Gravel Driveway Cost per Yard: Real Examples & Material Guide

Planning a gravel driveway project requires understanding material costs to budget accurately. Gravel prices vary significantly based on type, quality, and location, with costs ranging from $15 to $75 per cubic yard. This comprehensive guide breaks down real-world pricing to help you make informed decisions.

Average Gravel Costs per Cubic Yard

Here's a detailed breakdown of common gravel types and their typical costs:

Cost per Ton vs. Cost per Cubic Yard

Suppliers often price gravel by the ton rather than cubic yard. Understanding the conversion helps you compare prices accurately:

• 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 1.4 tons
• Cost per ton: $10-$50 depending on material type
• Cost per cubic yard: $15-$75 (ton price × 1.4)

Use our gravel calculator to convert between tons and cubic yards for accurate ordering.

Real-World Cost Examples

Example 1: Single-Car Driveway (12' × 20')

• Area: 240 square feet
• Depth: 4 inches (0.33 feet)
• Volume needed: 3 cubic yards
• Material cost (crushed stone): $60-$105
• Material cost (pea gravel): $75-$120

Example 2: Two-Car Driveway (20' × 20')

• Area: 400 square feet
• Depth: 4 inches (0.33 feet)
• Volume needed: 5 cubic yards
• Material cost (crushed stone): $100-$175
• Material cost (pea gravel): $125-$200

Example 3: Long Driveway (12' × 100')

• Area: 1,200 square feet
• Depth: 4 inches (0.33 feet)
• Volume needed: 15 cubic yards
• Material cost (crushed stone): $300-$525
• Material cost (pea gravel): $375-$600

Additional Cost Factors

1. Delivery Fees

Most suppliers charge delivery fees based on distance and load size:

• Local delivery (under 10 miles): $50-$100
• Regional delivery (10-30 miles): $100-$200
• Long-distance delivery (30+ miles): $200-$400+
• Minimum order: Many suppliers require 5-10 yard minimums for delivery

2. Site Preparation

Proper preparation ensures driveway longevity:

• Excavation: $1-$3 per square foot
• Grading: $0.50-$2 per square foot
• Landscape fabric: $0.25-$0.50 per square foot
• Edging/borders: $3-$8 per linear foot

3. Labor Costs

Professional installation adds to total project cost:

• Basic installation: $0.50-$1.50 per square foot
• Complex installation: $1.50-$3 per square foot
• DIY savings: 40-60% of total project cost

Total Project Cost Breakdown

Here's what you can expect for a complete 400 sq ft (20' × 20') driveway:

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy in Bulk

Ordering larger quantities often reduces per-yard costs by 10-20%. If you have multiple projects, combine orders to reach bulk pricing tiers.

2. Choose Local Materials

Locally sourced gravel costs less due to reduced transportation. Ask suppliers about regional stone options that may be more affordable than imported materials.

3. Consider Crushed Concrete

Recycled crushed concrete performs similarly to crushed stone but costs 20-40% less. It's environmentally friendly and provides excellent drainage and stability.

4. DIY Installation

Installing gravel yourself saves 40-60% on labor costs. With proper preparation and the right tools, most homeowners can complete a gravel driveway installation in a weekend.

5. Shop Multiple Suppliers

Prices vary significantly between suppliers. Get quotes from at least 3-4 local suppliers, including landscape supply companies, quarries, and home improvement stores.

Best Gravel Types for Driveways

Crushed Stone #57 (Best Overall)

Cost: $20-$35 per yard
Size: 3/4 inch
Best for: Main driveway surface, excellent compaction and drainage

Crushed Stone #411 (Best Base Layer)

Cost: $18-$30 per yard
Size: Mix of 3/4 inch stone and stone dust
Best for: Base layer, compacts extremely well

Jersey Shore Gravel (Best Appearance)

Cost: $30-$45 per yard
Size: 3/8 inch
Best for: Attractive finish, good for residential driveways

Calculate the exact amount needed for your driveway using our driveway calculator.

Regional Price Variations

Gravel costs vary by region due to availability and transportation:

• Northeast: $25-$50 per yard (higher due to limited quarries)
• Southeast: $20-$40 per yard (abundant limestone)
• Midwest: $15-$35 per yard (numerous quarries)
• Southwest: $20-$45 per yard (desert regions may have higher costs)
• West Coast: $30-$60 per yard (higher labor and transportation costs)

When to Hire a Professional

Consider professional installation if:

• Your driveway has significant slope or drainage issues
• Extensive excavation or grading is required
• You need to install drainage systems or culverts
• The project exceeds 1,000 square feet
• You lack necessary equipment (compactor, excavator)

For more guidance on driveway installation, check out Family Handyman's complete installation guide.

Conclusion

Gravel driveway costs range from $15-$75 per cubic yard for materials, with total project costs between $1-$3 per square foot including installation. By understanding material options, calculating accurate quantities, and comparing supplier prices, you can budget effectively and avoid costly overages.

Whether you choose economical crushed stone or premium decorative gravel, proper planning ensures your driveway project stays within budget while delivering lasting results. Use our calculators to determine exact material needs and explore cost-saving strategies like DIY installation and bulk purchasing.

For additional cost-saving tips and installation techniques, visit This Old House's gravel driveway resource.