Direct Rock source | Quarry Direct Aggregates & Landscape Materials

Whether you’re building a commercial complex in San Jose or grading a vineyard road in Napa, base aggregates in Northern California are critical to every construction site.

At Direct Rock Source, we connect contractors and project managers with quarry-direct delivery of high-quality base materials—on time, on spec, and priced right. Let’s break down the most common types of base aggregates trusted by pros across NorCal.

1. Class II AB (Aggregate Base)

Used in: Roads, driveways, building pads, parking lots
Common Cities: Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Oakland, Granite Bay

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Class II AB is one of the most widely used base materials in Northern California. It’s made from a mix of ¾” crushed rock and rock fines, engineered to compact well and meet Caltrans specs for strength and stability.

Why it’s a favorite:

• Meets California DOT specifications
• Exceptional compaction for load-bearing surfaces
• Compatible with both asphalt and concrete top layers

From highway subgrades in Sacramento to custom home pads in Sonoma, Class II AB is the go-to choice when durability and compliance matter most.

2. Recycled Base Rock (Recycled AB)

Used in: Driveways, parking lots, trench backfill, light-duty roads
Common Cities: Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Vallejo, Vacaville, Folsom

Recycled Base Rock is made from crushed concrete and asphalt that’s been screened to meet spec. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to virgin base rock—popular in urban redevelopment zones, green building projects, and utility trenching across the Bay Area.

Why pros choose it:

• Cost-effective and sustainable
• Strong compaction characteristics
• Often available in large quantities locally

Cities like Berkeley and Oakland promote recycled base on public works jobs due to its lower carbon footprint. It’s also a popular option for private contractors working on tight-budget grading projects throughout the East Bay and Solano County.

3. ¾” Crushed Gravel

Used in: Under pavers, French drains, trench backfill, road base
Common Cities: San Jose, Redding, Chico, Fairfield, Yuba City

¾” Crushed Gravel is a clean, angular rock with no fines—perfect for drainage and foundational support. It’s a contractor favorite in Central Valley and foothill regions, where water management is a critical part of every build.

Key benefits:

• Excellent drainage properties
• Reduces shifting or settling over time
• Easy to work with for hand or machine installs

Whether you’re laying base under paver patios in San Jose or installing French drains in Chico, this gravel is a reliable choice for both structural and landscape applications. Its clean, non-clay composition ensures long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

4. Stabilized Decomposed Granite (DG)

Used in: Pathways, patios, garden trails, winery landscapes, outdoor living spaces
Common Cities: San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Carmel, Healdsburg, Los Gatos, Danville

Stabilized Decomposed Granite is a finely crushed stone blended with a stabilizer binder—designed to harden and lock into place once installed and compacted. It’s widely used in high-end residential projects, hospitality landscapes, and winery paths throughout Northern California.

Why it stands out:

• Natural aesthetic that blends with native landscapes
• ADA-compliant when properly installed
• Permeable surface ideal for stormwater management

In areas like El Dorado Hills and San Francisco, where outdoor design meets performance, stabilized DG offers a warm, rustic finish without sacrificing functionality. It’s especially favored by wineries in Napa and landscape architects in Sonoma for walkable elegance that’s built to last.

5. PG&E Utility Sand (Fine Sand)

Used in: Trench backfill, electrical conduit bedding, gas line installations, pipe zone fill
Common Cities: Sacramento, San Mateo, Fresno, Santa Clara, Concord, Stockton

PG&E Utility Sand is a finely graded, clean sand used primarily in underground utility projects. It meets the specifications required for electrical and gas line bedding—particularly for Pacific Gas & Electric trenching jobs. It’s non-expansive and compacts well without sharp particles that could damage conduit.

Why contractors request it by name:

• Meets PG&E trenching standards
• Flows easily around pipe and conduit
• Reduces risk of pipe abrasion or shifting

From electrical trench projects in Sacramento to gas line installs in Concord, this sand is essential for safe, spec-compliant work. Engineers and contractors alike rely on it when working with PG&E or other major utilities across Northern California.

Choosing the Right Base Aggregate for Your Northern California Project

Every jobsite—from the vineyards of Sonoma to the subdivisions of Sacramento—relies on the right foundation. Whether it’s Class II AB for structural load, recycled base rock for green builds, ¾” gravel for drainage, stabilized DG for high-end paths, or PG&E sand for utility work, each material plays a critical role in performance and compliance.

At Direct Rock Source, we make it easy to get the right aggregate—quarry-direct, statewide delivery, no hassle. Use our online tools to:

• Compare materials by size, application, and color
• Estimate quantities with our built-in calculator
• Get tailored delivery quotes with zip code-based pricing
• Request bulk quotes or schedule trucking without endless calls or back-and-forth
• Learn More at Caltrans Website

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🚛 Serving Contractors, Landscapers & Builders Across:

San Jose • Sacramento • Rocklin• Sonoma • San Francisco • Santa Rosa • Stockton • Fresno • Oakland • Redding • Vallejo • Chico • El Dorado Hills • Granite Bay and more.

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