What Is Class 2 Base Rock? A Complete Guide for Solano, Vallejo, Benicia, Sonoma, Napa & Surrounding Areas
- North Bay Materials
- Jul 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Introduction – Why Base Rock Matters for Your Project
Whether you’re building a new driveway in Napa, laying pavers in Benicia, or prepping a foundation in Fairfield — the quality of your base rock makes all the difference. Class 2 virgin road base rock (also known as ¾” road base rock or AB) is one of the most widely used compactable gravel blends in Northern California. It’s strong, affordable, and designed to lock in place for superior support under concrete, pavers, or asphalt.
In this blog, we’ll break down what Class 2 road base rock is, where to use it, and how you can get it delivered fast in Green Valley, Napa, Vallejo, American Canyon, Benicia, Sonoma, St Helena, Lake Berryessa and nearby cities through North Bay Materials.
What Is Class 2 Base Rock and How Is It Made?
Class 2 Base Rock is a crushed aggregate blend made up of ¾-inch crushed rock, fines (dust), and sand, engineered to compact tightly and form a durable base. In California, it’s often referred to as “AB”, “road base”, "base rock", "three quarter inch base rock", "compactable gravel", "virgin AB" or "virgin base" and must meet Caltrans specifications to qualify as Class 2 — meaning it has been tested for strength, compaction, and gradation.
This material is typically made from local sources of crushed granite, basalt, or recycled concrete, depending on availability in your area. At North Bay Materials, we source high-quality Class 2 base rock that’s perfect for:
Driveways and access roads
Paver and flagstone base layers
Utility trench backfill
Retaining wall foundations
Concrete or asphalt prep
Because of its tight compaction ability, Class 2 base rock creates a strong, stable surface that minimizes shifting, rutting, or settling — especially important in areas like Napa, Vallejo, Benicia and Fairfield where ground conditions can vary.
Top Uses for Class 2 Base Rock in Residential & Commercial Projects
From homeowners in Sonoma, Marin laying a patio to contractors in Fairfield or Vacaville prepping a new subdivision road, Class 2 base rock is a go-to material across Northern California construction and landscaping projects. Here are some of the most common and practical applications:
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1. Driveways & Private Roads
A compacted layer of ¾″ road base forms a solid foundation for asphalt driveways, gravel roads, or decorative stone driveways. It resists erosion and keeps your surface level over time — even under heavy use.
2. Paver & Flagstone Base Layers
If you’re installing pavers, flagstone, or concrete pads in places like St Helena or Benicia, Class 2 base ensures a flat, well-drained, and compacted sub-base, which resists future shifting or cracking.
3. Trench Backfill for Utilities
Class 2 base rock is often used in electrical, plumbing, and drainage trenches because of its excellent compaction and load-bearing properties. It helps protect utility lines while keeping the surface above intact.
4. Retaining Wall Foundations
Before stacking blocks or boulders for a retaining wall, a properly compacted layer of AB base is essential for structural integrity and drainage.
5. Pad Preparation for Sheds, Garages & Parking Areas
For any new structure — whether it’s a backyard shed in Calistoga or a parking pad in Benicia — Class 2 base rock provides a flat, stable, moisture-resistant base ready to support heavy loads.
How Much Class 2 Base Rock Do You Need?
One of the most common questions we get from customers in Napa, Vallejo, and Sonoma is:
“How much base rock do I need for my project?”
The answer depends on your project dimensions and desired depth, but here’s a quick guide:
Quick Coverage Estimates:
Project Area | Depth | Coverage (Per Cubic Yard) |
Driveways & Roadways | 4"–6" compacted | ~65–80 sq. ft. per yard |
Paver Bases | 3"–4" compacted | ~90–110 sq. ft. per yard |
Utility Trench Backfill | Varies | Based on linear feet and width |
Parking Pads or Shed Pads | 4"–6" compacted | ~65–80 sq. ft. per yard |
Pro Tip: Always order 10–15% extra to account for compaction, grade variation, and project waste.
Need Help Calculating?
Use our Material Calculator or give us a call with your square footage — we’ll help you estimate how many tons or yards you need based on your project and location in Benicia, Sonoma, or Novato areas.
Where to Buy Class 2 Base Rock Near You in the North Bay?
If you’re searching for “base rock near me”, “AB for sale,” or “¾ inch road base delivery in Vallejo or Napa,” you’ve come to the right place. At North Bay Materials, we specialize in local bulk delivery of Class 2 base rock by the cubic yard — no need to haul it yourself or overpay at the big-box store.
We offer fast, reliable dump truck delivery to:
Napa, American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga
Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Suisun City, Vacaville
Sonoma, Green Valley, Angwin, Pope Valley
Novato, San Rafael, Martinez, and nearby towns
Whether you're a homeowner prepping a gravel driveway or a contractor laying down paver bases for a job site, we’ve got you covered with:
✅ Clean, compactable ¾″ Class 2 AB base
✅ Transparent pricing by the yard
✅ Quick scheduling & local delivery
✅ Friendly service with expert guidance
Order Online or Request a Quote:
Visit our product page here: 👉 Class 2 Base Rock – ¾" Road Base
FAQ – Common Questions About Base Rock
🔸 What is the difference between Class 2 base rock and gravel?
While gravel refers to any loose rock material, Class 2 base rock is a specific engineered blend of crushed rock, sand, and fines. It’s designed to compact tightly, making it ideal for structural support under driveways, pavers, or asphalt. Regular gravel may shift more and doesn’t always meet Caltrans specs.
🔸 How much does Class 2 base rock cost in Benicia or St Helena?
Pricing typically ranges from $50 to $70 per cubic yard, depending on your location and order size. At North Bay Materials, we provide upfront pricing with delivery included for customers in Novato, San Rafael, Sonoma, Napa, Vallejo, Benicia, Green Valley, and nearby cities. Contact us for a custom quote.
🔸 Can I use Class 2 base rock for paver installations?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most recommended materials for paver bases because of its excellent compaction and stability. A 3–4 inch layer of base rock beneath a 1-inch layer of paver sand will create a durable and long-lasting patio or walkway.
🔸 Do you deliver base rock to residential properties in hillside areas like Calistoga or Angwin?
Yes, we deliver to both residential and commercial sites, including rural and hillside locations. As long as there’s adequate access for a small dump truck, we’ll coordinate a delivery that works for your terrain and timeline.
🔸 How many yards of base rock fit in your delivery trucks?
We deliver in small dump trucks capable of hauling:
About to 7-5 tons of heavy materials like base rock
Or up to 8-10 cubic yards of lighter materials like soil blends
And up to 14 cubic yards of mulch or woodchips
For larger orders, we can schedule multiple trips.
🔸 Can I pick up the base rock myself?
At this time, North Bay Materials offers delivery only — we do not offer pickup at our location. All material orders are scheduled for delivery to your property or jobsite.
Final Thoughts – Order Class 2 Base Rock with Local Delivery Today
If you’re planning a project that calls for strength, stability, and long-term performance — Class 2 base rock is the foundation you need. Whether you're building a new driveway in Vacaville, laying pavers in Napa, or backfilling a trench in Benicia, this versatile material is trusted by contractors and homeowners across the North Bay.
At North Bay Materials, we make it easy to get high-quality ¾″ road base delivered right to your site — no hassle, no runaround. We proudly serve:
🔸 Novato🔸 Vallejo🔸San Rafael🔸 Benicia🔸 Fairfield🔸 Vacaville🔸 Sonoma🔸 Napa, 🔸 St Helena…and nearby cities.
Ready to Get Started?
✅ Click here to order Class 2 Base Rock by the ton✅ Or request a quote with your project address and we'll handle the rest.
Need help figuring out how much you need?
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