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What is the cheapest gravel for a driveway?

homeguide.com - 2022 Gravel Driveway Costs | Gravel Road & Driveway Calculator

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Updated on. Reviewed and approved by Tom Grupa and 10 expert gravel companies on HomeGuide.

Gravel driveway cost

A gravel driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot to install. A 12×25 (1-car) gravel driveway costs $300 to $900, and a 24×24 (2-car) driveway is $600 to $1,800. Costs depend on the size and depth, gravel type, soil conditions, labor, excavation, grading, permits, and optional grid stabilization. Cost to install a gravel driveway Type Size (W×L) Average cost 1-Car gravel driveway 12×25 $300 – $900 2-Car gravel driveway 24×24 $600 – $1,800 3-Car gravel driveway 30x24 $720 – $2,200 Gravel driveway grid 24×24 $1,700 – $4,000 Resin-bound driveway 24×24 $4,000 – $6,300 Tar and chip driveway 24×24 $1,200 – $2,900 100' gravel road 12×100 $540 – $1,000 250' gravel road 12×250 $1,350 – $2,500 500' gravel road 12×250 $2,700 – $5,000 Gravel driveways are a popular paving choice for long driveways because it's cheaper than asphalt and concrete, comes in many colors, eco-friendly, and adds curb appeal. A gravel driveway with a well-built foundation lasts up to 100 years if well-maintained. Average gravel driveway cost National Average Cost $1,500 Minimum Cost $300 Maximum Cost $6,000 Average Range $600 to $1,800

Gravel driveway cost calculator

Enter the dimensions of your project in our gravel driveway calculator below to find the number of cubic yards required and the estimated total cost.

Gravel driveway cost calculator Length of area in feet

(at least 24' for each vehicle) Width of area in feet

(10' to 12' per vehicle) Depth in inches

(8" to 12" depending on soil conditions)

The primary factors to calculate the cost of a gravel driveway are:

Site clearing & preparation – Tree removal, land clearing, excavation, and grading costs to prepare the base foundation. Gravel needed – Purchasing gravel by calculating layers and depth required based on soil conditions. Costs depend on rock type and gravel delivery fees. Labor – Installation and labor costs for spreading and compacting the gravel and creating a drainage system.

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Gravel driveway cost per square foot

The average cost to install a gravel driveway is $1.25 to $3.00 per square foot. Adding a porous paving system, grid, resin-bound, or tar and chip driveway for extra stabilization costs $3 to $12 per square foot to install. DIY gravel driveway materials cost $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Gravel driveway cost per square foot Type Average cost DIY gravel driveway $0.50 – $1.50 Average gravel driveway $1.25 – $3.00 Stabilized gravel driveway $3.00 – $12.00

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Cost to build a gravel road

The average cost to build a gravel road is $4 to $12 per linear foot, depending on the road width and depth, soil conditions, labor rates, and choice of materials. Building a long private gravel road leading up to your property costs $21,000 to $65,000 per mile. Gravel road cost Width Cost per linear foot Cost per mile 9 feet $4.05 – $7.47 $21,400 – $39,400 12 feet $5.40 – $9.96 $28,500 – $52,600 15 feet $6.75 – $12.45 $35,600 – $65,700 A typical gravel roadway is 12 inches deep with three layers of larger stones and gravel spread on top. Properties with a strong clay or stone foundation may only need base grading and 3 to 4 inches of gravel to create a stable road. Some cities or counties require a permit to construct a gravel or dirt road, starting at $500.

Cost for gravel parking lot or pad

The cost for a gravel parking lot or pad costs $3 to $5 per square foot or about the same as constructing a new gravel driveway. A 10×20 gravel parking pad costs $600 to $1,000 to build depending on soil conditions, labor, and type of rock. Commercial and farm gravel roads cost $21,000 to $53,000 per mile, depending on the project size, location, and terrain. Farm roads should be at least 9 to 12 feet wide, have raised surfaces in the center for drainage, and need a 6-inch minimum sub-base foundation of crushed stone for stability.

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Driveway gravel prices

Driveway gravel cost per ton & yard

Gravel prices for a driveway range from $10 to $50 per ton or $15 to $75 per yard depending on the rock type, volume ordered, and delivery fees. When including delivery, spreading, and compacting, driveway stone and rock costs $100 to $120 per ton installed. Driveway gravel, stone & rock prices Rock type Per foot Per ton Per yard Pea gravel $1.00 – $3.19 $28 – $45 $29 – $86 White gravel $2.77 – $4.80 $52 – $184 $75 – $129 Black gravel / lava rock $3.55 – $10.56 $76 – $85 $96 – $140 Crushed limestone $1.48 – $2.00 $30 – $38 $35 – $54 Crusher run gravel $0.50 – $2.00 $24 – $34 $51 – $54 Sand & gravel (class 5) $0.50 – $1.50 $11 – $19 $15 – $25 Road base gravel $1.00 – $1.50 $18 – $30 $25 – $33 Crushed concrete $0.59 – $2.79 $11 – $53 $16 – $75 SB2 sub-base gravel $1.41 – $2.30 $27 – $31 $38 – $62 Crushed & recycled asphalt $0.52 – $1.85 $10 – $27 $25 – $50 Aggregate & drainage rock $1.00 – $3.00 $25 – $50 $30 – $70 Stone dust or screenings $1.00 – $5.00 $30 – $145 $10 – $25 Caliche or arizona gravel $1.17 – $6.62 $45 – $253 $31 – $178 Crushed or decomposed granite $1.00 – $3.00 $25 – $50 $38 – $75 Crushed marble $0.80 – $1.50 $27 – $64 $35 – $80 Quartz gravel $3.00 – $10.00 $69 – $95 $100 – $150 Steel slag rock gravel $1.33 – $2.00 $25 – $39 $35 – $54 Blue stone gravel $2.74 – $5.74 $52 – $109 $74 – $155 River rock $1.74 – $2.59 $33 – $49 $47 – $70 Crushed shells gravel $0.53 – $4.44 $10 – $86 $14 – $120 Pebble mix $1.25 – $2.00 $80 – $100 $60 – $90 Shale $1.00 – $3.00 $20 – $60 $28 – $85 Slate chips $0.61 – $1.26 $27 – $64 $35 – $80

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White or black gravel driveway

A white gravel driveway costs $2.77 to $4.80 per square foot, $30 to $120 per cubic yard, or $20 to $100 per ton for stones up to 1". A white rock driveway is available in crushed granite, white quartz blends, limestone, and pea gravel. White gravel shimmers in the sunlight, causing a glare. Black gravel driveway rocks from 0.50" to 1" in size cost $3 to $10 per square foot, $96 to $140 per cubic yard, or $76 to $85 per ton. Black stones include lava rocks, basalt-pebble stones, crushed asphalt, granite chips, and basalt volcanic rock. Black gravel heats up in the summer.

Road base driveway cost

Using road base for a base material in a gravel driveway costs $0.59 to $1.50 per square foot, $18 to $31 per ton, or $25 to $62 per cubic yard. Road rock, also known as caliche, is crushed limestone that installs over a geotextile fabric or geogrid providing a stable foundation.

Pea gravel driveway

A pea gravel driveway costs $28 to $45 per ton, $29 to $86 per cubic yard, or $1 to $3 per cubic foot for materials. Most pea gravel mixtures have a blend of stones in three or four colors. Pea gravel slides around and requires edging or pavers on the sides of the driveway. Avoid using pea gravel for a driveway on an incline.

Crushed stone & limestone driveway cost

A crushed limestone driveway costs $1.50 to $2 per cubic foot, $40 to $54 per cubic yard, or $30 to $38 per ton for up to 1" stones. Crushed stone gravel can come in any color, though most popular crushed stone blends are in neutral, earth-toned colors.

Crushed shell driveway cost

A crushed shell driveway costs $0.50 to $4 per square foot, $14 to $120 per cubic yard, or $10 to $86 per ton. Crushed shells are cheapest in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Each cubic yard of crushed shells covers 100 square feet as a 3" surface layer over a compacted base-layer. Seashells like clams, oysters, and scallops prevent the surface from forming ruts or potholes. Shells break down and compact evenly to create a stable and level surface. Avoid using crushed shells on an inclined driveway.

Caliche driveway & road

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A caliche driveway is $1.17 to $6.62 per cubic foot, $31 to $178 per cubic yard, or $48 to $253 per ton. The cheapest caliche is available from the Southwestern United States. Caliche is as durable as limestone cement and makes a long-lasting driveway foundation.

Pebble stone driveway cost

Using pebble stones as the surface layer of a driveway costs $1.25 to $2 per square foot or between $60 and $90 per ton. Pebble driveways promote drainage and won't become slippery when wet. Avoid using pebbles on driveways with a steep grade.

Crush & run driveway

Crush and run driveway costs are $1 to $2 per cubic foot, $51 to $54 per cubic yard, or $24 per ton or more. Top-layer crusher run stone is 0.75" rock with particles, like quarry process or #411 gravel. Crusher Run is also called quarry process (QP), dense-grade aggregate (DGA), and road stone. Crusher run binds the surface layer together. By adding water and compacting, the stone hardens to create a cement-like, smooth driveway surface.

Blue stone driveway

A blue stone driveway costs $2 to $5 per cubic foot, $74 to $155 per cubic yard, or $50 to $100 per ton. A bluestone driveway is not as durable or heavy as granite, but has excellent strength for a driveway. The light-colored sandstone variety of bluestone helps retain moisture to keep a driveway cooler.

Shale driveway cost

Crushed shale driveways cost $28 to $85 per cubic yard, $1 to $3.15 per cubic foot, or $19.72 to $60 per ton, depending on the size of the rocks. Slate chips look similar, but are more durable.

Steel slag rock driveway

A steel slag driveway costs $1.33 to $2 per square foot, $35 to $54 per cubic yard or $25 to $39 per ton. Steel slag rock for driveways is often 1" to 1.25" long, though quarry process steel slag of 0.50" to dust is the cheapest. Steel slag is more durable than crushed limestone.

River rock driveway

A river rock driveway costs $1.74 to $2.59 per cubic foot, $47 to $70 per cubic yard, or $33 to $49 per ton. Most river rock comes in sizes from 1 to 3 inches and requires edging or another binder to hold the stones in place.

Learn more about the costs of river rock.

SB2 gravel driveway

SB2 gravel driveway prices for rocks up to 4 inches in size are around $1.41 to $2.30 per cubic foot, $38 to $62 per cubic yard and $27 to $31 per ton. Sub-base grey granite is also called #3 stone.

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Cost factors to install gravel driveway

A gravel driveway requires a proper base-rock foundation, a sloped crown surface to promote runoff, ditches or trenches to channel water away, and the right type of gravel and depth. When estimating the cost to install a gravel driveway, consider these cost factors: The type of stones, their sizes, and volume purchased. The length, width, and depth of the driveway. The soil's composition. Most subsoils need a geotextile fabric laid under the foundation and other prep work. Edging materials to contain the gravel. Preparing the land by excavating and grading. Permit costs depending on where you live. Additional costs for porous paving systems, such as a geogrid, resin-bound, or tar and chip driveway.

Driveway gravel sizes

Driveway gravel sizes range from 0.1"-10" in diameter, and the bigger sizes cost more. For the most durable driveway, install a 6" to 8" layer of large crushed stones as a sub-base. Then place smaller rocks in 4" layers on top of the sub-base, setting each layer with a roller compactor.

Site preparation

Preparing the land to build a driveway or road may include:

Removing an existing concrete driveway costs $2 to $6 per square foot . . Tree removal costs $250 for trees up to 30' tall, $300 to $700 for trees between 30 and 60 feet, and from $700 to $1,800 to cut down large trees over 60 feet. for trees up to 30' tall, for trees between 30 and 60 feet, and from to cut down large trees over 60 feet. Tree stump removal costs $2 to $4 per inch of diameter or $60 to $360 per stump . or . Land clearing costs $400 per hour to build a long road or driveway.

Cost to excavate & grade a gravel driveway

Excavating and grading a gravel driveway costs $700 to $2,500. Excavating costs $1 to $2 per square foot for a gravel driveway, depending on the job size and terrain conditions. The cost to grade a gravel driveway is $4 to $8 per square foot. Some companies include light excavating and grading work for a lower cost when installin a driveway.

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How deep should a gravel driveway be?

A long-lasting gravel driveway should be a minimum 8" to 12" deep and made up of three 4" thick layers. Layer the gravel with 4" of fist-size gravel at the sub-base, 4" of golf-ball-size gravel for the middle layer, and a 4" deep surface layer of 0.75" gravel.

The sub-base layer should be 8" deep to support heavy trucks regularly.

How much gravel do I need for my driveway?

One yard of gravel covers approximately 27 square feet to a depth of 12". A 12' x 25' one-car driveway needs 11.1 cubic yards of gravel, and a 24' x 24' double-car driveway needs 21.3 cubic yards of gravel. Gravel needed for driveway Project Cubic yards Gravel cost 1-car gravel driveway (12×25) 11.1 $250 – $700 2-car gravel driveway (24×24) 21.3 $500 – $1,300 Gravel road (12×100) 29.6 $600 – $1,200 This table assumes several layers of different-sized rocks at a total of 12-inches thick. The actual depth required depends on your soil composition.

Use this formula to calculate the amount of gravel needed:

Length × Width × Depth = Cubic Feet

Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

Cubic Yards × 1.4 = Tons

Driveway gravel delivery cost

Driveway gravel delivery costs $7 to $18 per cubic yard on top of the price of gravel. Most quarries and landscape suppliers will not deliver less than 10 cubic yards of gravel. Order at least 15 yards to get the cheapest delivery rates. Delivery doesn't include spreading or installation.

Be sure your gravel foundation is in place before receiving your delivery.

Spreading gravel on driveway cost

The cost of spreading gravel on a driveway is $10 to $25 per cubic yard, or $40 to $70 per hour per worker. Spreading costs may be included with gravel delivery charges. After spreading, each gravel layer needs compacting to increase stability, and to prevent ruts and sinking.

Driveway drainage considerations

A drainage system costs $1,000 to $4,000 to prevent a gravel driveway from washing away or filling with puddles. For best results, contractors use foundation crowns, drains, and pavers when building a driveway. Crowns – The driveway should crown at the center to form a 0.25" to 0.50" slope on either side. The surface of the sub-grade foundation should be highest near the home or garage and in the middle. – The driveway should crown at the center to form a slope on either side. The surface of the sub-grade foundation should be highest near the home or garage and in the middle. Drains & ditches – Contractors dig trenches or side drains and install plastic piping trench drains leading away with a slight slope next to the driveway. – Contractors dig trenches or side drains and install plastic piping trench drains leading away with a slight slope next to the driveway. Porous pavers & grids – In areas with heavy rain, consider installing porous paver stones with gravel in between or a plastic geogrid system filled with gravel to provide extra stabilization.

Gravel driveway permit

A driveway permit costs $50 to $200 or more, depending on the municipality and region. Contact your homeowners' association before constructing a new driveway.

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Stabilized gravel driveway systems cost

A permeable, resin-bound, tar, or geogrid gravel driveway system costs $2 to $12 per square foot, adds extra stabilization, requires less maintenance, and prevents ruts and holes. A porous paving system ensures a long-lasting gravel driveway, maintains a level-surface, and promotes drainage.

Gravel driveway grid cost

A gravel driveway grid costs $2 to $4 per square foot depending on the type and project size. A 24×24 (2-car) gravel driveway geogrid costs $1,100 to $2,300 to install. Porous paving systems are plastic honeycomb-shaped structures embedded into your foundation, which stabilizes your gravel. HDPE plastic rings connected by an interlocking geogrid structure allow for a 1" gravel fill and require 0.66 cubic yards of gravel per 100 square feet of grid.

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Core gravel driveway cost

A CORE gravel driveway costs $2 to $3 per square foot depending on the type, and doesn't include the sub-base foundation or gravel. CORE's gravel geogrid system provides path and parking stabilization and is eco-friendly. CORE Glow stones will illuminate your driveway for up to 10 hours at night.

Resin-bound driveway prices

A resin-bonded gravel driveway costs $7 to $12 per square foot on average, depending on if extensive site preparation is required. The top layer of resin-bound driveways are stones covered in a resin adhesive, which creates a stable and permeable driveway that lasts up to 20 years.

Tar and gravel driveway cost

A tar and gravel driveway costs $2 to $5 per square foot and offers the best high-traction surface for areas with a lot of rain, ice, or snow. Chip-and-seal driveways use liquid asphalt to bind the stones into place permanently. Tar-and-chip surfaces are worth the extra cost and lasts up to 10 years.

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Cost of gravel driveway vs. asphalt – which is cheaper?

Installing a new driveway costs between $1 and $20 per square foot depending on the type. A gravel driveway is the cheapest at $1.25 to $3 per square foot, an asphalt driveway costs $3 to $7 per square foot, and a concrete driveway costs $4 and $8 per square foot. Cost of gravel driveway vs. asphalt & others Type Cost per square foot Durability Maintenance Gravel $1 – $3 Lasts up to 100 years, gravel moves around Low maintenance, easy to repair Stabilized gravel $2 – $8 Lasts up to 20 years, prevents ruts and holes Low maintenance, easy to repair Asphalt $3 – $7 Lasts 12 to 20 years, softens in high temperatures Low maintenance, easy to repair Concrete $4 – $8 Lasts up to 30 years, can crack Hard to repair Pavers $10 – $30 Lasts 25 to 50 years, can crack or break Easy to repair and replace

Gravel driveway pros & cons

Pros

Most affordable option for constructing a driveway.

Last up to 100 years .

Large variety of gravel sizes and colors to choose from.

Can be used immediately after installation.

Can be used with paving stones for a decorative look.

Can be installed using ground stabilizers to last longer, improve drainage, and reduce flooding.

Easier to repair by adding and spreading out more gravel.

Cons

Gravel can sink into the ground with heavy rain and snow. May develop ruts and holes, requiring adding more gravel once or twice a year. Ice and snow removal costs more for a gravel surface. Stirs up dust in dry climates and may require spraying with oil or water, or using dust control for soil stabilization.

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Gravel driveway repair cost

Gravel driveway repairs cost $0.50 to $2.20 per square foot for re-grading, resurfacing, or regraveling. Small ruts and holes are fixed by adding additional gravel at $2 to $8 per bag, which covers 2 cubic feet or less. Gravel driveway repair cost Repair Cost per square foot Resurface or regravel $0.25 – $0.75 Regrade $0.50 – $2.20 On average, you'll need to add up to 3 inches of new gravel every couple of years. Deep ruts are a sign your base isn’t strong enough to support the daily traffic. are a sign your base isn’t strong enough to support the daily traffic. Unstable surfaces that remain for hours after a storm indicate that too much water is lodging in the base of the driveway. that remain for hours after a storm indicate that too much water is lodging in the base of the driveway. Solving structural problems requires removing all of the gravel, re-grading the foundation, then laying the gravel back using stronger base rock in thicker layers.

Cost to resurface or regravel a gravel driveway

Gravel driveway resurfacing costs $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot to re-gravel with a 3" layer of pea gravel. A 10×20 single-car gravel driveway with costs $50 to $150 to resurface, while regraveling a 24×24 double-car gravel driveway costs $150 to $450.

Cost to regrade a gravel driveway

The average cost to regrade a gravel driveway is $0.50 to $2.20 per square foot, or between $250 and $1,000 per acre. Prices vary depending on the type of tractor used and whether it’s sub-grade or fine-surface grading work. Surface grading for a gravel road costs $1.50 per square foot.

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Cheapest gravel for driveways

The cheapest gravel for driveways is crusher run, crushed shells, crushed concrete, slate chips, recycled asphalt, and pea gravel, which all cost $15 to $30 per yard, or less than $1 per square foot when purchased in bulk from a quarry. Cheapest gravel for driveways Type Cost per square foot Crusher run gravel $0.50 – $2.00 Crushed shells $0.53 – $4.44 Crushed concrete $0.59 – $2.79 Slate chips $0.61 – $1.26 Recycled asphalt $0.92 – $1.85 Pea gravel $1.00 – $3.19

Best gravel for driveways

The best gravel for a driveway base is size #1 or #3, such as limerock or drain rock, at 1.5" to 6" in diameter.

Use crushed stone #57 for the middle layer at 0.75" to 1".

For the surface layer, use pea gravel (size #8), limestone (size #10), or crusher run (#411) at 0.10" to 0.50". Best gravel for driveways Type Cost per yard Size (diameter) Use Base gravel #1 (limerock) $82 2.5" – 6" Extra strong driveway sub-base layer Base gravel #3 (drain rock, base rock) $26 1" – 2" Driveway base layer (at least 4" thick); promotes drainage Crushed stone #57 (crushed limerock) $68 0.75" – 1" Middle layer or drains; average grade; Not to use where muddy Size #8 (pea gravel) $40 0.37" – 0.50" Surface layer; commonly used in asphalt or concrete mixes Size #10 (screenings) $85 0.12" Surface layer or between pavers; usually from steel slog or limestone Crushed stone #411 (crusher run, quarry process) $90 0.75" Surface layer or repairs; comes blended with stone dust, or #57. Item #4 (crushed concrete, asphalt or limestone) $31 1.50" or less Driveway base layer; contains fine dust and smaller rock particles

*The smallest size is #10, and the biggest is #1.

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DIY gravel driveway costs

A DIY gravel driveway costs $150 to $300 for tools, $200 to $1,500 for gravel, plus $200 to $400 per day for equipment rental. Poor construction leads to consistent ruts, holes, and drainage issues. Hiring a landscaper is typically cheaper and ensures a lasting driveway. DIY gravel driveway costs for tool rental Tool rental Average cost Mini excavator $230 – $380 per day Skid steer $195 – $290 per day Truck rental $19 – $29 for the first 75 minutes; $5 for every 15 minutes after Plate compactors / tamper $90 per day; $360 per week Tow-behind rear blade $200+ Gravel driveway construction materials cost Tool Cost Use Wooden stakes & nylon string $10 – $30 To mark out your driveway during construction. Sledge Hammer $25 – $50 Secure the wooden stakes in place. Geo-textile fabrics & erosion-control mats $1.25 – $1.71 per square yard Line the bottom of your drains and driveway foundation. Perforated pipe $1 – $3 per linear foot For drain trenches on both sides of a driveway. Hand tampers $25 – $40 For compacting and leveling gravel layers by hand. Rake $25 – $50 For spreading out and leveling gravel.