What does "rough grade" refer to in excavation and grading?

Rough grade refers to the stage in grading where the site has been excavated and the ground has been shaped to approximate the final intended elevation and contours of the land, although it has not yet been finely finished or detailed. This means that while the rough grade is close to the planned finish grade, it still requires further work to reach the precise specifications, including smoothing, compacting, and sometimes additional topsoil placement.

This term is crucial in site preparation as it sets the foundation for subsequent phases of construction and landscaping. Achieving the rough grade correctly is essential for proper drainage, foundation placement, and to minimize the amount of additional grading or adjustments needed later. It essentially lays the groundwork for what will become the final grade.

The distinction among the other options further highlights the specific nature of "rough grade": the natural grade represents the unaltered landscape, the grade prior to grading indicates the untouched site, and the final grade signifies the completed project level, all of which do not accurately capture the intermediate state represented by rough grade.