# How to build a driveway that lasts, the layers under the surface

National Asphalte, an excavation and asphalt paving contractor in Laval, the North Shore and Montreal.

Under asphalt or interlocking pavers, we lay down stone in layers on firm ground.

You build a lasting driveway in layers, from the native soil to the surface. Done right, these layers keep your driveway solid. At the bottom, excavation removes the soft earth down to native soil. On top of that, you spread and compact a crushed stone base. At the top comes the surface you see, in asphalt, interlocking pavers or concrete. National Asphalte builds these layers.

## The native soil carries all the layers

The native soil is the ground already in place, under the topsoil. In the end, it takes the weight of every car. It has to be firm and free of anything that rots. Soft or wet soil shifts as it freezes and thaws. On weak soil, a layer of fabric can separate the soil from the stone. It keeps the stone from sinking into the soil over time.

## Excavation makes room for the base

Excavation removes the topsoil and the old surface. It digs deep enough to fit the planned base and surface. Then the bottom gets a slope, so water drains toward the street or toward a drain.

[See: excavation](/en/excavation)

[See: preparing the ground under a driveway](/en/guides/driveway-ground-preparation)

## The crushed stone base carries the weight

The base takes the weight of the vehicles and spreads it over the native soil. You build it with crushed stone, because its angular pieces lock together once compacted. Water also drains better between these pieces than through soil. The stone goes down in layers. Each layer gets a pass with a plate compactor or a roller before the next one. The thickness of the base depends on the soil and on how you use the driveway. A truck or an RV needs a stronger base than an everyday car.

## The surface takes the wheels and the snow

The surface is the only layer you will see every day. Asphalt goes down hot on the base, then a roller compacts it before it cools. Interlocking pavers sit on a layer of sand or stone dust, spread flat. Sand then fills the joints, and a curb holds the pavers in place along the sides. A natural stone walkway or steps need the same solid base.

[See: asphalt paving](/en/asphalt-paving)

[See: interlocking pavers](/en/interlocking-pavers)

[See: choosing between asphalt and pavers](/en/guides/asphalt-or-pavers)

## Why a driveway breaks down

When a driveway breaks down, the cause is often under the surface. You usually find one of these problems:

- a base that is too thin or poorly compacted, which settles under the wheels
- soft soil left under the stone
- water that stays under the driveway and freezes in winter

Redoing only the surface hides the problem for a while. We fix what is under the surface first, then redo the surface.

[See: all our services](/en/services)

## Common questions

### How thick should the stone be under a driveway?

It depends on the soil in place and the vehicles that will drive on the driveway. Soft soil or a heavy vehicle calls for more stone than firm soil under a car. A contractor decides on it after seeing your property. For your driveway, the free estimate gives you that answer.

### Why compact the stone in layers?

Because a plate compactor or a roller only packs the stone well near the surface it passes over. If you spread all the stone at once, the bottom stays loose. It then settles under the wheels and leaves dips. Layer by layer, the whole base becomes firm, from the bottom to the top.

### Can you lay asphalt directly on soil?

No, not if you want the driveway to hold up. Soil holds water and moves with the frost. Without a compacted stone base, the asphalt follows these movements and ends up cracking. Interlocking pavers have the same problem. Laid on soil, they sink wherever it gives way.

## Request a free estimate

Do you want to know what belongs under your driveway? National Asphalte will advise you. Call us at [514-812-3445](tel:+15148123445), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call us at 514-812-3445

Page: https://www.nationalasphalte.com/en/guides/lasting-driveway-construction