Gravel Driveway Grading – Crown, Ditches & Re-Base (SE Wisconsin)

Build a Driveway That Drains, Rides Smooth, and Lasts

If your driveway pools water, develops potholes, or turns into washboards after a storm, the problem is almost always poor shape and weak base. Gravel driveway grading is the fix that restores smooth travel and keeps water moving away from the surface. In Southeast Wisconsin, where freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rains are common, a durable driveway needs three things working together: a proper crown, clean ditches, and a solid re-base when the subgrade has failed. RLP Diversified, Inc brings all three solutions together with professional grading and earthwork so your driveway looks good, drains right, and holds up to seasons of use.

Founded in 2000 and based in Burlington, Wisconsin, RLP Diversified, Inc is a trusted contractor with deep experience in grading, excavating, and aggregate delivery. After integrating Andy’s Excavating in 2013, our team expanded its capabilities and fleet to serve homes, farms, and businesses across the state. When you book gravel driveway grading with us, you get a one-stop solution for shaping, ditching, base repair, and material delivery done by an experienced crew using proven methods and quality equipment.

Why Gravel Driveway Grading Matters in SE Wisconsin

Local conditions put driveways to the test. Spring thaw softens subgrades. Summer downpours wash away fines. Winter plows scrape away surface gravel. Add the weight of delivery trucks, trailers, and equipment, and any weak area reveals itself quickly. Without the right shape and base, water finds low spots, soaks in, and turns traffic lanes into ruts and potholes.

Gravel driveway grading cuts these problems off at the source. By restoring crown, cleaning ditches, and rebuilding weak sections, you keep water off the travel lanes and out of the subgrade. That means fewer potholes, less mud, less dust, and a smoother ride year-round.

The Three Pillars of a Durable Gravel Driveway

1. Crown that sheds water

Crown is the slight rise in the middle of the driveway that directs water toward the edges. Think of it as your driveway’s water management system. Without crown, water sits on the surface, saturates the gravel, and invites ruts. With crown, water slides off and away.

RLP Diversified, Inc sets crown at a practical slope that balances drainage with driving comfort. A common target is 2 to 4 percent, which equals roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch of fall per foot from the centerline to the edge. On wider drives or in shaded, wet areas, we may increase the crown slightly. Our grading equipment shapes a smooth, even arc so tires track cleanly and water does not linger.

2. Ditches and shoulders that carry water away

Ditches do the heavy lifting once water runs off the crown. Clean, shaped ditches collect runoff and move it to a safe outlet point or culvert. Shoulders support the edges of the gravel and tie the driveway into the surrounding grade. Without healthy ditches, even a perfect crown will struggle since water has nowhere to go.

During gravel driveway grading, our crew re-cuts or cleans out ditches as needed. We check culvert inlets and outlets, clear blockages, and ensure the ditch bottom has continuous fall. In many cases, a small amount of regrading along the shoulders is enough to restore flow. In other cases, reshaping and adding a little stone in low sections protects the edge from unraveling.

3. Re-base that strengthens weak sections

When potholes and ruts keep coming back in the same places, the base has failed. Re-spreading surface gravel alone will not solve it. The fix is a re-base: remove saturated or unsuitable material, stabilize the subgrade, and rebuild with proper base stone compacted in layers.

RLP Diversified, Inc evaluates each problem area during your estimate. Where needed, we undercut, add geotextile fabric to separate soil from stone, and install dense graded base in lifts compacted with a vibratory roller. This stops mud pumping, keeps fines from migrating, and gives the surface gravel a solid foundation. The result is a driveway that stands up to traffic and weather instead of giving way after the next storm.

Our Proven Gravel Driveway Grading Process

Every property is unique, but a disciplined process produces consistent results. Here is how RLP Diversified, Inc approaches your driveway from the first visit to the final roll:

1. Site evaluation and quote – We walk the driveway, check drainage paths, note soft spots, measure dimensions, and discuss your goals. You receive a clear scope and pricing.
2. Utility locates and planning – If ditching or culvert work is required, we arrange utility locates and confirm outlet points. We schedule equipment and aggregate deliveries to match the work.
3. Scarify and reshape – We cut into the existing surface to break up hardpack, pull material from the edges, and rebuild crown. If surface stone is thin, we plan to top up after shaping.
4. Ditch cleaning and culvert check – We reestablish flow lines, clean out sediment, and correct shallow or high spots that trap water. Culverts are checked for slope and blockages.
5. Re-base weak areas – Soft zones are undercut as needed. We place geotextile fabric where soils are weak, then rebuild with dense graded base in compacted lifts.
6. Surface aggregate application – We install a fresh layer of traffic bond or selected gravel, feathering edges into the shoulders. Material type and thickness are matched to your traffic and budget.
7. Compaction and fine grading – A vibratory roller and grading equipment finish the surface. We verify crown, confirm ditch flow, and smooth transitions to the road or garage.
8. Final walkthrough – We walk the project with you, review maintenance tips, and confirm everything drains the way it should.

Aggregate Options That Perform in Wisconsin

Stone quality matters. Our aggregate and trucking division delivers the right material for your driveway and soil conditions. Common choices include:

• 3/4 inch dense graded base – A crushed limestone with fines that locks tight under compaction. Ideal as a surface in many rural settings and as a base layer for re-builds.
• Breaker run or 3 inch minus – Coarse stone used to bridge soft spots before topping with a finer dense base. Adds strength where soils are weak.
• Traffic bond blends – Well-graded limestone products that compact hard and shed water. Great for high traffic lanes, farm drives, and slopes.
• Washed stone top layer – In select situations, a thin top of washed stone can reduce dust, but it needs a strong base below. We advise case by case.
• Recycled concrete or asphalt options – Budget-friendly alternatives for certain applications. Performance depends on source and gradation. We help you choose with transparency.

RLP Diversified, Inc sources and delivers from trusted pits and quarries. We schedule trucks so your project keeps moving and your driveway is ready quickly.

Equipment That Gets the Job Done Right

Quality results require the right machines. Our fleet includes equipment from Caterpillar, Bobcat, and New Holland for grading, compacting, and hauling. With the proper blades, rollers, and trucks on site, we shape consistent crown, compact uniform lifts, and move material efficiently. That means fewer trips, tighter finishes, and less downtime on your property.

Signs You Need Gravel Driveway Grading or Re-Base

• Puddles that linger more than a day after rain.
• Potholes that return soon after filling.
• Ruts that track where tires run, especially near the center.
• Driveway surface below surrounding grade causing water to flow in.
• Soft, pumping areas that feel spongy when walked on.
• Shoulders higher than the surface, trapping water on the drive.
• Blocked or silted ditches and culverts.
• Exposed fabric or large stone poking through at the surface.

DIY vs Professional Gravel Driveway Grading

Dragging a chain or a light box blade can smooth minor washboards, but it rarely fixes drainage or base problems. Without the right slope, compaction, and materials, issues return quickly. Professional gravel driveway grading brings:

• Accurate crown and slope that move water off the lane.
• Ditch shaping that restores steady flow to an outlet.
• Base repair with geotextile and compacted lifts where needed.
• Proper material selection and delivery, so the driveway locks up tight.
• Time savings and a longer service life for your investment.

RLP Diversified, Inc pairs skilled operators with reliable equipment so your driveway is built to last, not just look good for a week.

What Affects Cost and Timeline

Every driveway is different, but a clear scope keeps surprises low. These factors influence your project investment:

• Length, width, and slope of the driveway.
• Volume of ditch cleaning or re-cutting needed.
• Number and condition of culverts or water crossings.
• Extent of undercutting and re-base required.
• Choice and thickness of aggregate layers.
• Site access for trucks and equipment.
• Haul distance for aggregates and disposal of unsuitable material.

Simple regrading and top dressing can often be completed in a day. Projects with ditching, culvert work, or significant re-base may take two to three days depending on weather and material lead times. RLP Diversified, Inc provides straightforward quotes and realistic schedules so you know what to expect from day one.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Driveway Life

Good maintenance protects your investment. After professional gravel driveway grading, a little care goes a long way:

• Drive slowly for the first week to allow the surface to set.
• Keep speeds down overall to limit washboarding.
• Clean leaves and debris from ditches and culvert ends every season.
• Direct downspouts and yard runoff away from the driveway.
• After snow, set plow shoes high enough to avoid peeling off surface gravel.
• Spot fill small holes early before they grow.
• Plan a light top-up of surface aggregate every few years for high traffic drives.

About RLP Diversified, Inc

Since 2000, RLP Diversified, Inc has provided grading, excavating, and aggregate services across Wisconsin. After integrating Andy’s Excavating in 2013, we broadened our team and fleet to serve residential, agricultural, and commercial clients with speed and precision. Our core services include:

• Aggregate and Trucking – Delivery of topsoil, fill dirt, sand, stone, gravel, and limestone for construction, landscaping, and driveway needs.
• Grading and Earthmoving – Road, rough, and finish grading for driveways, roads, highways, and site development, including topsoil stripping, backfilling, spreading, and seeding.
• Pond Excavating – New pond construction, maintenance, and shoreline protection, including removal of failing seawalls and installation of stabilization measures.
• Excavating – Foundations, parking lots, shorelines, irrigation ponds, dredging, scraping, and demolition for commercial and residential projects.
• Demolition – Building and concrete demolition, site cleanup, and recycling for driveways, foundations, parking lots, and roads.

With equipment from Caterpillar, Bobcat, and New Holland, and a team that takes pride in detailed work, RLP Diversified, Inc delivers results that last.

Where We Work

Our crew serves the entire state, with a focus on Southeast Wisconsin. We frequently complete gravel driveway grading in and around Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Mequon, Kenosha, Green Bay, and the surrounding communities. If your property is outside these areas, reach out. We can often schedule work throughout Wisconsin based on project size and scope.

What Sets Our Gravel Driveway Grading Apart

• Experience you can trust – Decades of grading and excavating in Wisconsin soils and weather.
• Full-service capability – From ditching to re-base to aggregate delivery, we handle it all.
• Quality materials – Sourced aggregates that compact well and hold up to traffic.
• Right equipment – Graders, rollers, and trucks sized for efficiency and finish quality.
• Clear communication – Straightforward quotes, timelines, and updates from start to finish.
• Local knowledge – We shape driveways that handle freeze-thaw, heavy rain, and winter plowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a gravel driveway be graded?

Light maintenance every year or two helps preserve crown and smooth small issues. A full reshaping may be needed every few years depending on traffic, weather, and drainage. If problems keep returning, a re-base is often the lasting fix.

Do I need geotextile fabric?

Not always. Fabric is recommended where soils are soft, wet, or mixed with organics. It separates the base stone from the soil so the base stays strong. We recommend it after we evaluate your subgrade.

What is the best gravel to use on top?

For most driveways, 3/4 inch dense graded base or a traffic bond blend performs well. It compacts tightly and resists washboarding. Some owners prefer a thin top of washed stone for appearance, but it needs a strong base below.

Can you fix standing water at the end of my driveway?

Yes. Often this involves reshaping the apron, adjusting crown, cleaning ditches, or setting the correct elevation to meet the road. We evaluate the whole drainage path to move water away without creating a new problem.

Will heavy trucks damage my new surface?

A properly built base and well-compacted surface handle deliveries and equipment traffic. We may recommend a heavier surface layer or stronger base in areas where heavy loads are common.

Ready for Reliable Gravel Driveway Grading

Whether you need a simple reshape and top-up or a full re-base with ditch improvements, RLP Diversified, Inc is ready to help. Our team combines practical experience with careful grading practices so your driveway drains right and drives smooth. You get one contractor for design, materials, equipment, and execution.

Get a fast quote and book your service online. Tell us about your driveway, share a few photos if you have them, and we will schedule a site visit. With RLP Diversified, Inc, gravel driveway grading becomes a straightforward project that adds value and convenience to your property.

Stop fighting potholes and puddles. Build crown that sheds water, ditches that carry it away, and a base that holds up season after season. Contact RLP Diversified, Inc today and get your driveway working the way it should.