Rough Grade vs. Final Grade: Understanding the Difference in Landscape Construction

When preparing a property for landscape construction, including features like a concrete patio, driveway, or retaining walls, proper grading is crucial to ensure long-term success and avoid drainage issues. Two important phases of this process are rough grade and final grade. While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and are typically handled at different stages by different professionals.

What is Rough Grade?

Rough grading is the initial shaping of the land before major construction and after installation of individual structures during construction. It’s used to create a basic flow for water runoff, eliminate significant low spots, and prepare the site for additional work. Unlike final grading, rough grading usually doesn’t involve bringing in new soil—instead, it focuses on reworking the existing material to ensure water drains away from structures and to prevent puddling.

This step does not establish the final shape of the landscape but lays the groundwork for what comes next.

The goals of rough grade include:

• Promoting proper drainage away from buildings like homes or garages

• Eliminating large surface irregularities

• Preparing the site for finishing touches like patios, sod, or decorative landscaping

  
  

What is Final Grade?

Once hardscape features like driveways, concrete patios, and other elements are installed, the final grade shapes the landscape to match approved plans and prepare for surface finishes. This phase may include the addition of topsoil or sod to achieve the desired smoothness and elevation.

Final grading is performed with more precision and ensures the finished property looks clean, functions well, and maintains proper water flow. It’s also when the landscape is refined for aesthetics and usability.

Final grading typically includes:

• Bringing in topsoil as needed to achieve the desired elevation

• Smoothing and shaping the lawn and planting areas

• Preparing the surface for sod or other ground coverings

  
  

Who Handles Each Step?

While rough grading is often handled early in the project and after the installation of individual structures, final grading is completed closer to the end, just before sod and other softscape elements are installed. In most cases, final grading and sod installation are considered separate services.

At HMC London, we specialize in high-quality landscape construction throughout London, Ontario. When final grade and sod are part of your project scope, we ensure they’re completed with the same precision and care as our interlock pavers, patios, and concrete work. Be sure to review your project agreement to confirm which grading services are included.