Question about using a local gravel pit versus a big box store for a driveway job in Red Deer

Just finished a big driveway job and tried two different places for the base gravel. Got half from a big chain store and half from the local pit off Highway 2. The local stuff was way more packed, had less fines, and cost me 15 bucks less a yard. The big box gravel settled almost two inches more after the first rain. Anyone else in central Alberta find the local pits are just better for this kind of work?

2 comments

2 Comments

andrew6461d ago

Watched my neighbor go through the same thing last fall. He ordered all his base from a big store for a new parking pad. That stuff turned to mush after a couple hard rains, had huge ruts. He ended up having to order a few more yards from the pit near Penhold to fix it, which held up perfect. Seems like the local material is just packed tighter from the get-go. He said the extra drive for the good gravel was worth every minute.

finley_harris51d ago

Totally agree with that. The bagged stuff from big stores is basically pre washed and screened, so it lacks all the natural fines that lock together. Local pit run has that mix of stone, sand, and clay that packs into a solid base. It's not just about the rock size, it's the dirt glue that holds it. Paying for the cheap stuff first just means paying twice after it fails. Your neighbor learned the hard way so others don't have to.

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