Unsealed roads, driveways, and access surfaces naturally degrade over time due to weather, traffic, and usage patterns. When signs of wear appear, property owners often wonder: should I opt for grading, or is resurfacing the better choice?
At Doncaster Road Tech, we specialise in asphalt and bitumen surfacing throughout Doncaster, VIC, and we regularly help clients make the right call between grading and resurfacing. This article outlines the key differences between the two services, the signs to look for, and when each is most appropriate for long-term value and performance.
What Is Grading?
Grading is the process of levelling and shaping an unsealed or gravel surface using machinery such as a motor grader. This service is primarily used to restore the road profile, smooth out ruts or corrugations, and ensure proper drainage.
Benefits of Grading
- Restores a smooth, drivable surface
- Reduces dust and potholes on gravel roads
- Improves water runoff and reduces pooling
- Quick, cost-effective maintenance for rural or unsealed roads
Grading is typically used on gravel roads, farm tracks, access roads, and other unsealed surfaces. It is a maintenance activity rather than a structural upgrade.
What Is Resurfacing?
Resurfacing involves applying a new layer of asphalt or bitumen over an existing sealed surface. It restores the road’s appearance, functionality, and safety while extending its lifespan.
Benefits of Resurfacing
- Repairs surface damage like cracking, potholes, and wear
- Improves skid resistance and safety
- Extends the lifespan of the existing road base
- Enhances the appearance of driveways, car parks, and roads
Resurfacing is used on sealed surfaces where structural integrity is intact but the top layer is worn, faded, or damaged.
Key Differences Between Grading and Resurfacing
Grading is used for unsealed surfaces like gravel roads, where the goal is to restore shape and improve drainage. It involves heavy machinery and is typically done seasonally or as needed. Resurfacing, on the other hand, applies a new bitumen or asphalt layer to an already sealed surface. It is best suited for surfaces that are showing wear but still have a sound base.
Grading is more cost-effective and quicker, but it doesn’t provide a new sealed surface. Resurfacing has a higher upfront cost but delivers long-term durability and visual appeal for sealed driveways and roads.
When to Choose Grading
Grading is appropriate when the following conditions are present:
- Corrugations, ruts, or potholes on a gravel or dirt road
- Loss of the road crown causing water pooling
- Uneven driving surface or soft edges
- Dust issues impacting nearby buildings or crops
At Doncaster Road Tech, we recommend regular grading for rural or unsealed access roads as part of an ongoing maintenance program.
When to Choose Resurfacing
Resurfacing is recommended when:
- The surface is sealed but showing signs of fatigue (cracks, oxidation, fading)
- Water is penetrating through hairline cracks
- Potholes are forming more frequently
- The surface looks aged but the base remains stable
In these cases, resurfacing restores safety, appearance, and usability without requiring full reconstruction.
Can You Combine the Two?
Absolutely. In some projects, grading may be needed first to reshape or rebuild the base before resurfacing can be applied. For example, if your sealed driveway has become uneven due to base issues, we may recommend reshaping and re-compacting the surface before laying new asphalt.
This approach ensures the final product is both functional and long-lasting.
Why Choose Doncaster Road Tech?
At Doncaster Road Tech, we take pride in delivering tailored, high-quality surfacing and maintenance solutions throughout Doncaster, VIC. Whether you’re managing a rural driveway, private road, or commercial surface, we offer clear advice backed by years of hands-on experience.
Our services include:
- Professional road grading and levelling
- Asphalt and bitumen resurfacing
- Driveway and car park construction
- Base preparation and drainage improvement
- Maintenance programs for rural and urban clients
We assess every site to recommend the right service at the right time—saving you money and extending the life of your investment.
Conclusion
Grading and resurfacing serve very different purposes, and understanding when each is needed is key to maintaining safe, functional surfaces. Grading is best for restoring shape and drainage to unsealed roads, while resurfacing gives sealed surfaces new life and long-term performance.
If you’re unsure which option is right for your property in Doncaster, VIC, contact Doncaster Road Tech. Our team will provide expert advice, assess your site, and deliver a tailored solution that meets your needs and budget.
Call us on: 03 9068 7895
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