Gravel Costs in 2025: Pricing for Driveways, Landscaping, and Construction
Gravel costs $15-$75 per ton delivered, with driveways averaging $1-$3 per square foot. Learn how to calculate quantities and choose the right aggregate for your project.
Gravel Costs in 2025: Pricing for Driveways, Landscaping, and Construction
Gravel is one of the most versatile and cost-effective materials in construction and landscaping. From driveway bases to decorative pathways, understanding gravel types, pricing, and quantity calculations helps you plan projects efficiently.
Current Gravel Pricing (2025)
Price by Gravel Type
| Gravel Type | Per Ton | Per Cubic Yard | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (base) | $15–$30 | $20–$40 | Driveway base, construction |
| Pea gravel | $30–$55 | $40–$75 | Landscaping, walkways |
| River rock | $40–$75 | $55–$100 | Decorative, drainage |
| Decomposed granite | $35–$60 | $45–$80 | Pathways, patios |
| White marble chips | $75–$150 | $100–$200 | Decorative landscaping |
| Drainage gravel | $20–$40 | $25–$55 | French drains, foundations |
Prices vary significantly by region and delivery distance. Local aggregate is cheapest; specialty stone shipped from distant quarries costs premium rates.
Delivery Costs
Most suppliers charge for delivery based on distance:
- Under 10 miles: Often included or $50–$75
- 10–25 miles: $75–$150
- Over 25 miles: $150–$300+
Minimum delivery quantities are typically 1–5 tons or 1–3 cubic yards depending on supplier.
Installed Project Costs
| Project | Size | Material + Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel driveway | 500 sq ft | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Gravel pathway | 100 sq ft | $300–$800 |
| French drain | 50 linear ft | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Landscaping bed | 200 sq ft | $400–$1,200 |
| Parking pad | 200 sq ft | $500–$1,200 |
DIY installation can reduce costs 40–60%; gravel spreading is relatively straightforward with basic equipment.
Understanding Gravel Measurements
Gravel is sold by weight (tons) or volume (cubic yards). The relationship depends on material density:
| Material | Tons per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| Crushed stone | 1.4–1.5 |
| Pea gravel | 1.3–1.4 |
| River rock | 1.2–1.4 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.5–1.6 |
When comparing prices, convert to common units. A $30/ton crushed stone equals roughly $42–$45/cubic yard.
How to Calculate Gravel Needs
Basic Formula
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards
For a 20×40 ft driveway at 4 inches deep:
- 20 × 40 × 4 = 3,200
- 3,200 ÷ 324 = 9.9 cubic yards
Recommended Depths by Application
| Application | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway base | 4–6 inches | Compacted, under surface layer |
| Driveway surface | 2–3 inches | Loose topping over base |
| Walkways | 2–3 inches | On compacted base |
| Landscaping | 2–4 inches | Decorative coverage |
| Drainage backfill | 12+ inches | Around perforated pipe |
Weight Calculation
To convert cubic yards to tons: Cubic yards × 1.4 = Approximate tons
For our 9.9 cubic yard driveway:
- 9.9 × 1.4 = 13.9 tons
Add 10% for settling and waste: 15 tons
Gravel Selection Guide
For Driveways
Base layer: Crushed stone #57 or #67 (3/4" angular)—compacts well, provides stability
Surface layer: Crushed stone #8 or #9 (3/8"–1/2")—locks together, stays in place
Avoid for driveways: Pea gravel (round stones roll under tires), large river rock (uncomfortable to walk/drive on)
For Landscaping
Pathways: Pea gravel or decomposed granite—comfortable walking surface
Garden beds: River rock or decorative stone—suppresses weeds, retains moisture
Around plants: Smaller stone (1/2"–1") easier to maintain
For Drainage
French drains: Clean 3/4" crushed stone wrapped in filter fabric
Foundation drainage: Similar to French drains; ensure proper slope
Dry wells: Large (1"–2") clean stone for water infiltration
Common Gravel Mistakes
Insufficient depth: Driveways need 4–6 inches of compacted base plus 2–3 inches of surface. Skimping leads to rutting and mud.
No edging: Without borders, gravel migrates into lawns and gardens. Install edging before gravel—steel, plastic, or timber.
Wrong stone for application: Round stones don't compact; angular stones do. Match material to purpose.
Skipping base preparation: Gravel on soft soil sinks. Remove topsoil, compact subgrade, and consider geotextile fabric in wet areas.
Forgetting compaction: Base layers must be compacted. Rent a plate compactor ($75–$150/day) or arrange for contractor.
Regional Cost Variations
| Region | Cost Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Near quarries | Lowest | Minimal transportation |
| Rural areas | Low–moderate | Adequate supply, less demand |
| Suburban | Moderate | Standard pricing |
| Urban | Higher | Delivery challenges, permits |
| Remote areas | Highest | Long-haul transportation |
Check with local landscape supply yards for best pricing; big-box stores often charge premium for bagged products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does gravel need replenishing? Well-installed gravel driveways need topping every 3–5 years with 1–2 inches of fresh material. Annual raking keeps surface even.
Will gravel work for heavy vehicles? Yes, with proper base. Increase base depth to 8–12 inches for regular heavy truck traffic. Consider geogrid reinforcement in soft soil.
How do I keep weeds out of gravel? Install landscape fabric under gravel; use 4+ inch depth. For existing installations, pre-emergent herbicides or manual removal.
Can I install gravel myself? Yes—it's one of the most DIY-friendly projects. You'll need wheelbarrow, rake, shovel, and ideally a plate compactor for base preparation.
Next Steps
Use our Gravel Calculator to estimate cubic yards and tons needed for your specific project dimensions.
For large projects (over 10 tons), request quotes from multiple aggregate suppliers—pricing varies significantly between vendors.