Thunder Bay Gravel Delivery Guide: Choosing the Right Aggregate for Driveways & Job Sites
Selecting the Right Aggregate for Northern Ontario Ground Conditions
Whether you are repairing a washed-out driveway after spring breakup, building a stable base for a garage pad, or upgrading an access road to a camp, getting the right gravel delivered is crucial for longevity and drainage.
1. Granular A (Driveway Gravel & Surface Topping)
Granular A is a carefully graded blend of crushed stone (ranging from 3/4-inch down to fine rock dust). When spread and compacted, the fine particles lock the angular stone in place to create a dense, hard-packed surface that resists rutting and pothole formation. It is the gold standard for residential driveway resurfacing and parking areas.
2. Granular B & Pit Run (Sub-Base & Heavy Fill)
If you are building a new driveway or road over soft muskeg or clay soil, you need a substantial sub-base before applying top gravel. Granular B and screened pit run contain larger stone and coarse sand that distribute vehicle weight and prevent the surface gravel from sinking into the subsoil.
3. Clear Crushed Stone (Drainage & French Drains)
Clear stone contains uniformly sized crushed rock with all the fines washed out. Because water flows freely between the stones, it is ideal around weeping tiles, foundation footings, and culvert bedding where rapid water drainage is essential.
4. Winter Traction Sand & Screened Fines
During icy winter months across Thunder Bay and regional highways, coarse traction sand provides immediate bite for heavy trucks, equipment ramps, and commercial yards without turning into slippery silt during freeze-thaw cycles.
"Choosing the right aggregate upfront prevents expensive regrading. Compacting a 3-to-4-inch lift of Granular A over a firm sub-base will outlast uncompacted pit run by years in Northwestern Ontario climate."
Direct Gravel Delivery in Thunder Bay & Surrounding Areas
Need bulk gravel, crushed stone, or sand dropped directly where you need it? Call Floats N Tows dispatch at (807) 867-1119 for fast, honest aggregate quotes and reliable delivery scheduling.