asphalt (RAP) – A budget-friendly alternative to fresh asphalt with a firm finish, but needs proper grading and compaction to prevent pooling.

  • Pit Run – Coarse, unprocessed material used more for sub-base than top layer — think deep rural driveways or pre-construction access roads.

Drainage is Half the Battle

Even the best surface — gravel or asphalt — will fail if your driveway holds water. Shawn grades every project with the right crown or slope so snowmelt and rain move away from the surface instead of soaking in and causing frost heave.

The ParkFab Difference

Plenty of people can drop a load of gravel or roll out some asphalt and call it a day — but Shawn’s excavation and site work experience means you’re getting a driveway that’s built to handle the Valley’s toughest seasons. From proper sub-base prep to picking the right aggregate for your soil type, he’s focused on a surface that stays solid year after year.

📞 Call Shawn at ParkFab — 208-360-2411
📧 shawn@parkfab.com
Whether you’re upgrading to asphalt or sticking with gravel, he’ll help you choose the right materials, prep the site, and make sure your investment stands the test of Teton Valley weather.