Everything About How Much Is 1 Cubic Yard Of Gravel

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Everything About How Much Is 1 Cubic Yard Of Gravel

So, how much is 1 cubic yard of gravel? A cubic yard is a measure of volume, like a big box three feet wide, three feet long, and three feet high. The price per yard of gravel can change a lot, usually costing anywhere from about $15 to $75. This cost of gravel per cubic yard does not include getting it to you. The cubic yard of gravel weight is typically between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds. This means how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel is roughly 1.2 to 1.5 tons. The gravel coverage per yard depends on how deep you spread it, but one cubic yard often covers about 100 square feet at a two-inch depth. You can use a gravel calculator cubic yards tool to help figure out how much you need. We will look at bulk gravel prices, gravel delivery cost, types of gravel cost, and the difference between cubic yard vs ton gravel later on.

Getting a Grasp on the Cubic Yard

Imagine a box. This box is three feet wide. It is also three feet long. And it is three feet tall. That box is one cubic yard.

A yard is three feet. So a cubic yard is 3 feet * 3 feet * 3 feet. That is 27 cubic feet.

This is the standard way that loose materials like gravel are sold. You buy it by the volume. It is like buying milk by the gallon or soda by the liter. For gravel, the common unit is the cubic yard.

Why do sellers use cubic yards? It is because gravel is not always the same weight. Wet gravel weighs more than dry gravel. Big stones have more air space between them than small stones. Selling by volume makes things fairer. You get a set amount of space filled with gravel, no matter how much it weighs that day.

Visualizing a Cubic Yard

It can be hard to picture 27 cubic feet. Let’s try some ways to see it in your mind.

• Think of a standard washing machine. A cubic yard is roughly the size of about four to five washing machines put together.
• Think of the bed of a small pickup truck. A cubic yard fills up a good part of a short truck bed. Sometimes it might fill it completely or even overflow a little.
• Think of large trash cans. It is like filling up about eight to ten large 30-gallon trash cans with gravel.

Seeing this helps you understand the amount of gravel you are getting when you buy one cubic yard. It is a good amount for many small to medium home projects.

Unpacking the Cost of One Cubic Yard of Gravel

Now, let’s talk money. How much will one cubic yard of gravel cost you? The simple answer is: it changes. It is not a fixed price. Many things make the price go up or down.

As we said, the cost of gravel per cubic yard can range from about $15 to $75. This is a wide range. Why so wide? Let’s look at the reasons.

Factors Changing the Price per Yard of Gravel

Several key things affect the price per yard of gravel:

• Where it comes from: Gravel is dug out of the ground. If the place where it is dug is close to you, the cost is lower. If it has to travel a long way, the cost goes up a lot because of gas and truck time.
• The type of gravel: There are many kinds of gravel. Some are just crushed stone. Some are smooth river rocks. Some have special colors. Some are made from recycled materials like concrete. Different types need different work to make them ready. This changes their cost. We will talk more about types of gravel cost later.
• How much you buy: If you buy a lot of gravel at once, the cost of gravel per cubic yard usually goes down. This is bulk gravel prices. Buying one yard costs more per yard than buying ten yards.
• The supplier: Different places that sell gravel have different prices. A big quarry might have lower prices than a small landscape yard. Shopping around helps.
• Time of year: Sometimes, prices might change based on the season or how busy the suppliers are.
• Local demand: If many people in your area want gravel, the price might be higher.

Let’s look closer at some of these.

Bulk Gravel Prices

Buying gravel in bulk means buying a large amount. Usually, this is several cubic yards or many tons. When you buy in bulk, the seller can give you a better deal on each cubic yard.

Why is bulk cheaper per yard?
* The seller spends less time on one large order than on many small orders.
* Putting a lot of gravel in one truck is more efficient than putting small amounts in many trucks.
* They might be more willing to offer a discount to move large amounts of material.

So, if you need gravel for a big driveway or a large patio area, buying several cubic yards at once will save you money per yard compared to buying just one yard. Always ask for the bulk gravel prices if you need more than a few yards.

What the Price Usually Includes

The price you see advertised for a cubic yard of gravel is typically just for the gravel itself. It does not include:

• Delivery: Getting the gravel to your house or project site costs extra. Gravel delivery cost is a big part of the total bill.
• Taxes: Sales tax is usually added.
• Fees: Some places might have small fees.

So, when you ask, “How much is 1 cubic yard of gravel?”, remember that the price of the material is just one part. You need to add in the cost to get it to you.

Figuring Out the Weight of a Cubic Yard of Gravel

While gravel is sold by volume (the cubic yard), its weight is also important. You need to know the cubic yard of gravel weight for several reasons:

• To know if your truck or trailer can carry it.
• To know if a delivery truck can safely drive on your driveway.
• To figure out how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel, especially if you are comparing prices sold by the ton.

Typical Cubic Yard of Gravel Weight

On average, one cubic yard of gravel weighs between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds.

Why is there a range? Like the cost, the weight changes based on a few things:

• Type of rock: Different rocks have different densities. Granite is heavier than limestone.
• Size of the gravel pieces: Smaller gravel pieces pack together more tightly. This means less air space. Less air space means more rock in the cubic yard volume, so it weighs more. Larger stones have bigger gaps between them, meaning more air, so the cubic yard weighs less.
• Moisture level: This is a big one. Wet gravel weighs much more than dry gravel. If it has been raining, a cubic yard will be heavier.

Let’s use an average. A common average cubic yard of gravel weight is about 2,700 pounds.

How Many Tons in a Cubic Yard of Gravel?

Knowing the weight in pounds helps you figure out the weight in tons. One standard ton is 2,000 pounds.

So, if a cubic yard of gravel weighs 2,700 pounds:
2,700 pounds / 2,000 pounds/ton = 1.35 tons.

This means that typically, how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel is somewhere around 1.2 to 1.5 tons. Using 1.35 tons is a good estimate for planning.

This is key when comparing cubic yard vs ton gravel prices. If someone sells gravel for $40 per cubic yard and another place sells the same type for $30 per ton, which is cheaper?

Let’s figure it out:
* Place 1: $40 per cubic yard. This is like paying $40 for about 1.35 tons.
* Place 2: $30 per ton.

To compare, let’s see how much 1.35 tons costs at Place 2:
1.35 tons * $30/ton = $40.50.

In this example, the price per cubic yard ($40) is slightly cheaper than buying the same amount by weight ($40.50). However, this depends completely on the actual weight of that specific cubic yard and the prices offered. Always know the typical weight for the gravel type you want if comparing prices this way.

Why Weight Matters for Hauling

Knowing the cubic yard of gravel weight is vital if you plan to pick it up yourself.

• Check your vehicle’s payload capacity. This is the maximum weight your truck or trailer can safely carry, including the weight of the trailer itself if you are using one, and yourself!
• A half-ton pickup truck (like a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500) can usually carry around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds safely.
• A one-ton pickup truck (like an F-350, Silverado 3500, Ram 3500) can carry much more, sometimes over 3,000 pounds.
• Even if your truck can handle the weight, the volume of a cubic yard might still be too much for a short bed.

Trying to carry too much weight is dangerous. It affects steering and braking. It can also damage your vehicle’s suspension, tires, and frame. It’s often safer and easier to get the gravel delivered, especially if you need more than a small amount or have a smaller truck.

How Far One Cubic Yard of Gravel Spreads

You know the volume, and you know the weight. Now, how much ground does it cover? Knowing the gravel coverage per yard is super important for planning your project and figuring out how much to order.

The area a cubic yard covers depends entirely on one main thing: the depth you spread it.

Think of it like frosting a cake. A small amount of frosting spreads far if you put it on thin. If you pile it on thick, it covers only a small spot. Gravel is the same.

Calculating Gravel Coverage Per Yard

A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. To find the coverage area, you divide the total volume by the depth you plan to spread it.

Volume = Area * Depth
So, Area = Volume / Depth

We need to make sure all units match. If our volume is in cubic feet (27), our depth must be in feet too.

Common depths for gravel projects:
* 1 inch = 1/12 foot (about 0.083 feet)
* 2 inches = 2/12 foot = 1/6 foot (about 0.167 feet)
* 3 inches = 3/12 foot = 1/4 foot (0.25 feet)
* 4 inches = 4/12 foot = 1/3 foot (about 0.333 feet)
* 6 inches = 6/12 foot = 1/2 foot (0.5 feet)

Let’s calculate the gravel coverage per yard for common depths:

• At 1 inch deep:
  Coverage = 27 cubic feet / (1/12 foot) = 27 * 12 = 324 square feet.
  This depth is often used for decorative paths or light top dressing.
• At 2 inches deep:
  Coverage = 27 cubic feet / (2/12 foot) = 27 * 6 = 162 square feet.
  This is a common depth for walkways and low-traffic areas. It helps stop weeds and provides a good base.
• At 3 inches deep:
  Coverage = 27 cubic feet / (3/12 foot) = 27 * 4 = 108 square feet.
  This depth is often used for driveways or areas needing a more stable base. It helps stop stones from shifting too much.
• At 4 inches deep:
  Coverage = 27 cubic feet / (4/12 foot) = 27 * 3 = 81 square feet.
  For heavy-use driveways or parking areas, more depth is better.
• At 6 inches deep:
  Coverage = 27 cubic feet / (6/12 foot) = 27 * 2 = 54 square feet.
  This depth is usually only needed for very heavy loads or specific base layers.

Table of Coverage Estimates

Here is a simple table showing the approximate gravel coverage per yard at different depths:

Desired Depth	Depth in Feet	Approx. Coverage per Cubic Yard (Square Feet)
1 inch	0.083 ft	324 sq ft
2 inches	0.167 ft	162 sq ft
3 inches	0.25 ft	108 sq ft
4 inches	0.333 ft	81 sq ft
6 inches	0.5 ft	54 sq ft

Keep in mind these are estimates. The actual coverage can change based on:

• The type of gravel: Big, round stones don’t pack as tightly as small, angular stones. This affects the real volume needed.
• How level the ground is: If the ground is bumpy, you will need more gravel to make it level.
• Compaction: When you walk or drive on the gravel, or use a compactor, it will settle. This makes the layer thinner, so you might need more gravel initially or later to top it up.

Using a Gravel Calculator Cubic Yards

To figure out exactly how much gravel you need for your project, it’s best to use a gravel calculator cubic yards.

How they work:
1. You measure the length and width of the area you want to cover.
2. You decide how deep you want the gravel to be.
3. You type these numbers into the calculator tool online.
4. The calculator does the math for you. It tells you how many cubic yards you should order.

Most online calculators will ask for your measurements in feet or inches. They will ask for the depth in inches. They then convert everything to cubic feet and divide by 27 to give you the cubic yards.

Example: You want to cover a driveway that is 50 feet long and 10 feet wide. You want the gravel to be 4 inches deep.
1. Area = Length * Width = 50 ft * 10 ft = 500 square feet.
2. Depth in feet = 4 inches / 12 inches/foot = 1/3 foot.
3. Volume needed in cubic feet = Area * Depth = 500 sq ft * (1/3) ft = 500/3 cubic feet = 166.67 cubic feet.
4. Volume needed in cubic yards = 166.67 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard = 6.17 cubic yards.

So, for this project, you would need a little over 6 cubic yards. Since you can’t usually buy parts of a cubic yard easily, you would likely round up and order 6.5 or 7 cubic yards to be safe. Using a gravel calculator cubic yards takes the guesswork out of this.

Comparing Cubic Yard vs Ton Gravel

Sometimes gravel is sold by the cubic yard (volume). Sometimes it is sold by the ton (weight). Knowing the difference between cubic yard vs ton gravel helps you compare prices fairly.

• Cubic Yard: Measures the space the gravel fills (27 cubic feet).
• Ton: Measures how much the gravel weighs (2,000 pounds).

As we talked about, a cubic yard of gravel usually weighs between 1.2 and 1.5 tons. This is the link between the two units.

When is Gravel Sold by the Cubic Yard?

Most of the time, for smaller projects or when buying from landscape supply yards, gravel is sold by the cubic yard. This is because it’s easier for them to load a set volume into your truck or a delivery truck. They fill a loader bucket that they know holds a certain volume, or they measure the volume in the truck bed.

When is Gravel Sold by the Ton?

Often, large quarries or suppliers who sell huge amounts (like for road building) sell gravel by the ton. When you buy many tons, the weight is measured directly on a scale as the truck drives onto it. This is very accurate for large quantities.

Which Unit is Better?

Neither unit is strictly “better.” You just need to know how to compare them if you get prices in both units.

1. Get the Price: Ask the seller for the price per yard of gravel (cubic yard) or the price per ton.
2. Find the Average Weight: Ask the seller the average weight of a cubic yard for the specific type of gravel you want. If they don’t know, use a general estimate (like 2,700 lbs or 1.35 tons).
3. Convert:
   • If you have the price per cubic yard, divide that price by the average weight in tons (e.g., $40 / 1.35 tons = $29.63 per ton).
   • If you have the price per ton, multiply that price by the average weight in tons (e.g., $30/ton * 1.35 tons = $40.50 per cubic yard).
4. Compare: Now you have both prices in the same unit (either per cubic yard or per ton) and can see which one is cheaper.

Remember that the weight can change based on moisture. If you buy by the ton when the gravel is wet, you are paying for the water weight. If you buy by the cubic yard when it’s wet, you still get the same volume of gravel, but it weighs more.

For most home projects, buying by the cubic yard is more common and often simpler to figure out how much you need based on the area and depth.

Surveying Different Types of Gravel and Their Cost

Not all gravel is the same. There are many kinds, and the types of gravel cost vary quite a bit. The type you choose depends on what you need it for.

Here are some common types of gravel and how they are often used, along with a general idea of their cost relative to each other (from less costly to more costly).

Less Costly Gravel Types

• Crushed Stone (e.g., #57 Stone): This is one of the most common and affordable types. It is made by crushing larger rocks. The pieces are angular (sharp edges) and lock together well, making a good base for driveways, paths, and drainage.

  • Typical Use: Driveways, walkways, drainage, pipe bedding, base layers.
  • Cost: Usually on the lower end of the $15-$75 per cubic yard range.

• Pea Gravel: These are small, round, smooth stones, usually about 1/8 to 3/8 inch in size. They are naturally rounded by water. They come in many colors. They do not lock together like crushed stone because they are round.

  • Typical Use: Garden paths, playgrounds, decorative ground cover, dog runs.
  • Cost: Often a bit more than basic crushed stone, in the low to middle of the range.

• Decomposed Granite (DG): This is granite that has broken down into very small pieces and dust. When wet and compacted, it forms a firm, stable surface.

  • Typical Use: Walkways, patios, unpaved driveways, bocce ball courts.
  • Cost: Can be similar to or slightly more than crushed stone, in the low to middle range.

Middle Cost Gravel Types

• River Rock: These are larger, smooth, round stones found in riverbeds. They come in various sizes (from small pebbles up to several inches) and natural colors. They are mainly used for decoration or ground cover where drainage is needed but a walkable surface is not the main goal.

  • Typical Use: Landscaping beds, drainage areas, decorative features around trees or patios.
  • Cost: Generally in the middle to upper-middle of the cost range, especially for larger sizes or specific color mixes.

• Washed Gravel: This is gravel that has been washed to remove fine particles like sand and silt. It’s cleaner than unwashed gravel. Washed gravel types might include crushed stone or pea gravel that has gone through a washing process. The washing adds to the cost.

  • Typical Use: Concrete mix, drainage, decorative uses where cleanliness is important.
  • Cost: Higher than the same type of gravel unwashed.

Higher Cost Gravel Types

• Specialty Gravels: These include gravels made from specific types of stone known for unique colors (like white marble chips, red lava rock) or properties. Recycled materials like crushed brick or concrete can also be considered specialty, though sometimes recycled concrete is less expensive depending on location.

  • Typical Use: Highly decorative landscaping, specific architectural styles, unique ground cover.
  • Cost: Can be significantly higher, often in the upper part of the $15-$75 range or even higher depending on the material’s rarity and processing.

• Drainage Stone (Larger Sizes): While #57 crushed stone is used for drainage, larger sizes like #3 or #4 stone (pieces up to 2-3 inches) cost more because they are less commonly produced and used.

  • Typical Use: French drains, septic systems, areas needing very fast water runoff.
  • Cost: Higher than smaller crushed stone sizes.

When considering the cost of gravel per cubic yard, always ask what type of gravel that price is for. A low price might be for basic crushed stone, while a much higher price might be for decorative river rock or a specific color.

The Cost of Getting Your Gravel Home

You’ve picked your gravel type and figured out how much you need in cubic yards. Now, how do you get it? You can pick it up yourself, or you can have it delivered. Gravel delivery cost is a major part of the total expense.

Picking Up Gravel Yourself

If you have a truck or can borrow one, and you only need one or two cubic yards (checking your truck’s weight limit!), picking it up can save you money on delivery fees.

Steps:
1. Call the supplier to make sure they can load your vehicle safely.
2. Drive to the supplier (quarry or landscape yard).
3. They load the gravel into your truck bed using a machine.
4. You pay for the gravel and drive it home.

Remember the cubic yard of gravel weight (2400-3000 lbs) and your truck’s limit. One cubic yard is often too heavy for smaller half-ton trucks. Plus, the volume might make it messy or unsafe to haul.

Having Gravel Delivered

For most people and most projects needing more than a very small amount, getting the gravel delivered is the easiest and safest option. However, it adds to your total cost of gravel per cubic yard.

Factors that change the gravel delivery cost:

• Distance: This is usually the biggest factor. The farther you live from the supplier, the more delivery costs. They have to pay for gas, the driver’s time, and wear and tear on the truck.
• Amount of gravel: Some suppliers charge a flat fee for delivery up to a certain amount (e.g., up to 10 or 15 cubic yards). If you need more, they might need multiple truckloads, and each trip adds to the cost. Or, they might charge a lower per-yard delivery fee for larger orders.
• Type of truck needed: A large dump truck costs more to run than a smaller truck.
• Access to your property: Can a large dump truck easily get to where you want the gravel dumped? Are there narrow driveways, low trees, or soft spots? Difficult access can increase the cost or even make delivery impossible to a specific spot. The driver needs a safe place to lift the bed and dump the heavy load.
• Fuel prices: When gas costs more, delivery costs usually go up.

Estimating Gravel Delivery Cost

Delivery fees can range widely, from $30-$50 for a very short distance to $200-$400 or even more for longer trips or larger trucks.

Some suppliers have a minimum purchase for delivery (e.g., 3 cubic yards). Some include delivery in their bulk gravel prices if you order a large enough amount.

Always get a clear quote for the gravel delivery cost before you order. Add this to the price per yard of gravel to get your total cost per cubic yard brought to your site.

Example:
* Gravel price: $40 per cubic yard
* Delivery fee: $100 for one truckload (holds up to 10 cubic yards)
* If you buy 1 cubic yard: Total cost = $40 (gravel) + $100 (delivery) = $140. The cost with delivery is $140 per cubic yard.
* If you buy 5 cubic yards: Total cost = 5 * $40 (gravel) + $100 (delivery) = $200 + $100 = $300. The cost with delivery is $300 / 5 yards = $60 per cubic yard.
* If you buy 10 cubic yards: Total cost = 10 * $40 (gravel) + $100 (delivery) = $400 + $100 = $500. The cost with delivery is $500 / 10 yards = $50 per cubic yard.

This example clearly shows how buying more at once can lower the overall cost of gravel per cubic yard including delivery, because you spread the delivery fee over more yards.

Crafting Your Project Plan

Planning is key before you order gravel. A gravel calculator cubic yards tool is your friend here.

Steps for planning:
1. Measure Your Area: Use a tape measure to find the length and width of the area you want to cover. If it’s not a simple rectangle, break it into smaller shapes and add them up.
2. Choose Your Depth: Decide how deep you want the gravel. Consider how the area will be used. Walkways might need 2-3 inches. Driveways often need 3-4 inches or even more if it’s the main base.
3. Use a Calculator: Plug your measurements and desired depth into a gravel calculator cubic yards online. This gives you an estimate of the cubic yards needed.
4. Add a Little Extra: It is almost always better to order slightly more gravel than the calculator says. Things happen: the ground isn’t perfectly flat, some gravel gets spread thinner than planned, some might sink or blow away over time. Ordering 10-15% extra is wise. You can always use leftover gravel elsewhere. Running out means paying for another delivery fee just for a small amount.
5. Consider the Type: Reconfirm the types of gravel cost for the options you are considering. Make sure the type is right for your project (e.g., crushed stone for a driveway base, pea gravel for a path).
6. Factor in Delivery: Get quotes for the gravel delivery cost. This helps you decide if buying more at once for bulk gravel prices makes sense, even if you have a little extra material leftover.

Thinking through these steps helps you order the right amount and budget accurately.

Deciphering Why Costs Change

Let’s look again at the main reasons the cost of gravel per cubic yard is not a single number. It helps to summarize.

• Source and Distance: Where the gravel comes from is critical. Quarries mine it. The closer the quarry or supplier is to you, the lower the cost generally, especially when you add in delivery.
• Gravel Type and Quality: The specific rock type (limestone, granite, etc.), its size (pea gravel, #57, river rock), and how it is processed (washed, crushed) all impact the price. Some types are harder to find or cost more to prepare. Types of gravel cost is a key variable.
• Quantity Purchased: Buying in larger amounts lowers the per-yard cost due to bulk gravel prices. Suppliers want to move large volumes.
• Delivery Needs: Getting the gravel to your site adds a gravel delivery cost. This fee depends on distance, how much you order, and site access. It can add a lot to the per-yard price, especially for small orders.
• Market Conditions: Like anything else, the price of gravel can be affected by how much people want it (demand), how easily suppliers can get it (supply), and the cost of fuel to move it.

So, when you hear someone say, “I paid $X per cubic yard for gravel,” ask them what kind it was, how much they bought, and if that price included delivery. These details explain why their price might be different from yours.

Using a gravel calculator cubic yards tool gives you the volume needed. Then you must apply the current local price per yard of gravel (considering quantity discounts) and add the gravel delivery cost to get your true total project material cost. Knowing the cubic yard of gravel weight and how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel is useful for delivery and comparing prices but the final purchase is usually based on volume or weight depending on the supplier and quantity.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Cubic Yard of Gravel

Here are some common questions people ask when buying gravel.

Q: Is a cubic yard of gravel enough for a small driveway?
A: It depends on the size of the driveway and how deep you want the gravel. A cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. A small one-car driveway might be 10 feet by 20 feet (200 sq ft). At 3 inches deep, you would need about 2 cubic yards (200 sq ft / 108 sq ft/cubic yard ≈ 1.85, round up). So, one cubic yard is likely not enough for a standard small driveway, but it might be enough for a short extension or parking pad.

Q: How much space does one cubic yard of gravel take up when dumped?
A: When a dump truck drops one cubic yard, it forms a pile. The exact shape of the pile changes based on the gravel size and type. It will be roughly a mound that is several feet wide and perhaps 2-3 feet high. It is smaller than it seems in the truck, but still a noticeable pile you will need to spread.

Q: Can I fit one cubic yard of gravel in my standard pickup truck?
A: You might be able to fit the volume (a 3x3x3 foot box), but the weight is the main issue. One cubic yard weighs 2400-3000 pounds. Most half-ton pickup trucks can only carry 1000-1500 pounds safely. Even a one-ton truck might be pushing its limits with a full wet cubic yard. It’s often too much weight for a standard consumer truck. Always check your truck’s payload capacity.

Q: Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the cubic yard or by the ton?
A: The cost per unit might look different (cost of gravel per cubic yard vs price per ton). You need to know the cubic yard of gravel weight for that specific type of gravel (e.g., 1.35 tons per cubic yard) and then compare the price per unit after converting one to match the other. Sometimes one is cheaper, sometimes the other, depending on the supplier and current market prices.

Q: How does the type of gravel affect coverage?
A: While the cubic yard volume is fixed (27 cubic feet), the way different gravel types pack can slightly change real-world coverage. Gravel with angular pieces (#57 stone) packs more densely than round pea gravel or large river rock. This means that a cubic yard of angular gravel might cover slightly less area at the same stated depth because there are fewer air pockets compared to round gravel. However, for simple planning using a gravel calculator cubic yards, the standard depth calculations are usually accurate enough.

Q: Does the price of gravel change often?
A: Yes, the price per yard of gravel can change. Fuel costs affect delivery. Demand goes up in the spring and summer when people do projects. Suppliers’ costs for mining and processing can change. It is always best to get a current quote when you are ready to buy.

Q: How does delivery work? Will they spread the gravel for me?
A: Gravel delivery cost usually just covers getting the gravel to your location and dumping it from the truck. The driver will need a safe place to dump the load. They will not spread the gravel for you. You will need to spread it yourself with shovels and rakes or hire someone to do it.

Summing It Up

A single cubic yard of gravel is a set volume of material. It fills a 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot box. The cost of gravel per cubic yard can vary widely, from around $15 to $75 or more, based on the type of gravel, where it comes from, and how much you buy (bulk gravel prices).

Knowing the cubic yard of gravel weight is important, usually between 2400 and 3000 pounds, meaning how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel is roughly 1.2 to 1.5 tons. This helps you compare cubic yard vs ton gravel prices and figure out if you can haul it yourself.

The gravel coverage per yard depends directly on how deep you spread it. It covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep or over 300 square feet at 1 inch deep. Using a gravel calculator cubic yards tool is the best way to figure out how much you need for your specific project area and depth.

Finally, always remember to factor in the gravel delivery cost, which can add a lot to the total price, especially for smaller orders. By considering these points, you can better plan your project and budget for the real cost of getting the gravel you need.