What millings are
Millings are old asphalt ground off roads during resurfacing. Spread, watered and rolled, they bind together into a firm surface. In the mountains they don't get as hot as they do down in the valley, so they rely more on good compaction to tighten up.
Good uses
- Gentle stretches of a long driveway
- Side spurs to a shed, barn or workshop
- Trailer, equipment and overflow parking
- Shoulders and pull-outs beside asphalt
Where to avoid them
Steep pitches. Water running down a steep millings drive will eventually wash material away. On grades we recommend asphalt or at least strong drainage and a sealed surface.
How we place them
- Shape and crown the base; build drainage
- Spread to an even depth
- Water and roll until tight
- Edges supported so they don't spread
Questions we get
Are millings good on a steep driveway?
Not on their own. Water tends to wash them out; asphalt holds up better on grades.
Do millings help with dust?
Yes — much less than gravel or dirt.
Can I pave over them later?
Yes, they make a good base.