What is the cheapest rock for a driveway?

Limestone is one of the most affordable and durable types of gravel you can use for a driveway. It usually costs between $35 and $54 per cubic yard.

rethority.com - Driveway Gravel | Types, Prices, and More - REthority

What to put on a tree stump to preserve it?

Using a small- to medium-sized brush, apply two or three coats of polyurethane wood sealant over the surface of the stump. Be sure to get the top...

Last updated May 8, 2022

How do you grow vegetables in a shed?

How to Grow Vegetables Faster in a Wooden Shed Garden Wooden Shed Gardening Tips. Choose Veggies that Grow Fast. ... Don't start with Seeds. ......

Last updated Jan 26, 2021

Promotion

When cost is an important factor, building a driveway with gravel instead of asphalt, cement, or pavers is the best option. But while gravel is often used as a general term, there are many variations of it. You’ll see below that there are several types of gravel, and not all are suited for driveway use. The best gravel options will hold firmly in place, provide a sturdy foundation for your vehicles, and resist washout. The worst options won’t allow your vehicle to get traction, will wash out faster, encourage ruts, and can be dangerous. Knowing the difference between these is the key to building a long-lasting, affordable gravel driveway. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best type of gravel for your driveway. We’ll talk about the 3-4 recommended layers, the best and worst types of gravel to use, and a few tips that will help your new gravel driveway stay strong. Let’s get started!

Choosing the Best Driveway Gravel

Choosing the best type of gravel for your driveway requires a little research. Knowing the right types of gravel to use will prevent you from making an expensive mistake. Driveways built with the wrong types of gravel are much more prone to washout, where normal rain and water erosion pushes the gravel off the drive. Unsuitable gravel types can also prevent vehicles and heavy machinery from getting good traction, which can be annoying at best and dangerous at worst. We’ve compiled some excellent info from a range of experts and trusted sources in the aggregates (crushed stone and rock) industry. Choosing the best gravel for your driveway is a cinch with this guide!

Driveway Gravel Layers

First, let’s talk about the layout and construction of a good gravel driveway. When you look at gravel drives, you only see the top layer. There are actually three layers in gravel driveways: The base, middle, and top. Each one is essential to keep the stones anchored in place and provide a safe, stable foundation for your vehicles to drive on. Here’s what you should know about each layer of a good gravel driveway.

Base Layer

#1 crushed stone, 4” depth

The gravel in the base layer is installed first. In areas with clay soil, or if you’d like to give your new driveway a uniform base that won’t mix with the soil underneath, you can start with black geotextile or landscaping cloth. But the most important part is the size of gravel you use in the base layer. The base layer of a gravel driveway should be much larger than the gravel you’ll use for the middle and top layers. Base gravel is typically #1 crushed stone, where pieces are angular and close to the size of baseballs. The base layer gives the middle and top layers a foundation they can somewhat settle down into rather than washing away. It also helps facilitate drainage. This layer should be around 4 inches deep, which provides a firm foundation for the rest of the driveway. Think of this as the foundation on which everything else is built.

Middle Layer

#4 crushed stone, 3-4” depth

The middle layer of a gravel driveway is composed of crushed stone smaller in diameter than the base layer. These rocks are close to the size of golf balls. They are angular in shape, which helps them “lock” together under weight. Some of the #4 crushed stone will work its way down to securely sit between and on top of the base layer of gravel. This creates an even sturdier foundation for the driveway. It should be poured and raked to about a 3- to 4-inch depth.

Top Layer

#57 or #411 crushed stone, 3-4” depth

The top layer of a gravel driveway is installed on top of the middle layer. The gravel used in this layer is typically #57 crushed stone, or #411 crushed stone (#57 and rock dust). This type of gravel is smaller in diameter than the middle and base layers. If you opt for #411 crushed stone, the mixture contains some rock dust in addition to the nickel and quarter-sized stones. The rock dust acts like cement to keep the gravel in place. Crushed #57 stone is small enough to settle and lock into some of the spaces between the larger gravel in the lower layers. But it’s large and angular enough to stay in place on top of the middle layer and create a somewhat uniform look for the driveway. The top layer should be 3-4 inches deep.

Can you dry clothes in a shed?

A drying shed is essentially like an all-weather clothesline, which prevents the rain from getting in while allowing heat and air to circulate to...

Last updated Nov 19, 2022

Can you use a shed as a laundry room?

People often like to get creative with their sheds, creating home offices, artist's nooks, man caves and even she-sheds. However, can a shed store...

Last updated Dec 9, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Types of Driveway Gravel

With the ideal structure for a gravel driveway in mind, let’s look at the different types of driveway gravel and gravel alternatives you can choose from for the top layer. Keep in mind that you can find most of the following types in the sizes we mentioned above – #1, #4, and #57 or #114. These are measurements of the general diameter and size of the crushed stone or gravel. Any type of rock can be crushed into these sizes to give you the right choices for layering your gravel driveway.

Limestone

Limestone is the most common type of gravel or crushed stone you’ll find in the United States. It breaks cleanly and easily in rock crushing machines. It’s very widely available in all regions and is known for its strength. Chances are, when you picture a gravel driveway, the gray rock you’re thinking of is limestone. Many times, dolomite is included in limestone mining units at quarries. Dolomite, also called dolostone, dolomitic limestone, or even mistakenly labeled as limestone, is commonly combined with limestone for use in driveways in the U.S. It is chemically very similar to limestone, but is slightly harder than true limestone. The appearance is also similar, making it difficult to tell the difference between the two types. Limestone is one of the most affordable and durable types of gravel you can use for a driveway. It usually costs between $35 and $54 per cubic yard. For large quantities, it can be cheaper.

Granite

Crushed granite is not as commonly used for driveways as limestone, but it is a distant second runner up. Crushed granite is unique in appearance, with different shades and veins of color running through the rocks. For an attractive driveway that is as strong as it is beautiful, crushed granite fits the bill. Crushed granite is highly permeable, so water can drain and flow around it without disturbing the gravel too much. It holds its color well even in intense sun exposure. It’s considered to be an affordable type of gravel (technically, crushed stone), so it’s worth considering for use in a driveway. Crushed granite usually costs somewhere between $38 and $75 per cubic yard.

Shale

Crushed shale is known as a good alternative to crushed limestone for driveways. The appearance is different from limestone, thanks to its bluish-gray color. It is soft and isn’t as strong as other types of crushed stone. So repeated traffic from heavy vehicles will crush and compact it. The result is a driveway that looks closer to asphalt than a traditional gravel driveway. If you’re worried about dust being an issue, it’s less prone to creating dust than limestone. Since it is lighter than limestone, it is less expensive to have delivered. Crushed shale usually costs somewhere between $28 to $85 per cubic yard, depending on the size of the rocks.

Marble Chips

Marble chips are not as commonly used for driveways, but they do lend an elegant touch. The chipped marble sparkles in sunlight and adds a posh look to any driveway. It is prohibitively expensive for many and costs more than other types of gravel for driveways. But if you have a large budget and want your house to really stand out in the neighborhood, there’s hardly a better choice. Marble stays cool even in direct heat. Be aware there may be a glare when light hits it. Marble chips cost about $130 per cubic yard, and delivery costs more.

Recycled Asphalt

Recycled asphalt is another option for a gravel driveway. Asphalt millings are crushed from existing roads and driveways and reused in their crushed state. Since crushed asphalt still has tar in it, it is an excellent material if you want a solid, tamped-down driveway. It’s much more affordable than laying an asphalt driveway and requires fewer natural materials. The look, when finished and tamped down, is very similar to a rough asphalt driveway. Recycled asphalt usually costs somewhere between $25 to $50 per cubic yard. If you’re reusing asphalt from your current driveway, the cost may be lower.

Crushed Concrete

Crushed concrete driveways are another option if you want a gravel driveway that is more affordable. Recycled or crushed concrete is collected from old concrete slabs and blocks that were torn down. The concrete millings from a crusher are about 3/4 of an inch in size and more uniform than gravel. You also get the benefit of stone dust, which helps cement the driveway and prevent it from washing out.

How much does it cost to build a Barndominium in Texas 2021?

The average cost of a barndominium in Texas is $70 to $95 a square foot to build vs. the cost of a house is around $115 - $145 per square foot.

Last updated Jan 6, 2018

How much does a 16x20 shed cost?

$9,006 to $37,830 16×20 shed prices range from $9,006 to $37,830 and above, depending on building design, style, siding, add-ons, and more.

Last updated Dec 3, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Many people choose crushed concrete for a driveway because of its affordable price. Expect to pay somewhere between $16 and $75 per cubic yard, depending on the quantity you buy.

Seashells

Crushed seashells may be used for “gravel” driveways in coastal regions. Oyster, scallop, and clam shells are the most commonly used types of shells. The shells will be broken down more and more as they are driven and walked over. They act much like crushed stone in the way they shed and drain water. They also compact well to create a stable surface. The types of shells used will determine the color. There’s usually a mix of whites and browns in crushed seashell driveways. Crushed seashells usually cost about $40 per cubic yard, which is very affordable. But if you’re in a coastal area where the shells can be procured nearby, the cost can be as low as $14 per yard.

Types of Driveway Gravel to Avoid

Above, we’ve listed some of the most popular choices for types of gravel used in driveways. But not all gravel is created equally! There are a couple of types you should avoid when making a driveway.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is smoothed and rounded gravel that features a multitude of shapes and colors. It’s beautiful, but impractical for a driveway. One expert likened this type of gravel to ball bearings because they won’t allow your vehicle to get good traction as the wheels spin. Since the individual pieces are rounded and smooth, they won’t lock together or tamp down over time. This makes for a very loose driveway that is prone to washout. It’s also difficult to walk on if it is poured to the depth required for a driveway. Avoid pea gravel for driveways.

River Rock

River rock, also called river run or river stone, is also smoothed and rounded like pea gravel. River rock gets this smooth shape due to being eroded by water over many years. These are natural stones that are matched by size to provide loads of river rock that are somewhat uniform in size. Many people like the appearance of river rock, but it’s not a good choice for driveways. Like pea gravel, river rock is just too smooth and rounded to make for a stable driveway. It’s particularly problematic if your driveway goes uphill. The stones will slide against each other and make it very difficult to gain traction.

Deciding on the Right Driveway Gravel

With the different types of gravel in mind (and which to avoid), you can narrow your options and find the right type for your driveway. In terms of cost, check out the different types and their price per cubic yard (according to homeguide.com).

Limestone: $35-$54/cu yd

Granite: $38-$75/cu yd

Shale: $28-$85/cu yd

Marble chips: $130+/cu yd

Recycled asphalt: $25-$50/cu yd

Crushed concrete: $16-$75/cu yd

Crushed seashells: $14-$40/cu yd

Marble chips are easily the most expensive type of gravel you can use for the top layer of your driveway. Crushed seashells are the cheapest. But limestone is the most common type of gravel used in driveways. So keep that $35-$54 per cubic yard figure in mind as you work out your driveway budget. Aside from cost, choosing the right type of gravel or crushed stone means thinking about the materials’ appearance. Limestone is the traditional gravel used in driveways, so you can’t go wrong there. Granite has a more colorful look with interesting shades of gray, white, and red. Shale has a bluish-gray coloring that tamps down to resemble asphalt over time. Marble chips sparkle and look luxe. Crushed concrete mimics the look of gravel, but is cheaper.

And crushed seashells lend any home that coastal vibe, but may not look at home in areas far from the coast. What type of driveway gravel seems to be the best fit for your budget, home, and landscape style?

What is the cheapest rock for a driveway?

What to put on a tree stump to preserve it?

How do you grow vegetables in a shed?

Choosing the Best Driveway Gravel

Driveway Gravel Layers

Base Layer

#1 crushed stone, 4” depth

Middle Layer

#4 crushed stone, 3-4” depth

Top Layer

#57 or #411 crushed stone, 3-4” depth

Can you dry clothes in a shed?

Can you use a shed as a laundry room?

Can I build my own shed?

Types of Driveway Gravel

Limestone

Granite

Shale

Marble Chips

Recycled Asphalt

Crushed Concrete

How much does it cost to build a Barndominium in Texas 2021?

How much does a 16x20 shed cost?

Are shed plans easy to follow?

Seashells

Types of Driveway Gravel to Avoid

Pea Gravel

River Rock

Deciding on the Right Driveway Gravel

Limestone: $35-$54/cu yd

Granite: $38-$75/cu yd

Shale: $28-$85/cu yd

Marble chips: $130+/cu yd

Recycled asphalt: $25-$50/cu yd

Crushed concrete: $16-$75/cu yd

Crushed seashells: $14-$40/cu yd

And crushed seashells lend any home that coastal vibe, but may not look at home in areas far from the coast. What type of driveway gravel seems to be the best fit for your budget, home, and landscape style?

You Might Also Like:

How can I make my front yard more private?

How do you put a foundation under an existing shed?

Should you varnish a shed?

Can I build my own shed?

How do you convert a shed into a house?