How to Build Your Own Road

Choose Material From ERNA Sands LLC in Mason County

When it comes to building a road, proper planning, quality materials, and attention to detail are essential. Whether you're a homeowner looking to create a driveway, a farmer establishing access roads on your property, or a contractor tasked with a rural road project, using high-quality materials is the foundation of success. At ERNA Sands LLC, we specialize in providing premium sand, gravel, and rock products that are perfect for road construction in Mason County and beyond.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of building your own road using materials from ERNA Sands LLC, from planning to completion.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Before breaking ground, it’s important to carefully plan the project. Here’s how:

Assess Your Needs

• Purpose: Determine the primary use of the road. Will it handle light residential traffic, heavy farm equipment, or occasional delivery trucks? This affects the type of material you’ll need.
• Length and Width: Measure the dimensions of the road. Standard residential driveways are typically 12-14 feet wide, while access roads might be wider.
• Drainage Considerations: Identify low-lying areas where water might pool. Proper drainage is critical for a durable road.

Obtain Permits
Depending on your location and the size of the project, you may need permits to build a road. Check with your local county or municipal office to ensure compliance.

Mark the Area
Mark the road’s path using stakes and string. This step ensures you’ll stay within property lines and gives you a clear outline for excavation.

Step 2: Gather Materials
Choosing the right materials is critical to the road's longevity and performance. ERNA Sands LLC offers a variety of products to meet your needs:

Base Layer
The base layer provides stability and strength to the road. At ERNA Sands LLC, we recommend:

• Road Base Material: A blend of crushed rock and fines, ideal for creating a stable foundation.

Sub-Base Layer
For roads in areas with soft or unstable soil, an additional sub-base layer might be necessary. Use:

• Select Fill or Stabilizing Material: Helps prevent shifting and settling.

Top Layer
The top layer ensures a smooth driving surface. Options include:

• Chip Seal Rock: Perfect for rural roads and driveways. ERNA Sands LLC offers high-quality chip seal rock for a polished finish.
• Concrete Sand: For those opting for a concrete road, our concrete sand ensures proper texture and bonding.

Step 3: Excavation
With your materials ready, it’s time to prepare the site:

1. Clear the Path: Remove all vegetation, rocks, and debris from the road’s path. Use machinery like bulldozers or excavators for larger projects.
2. Excavate to the Required Depth: Dig down to the desired depth based on the type of road. Generally:

• Light-use roads: 6-8 inches
• Heavy-use roads: 12-18 inches

​​​​    3. Grade the Road: Use a grader to create a slight crown in the center of the road. This ensures water             will run off to the sides, reducing erosion and pooling.

Step 4: Install Drainage Features
Good drainage is critical to the longevity of your road. Without it, water can weaken the base and cause potholes or washouts.

• Culverts: Install culverts in low-lying areas to allow water to flow beneath the road.
• Ditches: Dig ditches along the sides of the road to channel water away.
• Geotextile Fabric: Consider laying geotextile fabric before adding the base layer. This prevents the base material from mixing with the underlying soil and improves drainage.

Step 5: Lay the Base Layer
The base layer is the backbone of your road, and the quality of material you choose will directly impact its performance.

1. Spread the Material: Use a tractor or grader to evenly spread the road base material from ERNA Sands LLC across the excavated path. Aim for a consistent thickness.
2. Compact the Base: Compacting is essential to eliminate air gaps and create a firm, stable surface. Use a roller compactor for this step. Proper compaction ensures the base won’t settle unevenly over time.
3. Check the Grade: Re-grade the surface to maintain the crown and ensure evenness.

Step 6: Apply the Top Layer
The top layer is what you’ll drive on, so it’s important to select a material that suits your needs and climate.

For Gravel Roads:

• Spread a layer of chip seal rock or crushed gravel from ERNA Sands LLC.
• Compact the material using a roller.
• Repeat this process with a second layer if needed.

For Concrete Roads:

• Lay a form to shape the concrete.
• Mix concrete sand from ERNA Sands LLC with cement and water.
• Pour and smooth the concrete.

Step 7: Finishing Touches
After the top layer is installed, make final adjustments:

• Edge Stabilization: Add larger rocks or curbs along the edges to prevent material from washing away.
• Sealing (Optional): For gravel roads, consider applying a sealant to reduce dust and extend the road’s lifespan.
• Inspect: Walk or drive along the road to identify any low spots, uneven sections, or other issues.

Maintenance Tips
Building a road is an investment, and regular maintenance ensures it lasts for years:

1. Monitor Drainage: Keep ditches and culverts clear of debris.
2. Grade Regularly: Periodically re-grade gravel roads to maintain the crown and fill in ruts.
3. Add Fresh Material: Replenish gravel or chip seal rock as needed to keep the surface smooth.
4. Repair Promptly: Address potholes or erosion issues as soon as they arise.

Why Choose ERNA Sands LLC?
At ERNA Sands LLC, we understand the unique challenges of road construction in Mason County. Our materials are sourced and processed locally, ensuring they’re perfectly suited to the region’s climate and soil conditions. Here’s why customers trust us:

• Premium Quality: Our road base, chip seal rock, and concrete sand meet the highest industry standards.
• Expert Advice: Our team can help you choose the right materials for your specific project.
• Convenient Location: Located in Mason County, we’re easily accessible for local customers.

Building your own road can be a rewarding and cost-effective project when done correctly. By following these steps and using high-quality materials from ERNA Sands LLC, you’ll create a durable and functional roadway that serves your needs for years to come. Whether it’s a simple driveway or a larger rural road, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Stop by ERNA Sands LLC today or contact us to learn more about our products and how we can support your road construction project! Call us today 325.216.4189!!