How to Prepare for Your New Driveway or Patio Installation
A new driveway or patio is one of the best ways to improve both the curb appeal and functionality of your home.
But before the first paver or slab of concrete is laid, there’s a crucial step that determines whether your investment lasts 5 years, or 25.
That step is grading and site preparation.
At Peters Creek Grading, we work with homeowners and builders throughout the Upstate to make sure every hardscape project starts with the right foundation.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
It’s tempting to think that a driveway or patio is all about surface materials, but what’s underneath is far more important.
Without the right grading, compaction, and base materials:
- Water can pool and cause cracking
- Driveways can heave or sink over time
- Patios may shift or become uneven
- Edges can erode after heavy rain
Proper site prep ensures that your new surface drains correctly, supports weight evenly, and stays level for years to come.
Step 1: Site Inspection and Planning
Every project starts with a detailed inspection of your yard.
We assess:
- Soil type and compaction
- Elevation and slope
- Water flow and drainage routes
- Access for materials and machinery
This information determines the amount of soil that must be cut, filled, or compacted, and ensures that the finished grade ties smoothly into surrounding features like lawns or walkways.
Step 2: Grading and Drainage Setup
Before construction, our crew uses laser-guided equipment to establish the correct slope.
This step guarantees that rainwater flows away from your home, driveway, or patio instead of pooling beneath it.
💡 Pro Tip: A driveway or patio should have at least a 1–2% slope for water runoff, that’s about 1/8" to 1/4" per foot.
For problem areas, we also install drainage solutions like French drains, swales, or catch basins to handle excess runoff.
Step 3: Base Material Installation and Compaction
Once the grade is set, we add a base layer of crushed stone or gravel.
This layer:
- Provides strength and stability
- Prevents shifting or settling
- Promotes drainage under the surface
We then use mechanical compactors to ensure every inch is firm and uniform, a critical detail that cheaper contractors often skip.
Step 4: Hardscape Installation
With the site prepped, the installation team can safely begin laying pavers, concrete, or stone.
Because the grade and base are properly set, the finished surface fits perfectly with surrounding grades, ensuring smooth transitions to lawns or driveways.
Step 5: Finishing Touches and Edge Protection
After installation, we add final touches like edging, backfill, and clean-up.
If you’re adding a patio, this might include seating walls, lighting, or a small planting bed around the edges.
Everything is double-checked for proper slope and alignment before we leave the site.
Why Choose Peters Creek for Hardscape Preparation
We don’t just “level dirt.” We engineer long-term performance.
Homeowners choose Peters Creek because we provide:
- ✅ Precision Laser Grading for perfect slope and drainage
- ✅ Compaction Testing to prevent settling
- ✅ Seamless Coordination with hardscape installers
- ✅ Local Experience with Upstate soil and weather conditions
When your project starts with Peters Creek, it’s built to last, no cracks, no puddles, no call-backs.
Start Your Hardscape Project the Right Way
Before you lay a single paver or pour an inch of concrete, make sure your site is ready for success.
Our team can evaluate your property, correct drainage issues, and create a perfectly level foundation for your new hardscape.