3/4" Road Base
3/4" minus (down to fines)
Crushed aggregate with fines that compacts tight. The workhorse sub-base for driveways, RV pads, shed foundations, and parking areas across Utah.
Where it shines
- ✓ Driveway sub-base
- ✓ RV pad and parking pad base
- ✓ Shed and outbuilding foundation base
- ✓ Under pavers and flagstone
- ✓ Under concrete slabs (when spec allows)
- ✓ Compacted pathways
Not the right choice for
- ✕ Decorative / finish surfaces (use clean gravel or decorative rock)
- ✕ French drains and drainage layers (fines clog — use clean drain rock)
- ✕ Topdress on lawns
What is 3/4” road base?
Road base — sometimes called “3/4 minus” — is crushed aggregate that includes everything from 3/4 inch stones down to fine dust. The mix of sizes is what makes it work: the fines fill the gaps between the larger stones, and once compacted, it locks into a hard, stable surface that drains reasonably well and supports heavy loads.
It’s the single most common sub-base material used on small construction and landscape projects in Utah. If you’re building anything that needs to sit on a solid, compactable foundation and it isn’t going to be the visible surface, road base is almost certainly the right call.
Where road base shines
Road base is the go-to under driveways, RV pads, parking areas, sheds, flagstone walkways, and paver patios. It compacts tight, it’s locally abundant (which keeps delivery costs reasonable), and it forgives minor grade imperfections.
Where road base is the wrong choice
The fines that make road base great for compaction are the same fines that make it terrible for drainage. If you need water to move through the layer — French drains, drainage swales, dry wells — you want clean drain rock (no fines), not road base. Don’t mix these up; we’ve seen projects ripped out over it.
Ordering tips
- Order by volume, not guess. Use the calculator on this page. Round up slightly — running short means a second delivery fee.
- Know your compaction loss. Expect roughly 20–25% volume reduction when compacted. Order accordingly.
- Tell us the site access. Truck access changes what size trucks we can run, which affects per-yard pricing.
- Ask about UDOT spec if you’re doing permitted or engineered work.
Coverage
1 ton of 3/4" road base covers roughly 100 sq ft at 2" compacted depth. For a typical driveway, plan for 4–6" of base over a prepared subgrade.
Material Calculator — 3/4" Road Base
Estimate only — add 10–20% for compaction loss on structural material. Ask us for a firm quote before ordering.
Request a Quote for 3.7 Tons →Frequently Asked Questions
How much road base do I need for a driveway? +
For a standard residential driveway, plan on 4–6 inches of compacted road base over a prepared subgrade. A 20 ft × 40 ft driveway at 6 inches deep needs about 15 cubic yards (roughly 22 tons).
Is 3/4 road base the same as UDOT spec base? +
Not always. "3/4 road base" is a general trade term for crushed aggregate with fines at a 3/4" top size. UDOT Untreated Base Course (UTBC) has specific gradation and compaction requirements. If you're doing a project to UDOT spec, ask us specifically for UDOT-spec material.
Do I need to compact road base? +
Yes. Road base only works as intended when compacted — typically with a plate compactor for small jobs or a roller for larger areas. Lay it in 2–3 inch lifts and compact each lift.
Can I use road base under concrete? +
Commonly yes, but check your contractor's or engineer's spec. Some concrete slabs call for a clean crushed stone base (no fines) instead.
Get a quote for 3/4" Road Base
Tell us the material and the project — we'll get back to you fast with pricing and delivery.