Skip to content
PSI crew placing and grading base gravel for an asphalt paving project in the BC Interior
Base Gravels & Grading  ·  Kamloops & Salmon Arm

Base Gravels
& Grading.
Precision Below. Performance Above.

The base determines everything. PSI's in-house grading crew uses GPS-guided equipment, controlled aggregate sourcing, and verified compaction to build the foundation your asphalt or concrete surface depends on — accurate to spec, every time.

GPS
Guided Grading
Laser & GPS grade control
100%
In-House Crew
Our own equipment & operators
±3mm
Grade Tolerance
Precision slope & cross-fall
100%
Compaction Verified
Density tested & documented
01
Why Base & Grading Matter
The Hidden Layer That Decides Everything

Your pavement is only as good as
what's underneath it.

A perfectly paved surface over a poorly built base will fail — it's that simple. Rutting, cracking, settlement, and drainage problems almost always trace back to inadequate base preparation. The gravel base is the structural backbone of every road, parking lot, and driveway.

PSI treats base gravels and grading as the most critical phase of any paving project — not a step to rush through before the asphalt truck arrives. We source controlled aggregate, place it in engineered lifts, grade to GPS-verified tolerances, and compact to documented density standards. The result is a base that drains properly, distributes loads evenly, and supports decades of traffic.

Because our grading crew works directly with our excavation and paving teams, there's no gap between trades. The same team that shapes your base is coordinating with the crew that paves it — keeping the project tight, efficient, and built to last.

Get the base right and
everything above it performs.
By the Numbers
GPS
Grade control on every project. GPS and laser-guided equipment ensures accurate elevations, slopes, and cross-falls — reducing rework and ensuring proper drainage from the start.
95%+
Compaction density target. Every base layer is compacted and verified through density testing to meet or exceed engineered specifications and MMCD/MoTT standards.
100%
Controlled aggregate sourcing. Consistent gradation and quality from trusted local suppliers — no mystery material, no contaminated fill.
1
Team, start to finish. Excavation, base placement, grading, compaction, and paving — all coordinated in-house by PSI for zero gaps between trades.
PSI grading crew using GPS-guided equipment to shape base gravel
GPS Grading  ·  PSI
Base gravel placement and compaction on a commercial project in the BC Interior
Base Placement  ·  PSI
02
Our Process

From subgrade to
pave-ready surface.

PSI manages every phase of base preparation in-house — material sourcing, placement, grading, compaction, and verification — so the surface your pavement sits on is built right the first time.

01
Material Sourcing
Controlled aggregate selected for proper gradation, compaction performance, and compliance with project specifications. Delivered and stockpiled on site.
02
Base Placement
Aggregate placed in engineered lifts at controlled moisture content. Each lift is spread evenly before compaction to ensure uniform density throughout the base.
03
Fine Grading
GPS and laser-guided grading shapes the base to engineered slope, cross-fall, and elevation — ensuring proper drainage and smooth transitions to curbs and structures.
04
Compaction
Vibratory rollers compact each lift to 95%+ density. Results verified through nuclear or Proctor testing and documented for engineers and inspectors.
05
Pave-Ready
Final elevation and compaction checks confirm the base meets spec. PSI's paving crew moves in immediately — same team, same site, no delay.
PSI grading crew shaping base gravel to GPS-verified tolerances
Precision Grading

Millimetre accuracy.
Every slope. Every drain.

Grading isn't just about making the surface flat — it's about controlling where water goes. Even a few millimetres of grade error can cause ponding, accelerate deterioration, and undermine the entire pavement structure. PSI's GPS-guided grading ensures every slope, cross-fall, and tie-in is accurate to spec before a single tonne of asphalt is placed.

From residential driveways to MMCD and MoTT-standard municipal projects, PSI's grading crew delivers the precision your project demands — with full documentation and testing to prove it.

Request a Quote
📐
GPS Precision
Every base is graded using GPS and laser-guided equipment — achieving exact elevations, slopes, and cross-falls that ensure proper drainage and smooth paving surfaces.
🔬
Verified Compaction
Density testing on every lift confirms the base meets or exceeds engineered standards. Results are documented and available to engineers, inspectors, and clients.
🔗
Seamless Integration
Base prep and paving are coordinated in-house by the same team. No gap between grading and paving means tighter schedules, consistent quality, and one point of accountability.
Vibratory roller compacting base gravel on a parking lot project
Compaction  ·  PSI
Finished graded base ready for asphalt paving
Pave-Ready Base  ·  PSI
03
What We Build Bases For
Every Surface Starts Here

Parking lots. Roads. Driveways.
It all starts with the base.

PSI provides base gravel placement and precision grading for every type of paving project — from residential driveways and strata parking lots to municipal roads, highway shoulders, and commercial developments. We also prepare bases for concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, and mixed-surface projects.

Whether the spec calls for standard road base, engineered fill, or recycled aggregate from a stabilization project, PSI sources, places, and compacts the right material for the job — and documents the results to prove compliance.

PSI base gravel preparation for a large commercial parking lot
04
Why Choose PSI

Own equipment. Own crew.
Built to spec, verified to prove it.

PSI's grading team operates in-house with our own fleet of GPS-equipped graders, rollers, and support equipment. That means faster mobilization, tighter coordination with excavation and paving, and direct accountability at every stage.

✦
GPS-Guided Equipment
Laser and GPS grade control on every project — ensuring accurate elevations, slopes, and cross-falls without guesswork or rework.
✦
Dig to Pave
The same company that excavates your site also grades the base and paves the surface. No gaps, no finger-pointing between contractors.
✦
Tested & Documented
Compaction density verified through nuclear or Proctor testing. All results documented and available for engineers, inspectors, and project records.
✦
Local Soil Knowledge
BC Interior conditions vary widely — Kamloops clay, Shuswap silt, high water tables. PSI's crew knows what base depth and material each site needs.
Service Areas
Kamloops · Sun Peaks · Salmon Arm · Chase · Sorrento · Blind Bay · Enderby · Armstrong · Vernon · Sicamous · Revelstoke · North & South Shuswap
05
FAQ

Base Gravels & Grading
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about base preparation and grading services in the BC Interior.

Why is the gravel base so important for asphalt pavement?

The gravel base is the structural backbone of your pavement. It distributes traffic loads across the subgrade, provides drainage, and prevents the surface from settling or cracking. Without a properly built base, even the best asphalt will fail prematurely.

Does PSI use GPS for grading?

Yes. PSI uses GPS and laser-guided grade control on every project. This ensures accurate elevations, slopes, and cross-falls — reducing rework, eliminating guesswork, and ensuring proper drainage from the start.

How do you verify compaction?

Compaction is verified through nuclear density testing or Proctor testing as required by the project specifications. All results are documented and available to engineers, inspectors, and clients to confirm compliance with MMCD, MoTT, or custom design standards.

What type of gravel does PSI use?

We source controlled, properly graded aggregate from trusted local suppliers — typically ¾" road base or engineered crushed gravel, depending on the project spec. Consistent gradation is critical for compaction performance and long-term base stability.

How thick should the gravel base be?

Base thickness depends on traffic loads, soil conditions, and the engineered design. Residential driveways typically require 100–150mm of compacted base, while commercial parking lots and roads may require 200–300mm or more. PSI determines the correct depth during the site assessment.

Can PSI handle municipal and MoTT-standard projects?

Yes. PSI routinely works under municipal specifications and with engineering consultants to complete projects that meet or exceed MMCD, BC MoTT, and custom design standards. Documentation, testing, and reporting are included as standard practice.

Does PSI also handle excavation and paving?

Yes. PSI handles excavation, base gravel placement, grading, compaction, and asphalt paving — all in-house with our own crews and equipment. One team from dig to drive.

What happens if the subgrade is weak?

If the subgrade is unstable, saturated, or composed of poor soils, PSI can coordinate soil stabilization, geotextile fabric installation, or additional base depth before placing gravel. We identify these conditions during excavation and address them before they become a problem.

Do you prepare bases for concrete as well as asphalt?

Yes. PSI prepares bases for both asphalt and concrete surfaces, including concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, and mixed-surface projects. We ensure consistent elevations and compaction between materials for a seamless, long-lasting finish.

What areas does PSI serve for base gravels and grading?

PSI provides base gravel and grading services across the BC Interior, including Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Sun Peaks, Chase, Sorrento, Blind Bay, Enderby, Armstrong, Vernon, Sicamous, Revelstoke, and the North and South Shuswap.

Free Site Assessment

Base prep done right.
Every time.

PSI provides honest assessments and free quotes for base gravel and grading projects across the BC Interior.

778.200.2166
Work with us