Gravel cost questions answered
How much does gravel cost per ton?+
Gravel typically costs between $15 and $75 per ton, depending on the type. Crushed stone averages $20–$50 per ton, pea gravel $30–$60 per ton, river rock $50–$100 per ton, and decorative gravel can exceed $150 per ton. Prices vary by region, supplier, and delivery distance. Bulk deliveries from local quarries are almost always cheaper than bagged gravel from retail stores.
How much is a truckload of gravel?+
A standard dump truck carries 10 to 25 tons of gravel. At an average price of $40 per ton, a full truckload of crushed stone costs $400–$1,000 in material alone, plus delivery fees of $50–$150 or more depending on distance. Some suppliers charge a flat delivery rate, while others bill per mile from the quarry to your site.
How do I calculate gravel cost?+
To calculate gravel cost: first determine the quantity needed in tons or cubic yards, multiply by the price per ton or per cubic yard to get material cost, add the delivery fee, then apply sales tax to the subtotal. The formula is: Total Cost = (Material Cost + Delivery Fee) × (1 + Tax Rate). Use our gravel cost calculator above to do this automatically.
Is gravel cheaper than concrete?+
Yes, gravel is significantly cheaper than concrete. A gravel driveway costs $3–$8 per square foot installed, while a concrete driveway costs $6–$18 per square foot. Gravel is also easier to repair and requires no curing time, though it needs more ongoing maintenance like regrading and weed control. For budget-conscious projects, gravel offers excellent value.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?+
A gravel driveway typically costs $1,500–$6,000 for an average installation, or $3–$8 per square foot. Factors include driveway size, gravel type, site preparation, delivery distance, and labor. A 600 sq ft driveway with crushed stone at 4 inches deep costs roughly $1,800–$3,600. Adding a compacted base layer and edging can increase the total.
Does gravel delivery cost extra?+
Yes, gravel delivery typically costs $50–$150 as a base fee, plus $2–$5 per mile for longer distances. Some suppliers offer free delivery within a certain radius or on large orders. Always confirm delivery costs when getting quotes, as they can add 10–25% to the total project cost. Ordering a full truckload usually gives the best per-ton delivered price.