Construction Journal
Guides from the yard
Straight-talk tips on materials, drainage and base — written by the people who crush, grade and deliver it.
DrainageCrushed vs. River Drain Rock: Which One for Your Drainage?
Angular crushed rock locks together and drains hard; smooth river rock looks clean and decorative. Here is when to reach for each.
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GuidesHow Much Base Rock Do You Really Need?
A quick way to estimate tons for a driveway, pad or patio, and why depth matters more than most people think.
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MaterialsRecycled Base vs. Virgin: An Honest Comparison
Recycled base hits the same Class II strength for less and keeps debris out of the landfill. Here is the real trade-off.
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Base & AggregatesWhat Is Class 2 Base, and When Do You Actually Need It?
Caltrans Class 2 is the spec you will see on plans across California. Here is what it means and where it belongs.
Read →DrainageFrench Drains 101: Building One That Actually Works
A French drain is simple, but small mistakes clog it fast. Here is how to build one that drains for years.
Read →DrainageDrain Rock Sizes Explained: 3/8" to 1½"
From pipe bedding to high-flow trenches, the right drain rock size depends on the job. A quick field guide.
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GuidesThe Best Gravel for a Driveway That Lasts
A good gravel driveway starts under the surface. Here is the build that holds up to Valley weather and daily traffic.
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Sand & SoilPG & E Sand: What It Is and When You Need It
Also called utility or backfill sand, this fine screened sand beds gas and electric lines to spec. Here is the rundown.
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Sand & SoilLeveling Sand and the Flat Patio Nobody Notices
The thin sand layer under your pavers decides whether the patio stays smooth or turns into a trip hazard.
Read →Project GuidesHow to Prep a Rock-Solid Paver Base
Pavers are easy. The base under them is where projects are won or lost. A step-by-step from the yard.
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AsphaltCold Asphalt: Patching Potholes in Any Weather
No heating, no special gear. Cold asphalt fills potholes and utility cuts year-round. Here is how to use it.
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AsphaltGrinding Asphalt: Tough Driveways from Reclaimed Pavement
Ground reclaimed asphalt re-compacts and binds in the sun for a low-cost, durable surface. A contractor favorite.
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Decorative RockRiver Rock vs. Crushed Rock for Landscaping
One reads soft and natural, the other clean and modern. Picking the right look and function for your yard.
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Project GuidesHow to Build a Dry Creek Bed That Looks Natural
A dry creek bed solves drainage and looks like it was always there. The trick is varying your rock.
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GuidesTons vs. Cubic Yards: Why Both Numbers Matter
Rock is sold by the ton but measured by the yard. Here is how to move between them without over-ordering.
Read →GuidesCompaction 101: Why Depth and Water Make or Break a Base
The same rock can hold for decades or fail in a season. Compaction is usually the reason.
Read →Project GuidesBuilding a Shed or Equipment Pad on Baserock
A flat, draining gravel pad keeps a shed or container level and rot-free. Here is the simple build.
Read →DrainageDrainage Behind a Retaining Wall: Do It Right
Walls fail from water pressure, not weight. Clean rock and a drain pipe are what keep them standing.
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Sand & SoilFill Dirt vs. Topsoil vs. Base: Know the Difference
Three very different materials people mix up constantly. Use the wrong one and the project pays for it.
Read →RecyclingFrom Old Slab to New Road: How We Recycle Concrete
Your demolition debris does not have to go to a landfill. Here is how it becomes spec-grade base.
Read →Base & AggregatesWash Baserock: When Cleaner Base Is Worth Paying For
Washed base cuts the dust and fines for a cleaner-handling, freer-draining layer. When it earns its keep.
Read →Sand & SoilManteca Sand and All-Purpose Fill Sands, Explained
Not all sand is the same. A plain-English guide to the everyday sands and where each one fits.
Read →Buying & DeliveryWhat to Have Ready Before Your Material Delivery
A smooth drop-off starts before the truck arrives. A quick checklist so your load lands exactly where you want it.
Read →Project GuidesEstimating Material for a Patio, Start to Finish
Base, bedding sand and joint sand all add up. Here is how to figure the whole material list in one pass.
Read →More guides coming soon.