Bay Area Grading & Paving
From short flat driveways to long steep country roads, Bay Area Grading & Paving has installed thousands of driveways across Northern California. We do it right or we don't do it.
Your driveway is the first thing visitors see and the surface you use every single day. Bay Area Grading & Paving has been installing and replacing residential and rural driveways across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties for over 30 years. We handle everything from simple neighborhood driveways to steep hillside approaches, long vineyard entrances, and multi-vehicle estate driveways. Owner Shawn Peterson is on-site for every job.
Driveway paving involves the installation of hot mix asphalt over a properly prepared and compacted aggregate base. A well-built driveway starts with the right base depth (typically 4"–6" of Class 2 base rock), proper grading for drainage, and 3"–4" of hot mix asphalt compacted to a smooth, uniform surface. Done correctly, your driveway will serve you for 20–30 years with minimal maintenance beyond periodic seal coating.
Same-day response available. Owner Shawn personally reviews every project.
(707) 529-8559 Request Online →What's Included
How We Work
We measure your driveway, assess the existing subgrade (or raw soil for new installs), check drainage, and provide a detailed written proposal at no charge.
Existing asphalt or concrete is broken up and hauled away. We excavate to the proper depth for base rock and asphalt combined.
Subgrade is graded for proper drainage slope. Class 2 aggregate base is installed and compacted to spec. This is the most important step.
Hot mix asphalt is spread and compacted while still hot. We pay careful attention to edges, transitions to garage floors, and any elevation changes.
Edges are hand-finished, final rolling is done, and the site is completely cleaned. We place traffic cones and advise on the curing timeline.
Service Area
Click your city for a dedicated driveway paving page with local pricing information and project examples.
Questions
We install residential driveways at 3"–4" of compacted hot mix asphalt over a properly compacted base. Thicker applications (4"–5") are used for steep grades or heavy vehicle use.
Most residential driveways can be completed in one day. Longer or more complex driveways may take two days. We'll give you an accurate timeline in your proposal.
Asphalt is less expensive to install, easier to repair, and handles temperature changes better in Northern California's climate. Concrete lasts longer but costs more and cracks are harder to fix. Most of our residential customers choose asphalt.
Yes — this is actually very common. We grade and compact the existing gravel base, add base rock as needed, and pave over the top. Usually the most cost-effective approach for country driveways.
Absolutely — it's one of our specialties in Marin County and the Sonoma hills. We have experience with slopes up to 20%+ and know how to grade for drainage without compromising the surface.