Bay Area Grading & Paving
Proper grading is the difference between asphalt that lasts 25 years and asphalt that fails in 5. We've been preparing sites across Northern California for over 30 years.
Every paving job is only as good as the ground beneath it. Bay Area Grading & Paving has built its reputation on meticulous site preparation — cutting, filling, compacting, and draining land properly before any asphalt or concrete goes down. Owner Shawn Peterson has seen what happens when grading is done poorly — and he won't let it happen on his jobs.
Grading is the process of reshaping, leveling, and compacting soil and base materials to create a stable, properly drained surface. For paving projects, this includes removing existing vegetation or pavement, cutting high spots, filling low spots, installing drainage features, and compacting Class 2 aggregate base to create a firm, uniform foundation that won't settle, shift, or crack under the weight of vehicles and weather.
Same-day response available. Owner Shawn personally reviews every project.
(707) 529-8559 Request Online →What's Included
How We Work
We walk the site with you, identify drainage challenges, existing utilities, and grading requirements. Complex sites may require a grade stake survey.
Removal of vegetation, tree stumps, old pavement, or debris. We haul all material off-site and dispose of it properly.
High spots are cut down, low spots are filled with engineered fill material. We balance cut and fill when possible to minimize material costs.
French drains, drainage swales, catch basins, and outlet pipes installed as needed to keep water off and away from your paved surface.
Class 2 aggregate base is spread and compacted in lifts using our vibratory plate compactors and rollers. We test compaction before paving proceeds.
We check finished grade against plan elevations and confirm positive drainage to all outflow points before paving begins.
Service Area
Click your city for a dedicated grading & site preparation page with local pricing information and project examples.
Questions
Absolutely — it's one of our specialties. Northern California's hilly terrain means we do a lot of sloped grading. We'll design proper drainage and grade transitions for your site.
Usually yes — at minimum we need to check and correct the subgrade. If water has been pooling on your current driveway, that's a grading problem that needs to be fixed before new asphalt goes down.
Residential driveways typically need 4"–6" of compacted base. Commercial and heavy-load areas may need 8"–12". We size it for your specific conditions.
Yes — and it's much more cost-effective to do drainage and grading together rather than adding it later.