Base Rock—also known as 0.75-inch Base, Class 2 Base Rock, Road Base, Virgin Base, Aggregate Base, Compactable Base, Driveway Gravel, Blue Shale or Road Gravel—is a foundational material engineered for strength and compaction. Available in a blend of 3/4 inch or 1 1/2 inch minus crushed rock and fine particles, this product is commonly used in Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano cities for creating a solid, stable sub-base for driveways, walkways, patios, foundations, and road construction.
Produced from crushed virgin rock and blended with fines, this material locks together tightly when compacted, forming a durable sub-base that resists shifting and settling. Available in 3/4-inch minus and 1-1/2-inch minus sizes, our Class 2 Base meets Caltrans specifications, making it a trusted choice for both residential and commercial jobs throughout Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties.
Common Applications
3/4-Inch Minus Base Rock
Driveway & Walkway Sub-Base – Creates a compact, stable foundation for asphalt, pavers, or concrete.
Patio & Hardscape Prep – Provides excellent compaction for stone patios, flagstone walkways, and outdoor living areas.
Pathways & Trails – Ideal for compacted gravel pathways in residential or park settings.
Foundation Prep – Used beneath slabs, footings, and pads for added stability.
Backfill Material – Perfect for utility trenches or retaining wall support where strength and compaction are required.
1-1/2-Inch Minus Base Rock
Road Construction & Heavy Traffic Areas – Provides a solid base layer for roads, drive lanes, and parking pads.
Large-Scale Sub-Base Projects – Excellent for building pads, barn floors, and staging yards.
Erosion Control & Rough Grade Fill – Stabilizes areas with drainage issues or soft soils.
Retaining Wall Base – Provides structural support beneath large retaining walls.
Rural Driveways & Ranch Roads – Creates a rugged, long-lasting driving surface with strong load-bearing capacity.
Material Specs & Technical Notes
Material Type: Virgin, mechanically crushed rock blended with fines
Sizes Available: 3/4" minus (0–3/4") and 1-1/2" minus (0–1.5")
Processing: Produced to Caltrans Class 2 specifications for engineered compaction and stability
Color Range: Natural gray/blue tones with occasional darker fragments (varies by batch and quarry source)
Bulk Density: ~1.40–1.55 tons per cubic yard (varies with moisture content)
Compaction: Excellent — fines help the material lock together under mechanical compaction, forming a dense, stable base
Gradation Compliance: Meets Caltrans Section 26 (Class 2 Aggregate Base) and typical ASTM D2940 requirements for aggregate base material
Load Bearing Strength: High — engineered for driveways, roads, and structural sub-base applications
Moisture Content: May arrive slightly damp to optimize compaction in the field
Packaging: Sold in bulk by the cubic yard; delivery available throughout Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties
Coverage Per Cubic Yard:
~ 150 sq ft 2" depth
~ 75 sq ft 4" depth
~ 50 sq ft 6" depth
Delivery Notes
Service Areas: Delivery available to homes, job sites, and commercial projects across Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, and Contra Costa counties.
Delivery Method: Bulk material delivered by dump truck. Minimum order: 3 cubic yards.
Placement: Material is typically dumped on driveways, street frontage, or accessible work areas. Onsite placement depends on truck access, surface stability, and clearance.
Access Requirements: Minimum 12 ft. width, 14 ft. overhead clearance, and a firm, level surface for safe truck operation.
Scheduling & Lead Time: Standard delivery is within 0–3 business days. Same-day or next-day service may be available in select areas. Customers are contacted prior to delivery for time and placement confirmation.
Weather Impact: During heavy rain, delivery schedules may shift to avoid contamination, washout, or unsafe jobsite conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between 3/4” minus and 1-1/2” minus base rock?
A: 3/4” minus compacts tighter and is ideal for driveways, patios, and pathways. 1-1/2” minus is coarser, making it stronger for roads, heavy-use areas, and large structural sub-bases.
Q: Is this material Caltrans approved?
A: Yes. Our Class 2 Virgin Aggregate Base meets Caltrans Section 26 specifications, as well as ASTM standards for compactable base material.
Q: How much base rock do I need for my project?
A: As a rule of thumb, 1 cubic yard covers ~100 sq. ft. at 3 inches deep. For structural bases like driveways and roads, most contractors recommend 4–6 inches of compacted depth. Use our online Material Volume Calculator to estimate quantities.
Q: Can I use this base rock under pavers?
A: Absolutely. 3/4” minus base rock is the standard sub-base for patios, walkways, and paver driveways because it compacts evenly and locks into place.
Q: How is this delivered?
A: All orders are delivered by dump truck to Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, and Contra Costa counties. Minimum order may be required.