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Expert Guide: How Much Is Gravel By The Yard? Know Costs
The cost of gravel per yard can vary quite a bit, but you can often expect to pay somewhere between $20 and $60 for one cubic yard of basic gravel or crushed stone. This price is just for the material itself, picked up at the quarry or supply yard. Many things can change this price, like the type of gravel, where you live, and how much you buy. This guide will break down what affects the price so you can figure out your project costs better.
Pinpointing Cost Influences
Many things make the price of gravel go up or down. Knowing these helps you guess the final cost more accurately.
Type and Quality of Gravel
Not all gravel is the same. Different kinds have different costs.
* Size and Shape: Smaller gravel or gravel with a very specific shape (like rounded pea gravel) might cost more than basic crushed stone cost per yard. Very large stones also cost more.
* Material: Crushed rock (like limestone, granite, trap rock) is common and often cheaper. Decorative stones (like river rock, lava rock, marble chips) cost much more.
* Color: Plain gray crushed stone is standard. Special colors cost extra.
* Washing: Washed gravel (where dirt and fine particles are rinsed off) costs more than unwashed gravel. Washed gravel is better for drainage and looks cleaner.
Where You Live
Your location matters a lot.
* Quarry Distance: How far is the gravel source from your home? Gravel from a local quarry is cheaper than gravel shipped from far away.
* Local Demand: If many building projects are happening nearby, gravel demand is high, and prices may rise.
* Regional stone types: Some areas have lots of cheap limestone. Others might have more expensive granite or trap rock readily available.
How Much You Buy
Buying more usually means a lower price per yard or per ton.
* Small Amount: Buying just a few yards (less than 5-10) often has a higher cost per yard.
* Bulk Purchase: Buying large amounts (like 10 yards or more, or many tons) usually gets you a bulk gravel price discount. Suppliers want to sell a full truckload. The bulk crushed stone price is typically lower per unit than buying small amounts.
Delivery or Pickup
Getting the gravel to your home is a big cost.
* Pickup: If you pick up the gravel yourself with a truck or trailer, you save the gravel delivery cost. But you need the right vehicle and might need many trips.
* Delivery: Suppliers charge extra to bring the gravel to you. This fee depends on distance, how much you buy, and the type of truck needed. Gravel delivery cost can sometimes be as much as the gravel itself for small orders far away.
Time of Year
Sometimes, the time of year can affect prices slightly, though this is less common than other factors. Spring and summer are busy project times, which can sometimes lead to higher demand.
Deciphering Gravel Varieties and Their Costs
Let’s look at some common types of gravel and what they might cost per cubic yard. Remember, these are just estimates. Always get a quote from a local supplier.
Basic Crushed Stone
This is the most common type. It comes in many sizes. It’s used for driveways, paths, backfill, and drainage.
* Sizes: Common sizes are 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/2 inch, and 2-3 inches. Smaller sizes often compact better for surfaces. Larger sizes are good for drainage.
* Material: Usually limestone, granite, or trap rock.
* Uses: Driveways, roads, foundation backfill, drainage.
* Cost Range: Often falls in the $20 to $50 per yard range, depending on size and location. Crushed stone cost per yard is usually on the lower end of gravel types. Bulk crushed stone price is the most economical way to buy it.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel has small, rounded stones, usually about 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch in size. It feels soft underfoot and looks nice.
* Uses: Pathways, playgrounds, garden beds, decorative ground cover, dog runs.
* Look: Smooth texture, often has a mix of natural colors (browns, grays, whites).
* Cost Range: Pea gravel price per yard is often slightly higher than basic crushed stone. Expect $30 to $75 per yard. It’s washed, which adds to the cost.
Drainage Stone (e.g., #57 Stone)
This is a specific size of crushed stone, often around 3/4 inch. It’s good for water to flow through easily because the stones are uniform in size and don’t have fines (small sand-like particles).
* Uses: Drainage projects, behind retaining walls, septic systems, base for concrete slabs.
* Cost Range: Similar to basic crushed stone, maybe $25 to $55 per yard. It’s a type of crushed stone cost per yard.
Driveway Gravel Mixes
Some suppliers sell special mixes designed for driveways. These often contain a mix of crushed stone sizes and fines to help compact into a firm surface. Common sizes are 3/4 inch or 1 inch minus (meaning particles up to that size, including smaller ones and fines).
* Uses: Building or repairing driveways and unpaved roads.
* Cost Range: Driveway gravel cost is typically in the $20 to $50 per yard range, similar to basic crushed stone. The exact mix affects the price.
Landscaping Gravel (Decorative)
This covers many types of gravel that are chosen more for looks than function, though some serve both purposes.
* Types: River rock (larger, rounded stones), lava rock (lightweight, porous), decomposed granite (fine, sandy), crushed marble, various colored stones.
* Uses: Garden beds, pathways, accents, water features.
* Cost Range: Landscaping gravel cost varies greatly. Decomposed granite might be $35-$75 per yard. River rock can be $50-$150+ per yard depending on size. Other specialty stones can be much more, sometimes $200+ per yard.
Here is a simple table showing estimated costs for different types:
| Gravel Type | Common Sizes | Typical Use Cases | Estimated Cost Per Yard (Material Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Crushed Stone | 3/4″, 1″, 2-3″ | Driveways, paths, backfill, base layers | $20 – $50 |
| Pea Gravel | 3/8″ – 1/2″ | Walkways, playgrounds, garden beds, decorative | $30 – $75 |
| Drainage Stone (#57) | 3/4″ | Drainage, retaining walls, septic | $25 – $55 |
| Driveway Mix | 3/4″ or 1″ Minus | Driveways, unpaved roads | $20 – $50 |
| Landscaping (River) | 1″ – 6″+ | Decorative beds, water features | $50 – $150+ |
| Landscaping (Other) | Decomposed Granite, etc | Pathways, garden accents, specialized looks | $35 – $200+ |
(Note: These are broad estimates. Your local prices may be higher or lower.)
Grasping Purchase Methods
You can buy gravel in a few main ways. The best way depends on how much you need.
Buying by the Cubic Yard
This is a common way to buy gravel, especially for smaller to medium-sized projects.
* What it means: A cubic yard is a cube that is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet high. This volume is 27 cubic feet (3 x 3 x 3 = 27).
* When to buy this way: Good for projects needing just a few yards, like a small path, a garden bed, or fixing a pothole.
* Pricing: Suppliers list the cost of gravel per yard.
Buying by the Ton
For larger projects, buying by the ton is often how suppliers measure and sell gravel.
* What it means: A ton is a measure of weight (2000 pounds).
* When to buy this way: Common for driveways, large landscaping jobs, or commercial projects where large amounts are needed.
* Pricing: Suppliers list the gravel price per ton.
* Relation to Yards: It’s important to know how much does a yard of gravel weigh. The weight of a yard of gravel changes based on the type of stone, its size, and how wet it is. A typical estimate is that one cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,400 to 3,000 pounds, or 1.2 to 1.5 tons. So, one ton is roughly 2/3 to 4/5 of a cubic yard. Buying by the ton can sometimes seem cheaper per unit, but you get less volume compared to a yard. Always check both prices if possible and convert them to compare fairly.
Buying in Bulk
Buying in bulk means ordering a large quantity, often many yards or tons.
* When to buy this way: For big projects like long driveways, large parking areas, or commercial work.
* Benefit: You usually get a lower bulk gravel price or bulk crushed stone price per unit because the supplier sells a full truckload (or more). This makes the material cost cheaper, even if the delivery cost is higher.
Calculating Your Gravel Quantity
Before you buy, you need to know how much gravel you need. Buying too little means delays and extra delivery fees. Buying too much wastes money.
Simple Calculation Steps
You need to know the size of the area you want to cover and how deep you want the gravel.
1. Measure the Area: Measure the length and width of your project area in feet.
2. Decide the Depth: Figure out how many inches deep you need the gravel layer. Common depths for driveways are 4-6 inches, for paths 2-4 inches, and for decorative areas 2-3 inches.
3. Convert Depth to Feet: Divide the depth in inches by 12 to get the depth in feet. (Example: 4 inches / 12 = 0.33 feet)
4. Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Multiply the length by the width by the depth in feet.
* Volume (cubic feet) = Length (feet) × Width (feet) × Depth (feet)
5. Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
* Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
6. Add for Settling/Waste: Gravel compacts after being put down. Some also gets spread too thin or lost. Add 10-15% to your calculated volume to be safe.
Example Calculation
Let’s say you want to build a driveway gravel path that is 50 feet long and 10 feet wide, and you want the gravel to be 4 inches deep.
- Length = 50 feet
- Width = 10 feet
- Depth = 4 inches
- Convert depth to feet: 4 inches / 12 = 0.33 feet (approx)
- Calculate volume in cubic feet: 50 feet × 10 feet × 0.33 feet = 165 cubic feet
- Convert to cubic yards: 165 cubic feet / 27 = 6.1 cubic yards (approx)
- Add 10% for settling/waste: 6.1 + (6.1 × 0.10) = 6.1 + 0.61 = 6.71 cubic yards.
- You should order about 7 cubic yards of gravel.
Quick Reference Table (Approximate Yards Needed)
This table gives rough estimates for common project sizes based on a 4-inch depth. Adjust for different depths.
| Area Size (Square Feet) | Approximate Yards Needed (4 inches deep) |
|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 1.3 yards |
| 200 sq ft | 2.5 yards |
| 500 sq ft | 6.2 yards |
| 1000 sq ft | 12.3 yards |
| 2000 sq ft | 24.7 yards |
(Note: These are estimates. Always calculate your specific needs and add a little extra.)
For landscaping gravel cost for decorative beds, you might use a shallower depth (2-3 inches). Adjust your calculation accordingly.
Interpreting Gravel Delivery Fees
Getting gravel brought to your home adds a significant cost. The gravel delivery cost is often calculated separately from the material price.
How Delivery Costs Are Figured
Suppliers look at a few things when setting the delivery price:
* Distance: The main factor is how far the quarry or yard is from your project location. They charge per mile or use distance zones.
* Quantity: Delivering a full truckload is usually more cost-effective per yard than delivering a small amount. Some suppliers have a minimum delivery amount.
* Truck Size: Bigger trucks can carry more material, but might have trouble with narrow driveways or soft ground. Smaller trucks cost less to run but carry less.
* Access: If your property is hard to reach, has steep hills, or the dump spot is far from where the truck can park, this can add to the cost or even make delivery impossible.
* Time: If the driver has to wait a long time to dump or navigate a difficult site, they might charge extra.
Typical Delivery Fees
Delivery can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 or more per load.
* Local deliveries (within 5-10 miles) might have a flat fee ($50-$100).
* Deliveries further away will cost more, perhaps $10-$20 per mile.
* Often, the delivery fee is per truckload, not per yard. So, filling the truck is more cost-effective than paying the same delivery fee for a half-empty truck.
When asking for a quote, make sure you ask about the gravel delivery cost as a separate line item. It can change the total price a lot.
Comparing Price Quotes
Getting the best deal on gravel means shopping around. Don’t just call the first place you find.
Where to Get Quotes
- Local Quarries/Gravel Pits: Often have the lowest material price because you are buying directly from the source.
- Landscape Supply Yards: Sell many types of gravel, soil, mulch, etc. Prices might be slightly higher than a quarry, but they might have more variety and better delivery service for smaller amounts.
- Big Box Home Improvement Stores: Sell gravel in bags or sometimes by the scoop. Bagged gravel is very expensive per yard. Buying by the scoop might work for tiny jobs but is less common for yards of material.
What to Ask For
When you call for prices, be ready with this information:
* Type of Gravel: Be specific (e.g., 3/4 inch crushed limestone, washed pea gravel).
* Quantity: How many cubic yards or tons do you need?
* Delivery Address: So they can calculate the gravel delivery cost.
* Dump Location: Tell them about access to your property.
Comparing Apples to Apples
- Make sure quotes are for the exact same type of gravel. Different types have different costs.
- Compare the total cost, which is the material cost plus the delivery cost. A cheaper material price is not a better deal if the delivery is very expensive.
- Ask if there are any extra fees (fuel surcharge, minimum order fees, etc.).
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Putting down gravel yourself can save money on labor, but it takes work.
Doing it Yourself (DIY)
- Pros: Saves the cost of hiring a crew. You control the timeline.
- Cons: Requires physical labor (shoveling, raking, wheelbarrow). You might need to rent equipment (skid steer, plate compactor). Proper base prep (digging, leveling, adding base layers if needed) is crucial and takes time and effort. Delivery can be tricky if the truck can’t dump exactly where you need it.
- Cost: Material cost + delivery cost + potential tool rental.
Hiring a Professional
- Pros: They handle the hard labor and have the right equipment for base prep and spreading. They can get large amounts delivered easily. They can ensure a proper, long-lasting result.
- Cons: Costs more because you pay for labor and equipment. This can add $500 to $2000 or more depending on the size and difficulty of the job.
- Cost: Material cost + delivery cost + labor cost.
For a small project (1-3 yards), DIY is very doable. For larger projects (10+ yards, like a full driveway), hiring a professional can save a lot of time and backache, and ensure the job is done right. Factor the driveway gravel cost plus installation when budgeting.
Frequent Questions Answered
Let’s look at some common things people ask about buying gravel.
What is the cheapest type of gravel?
Usually, basic crushed stone like limestone or granite, especially in common sizes like 3/4 inch or 1 inch, is the cheapest type of gravel per yard. This is what is often used for roads and driveways. The crushed stone cost per yard is generally the lowest material price.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
The amount needed depends on the size of the driveway (length and width) and the desired depth. For a typical driveway, a depth of 4-6 inches is often recommended. You would calculate the square footage, multiply by the depth in feet, and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A long driveway might need 10-30 cubic yards or even more. Use the calculation steps above or a gravel calculator tool online for a specific number. This directly impacts your total driveway gravel cost.
Can I pick up gravel myself?
Yes, if the supplier allows it and you have a strong enough truck or trailer. Many landscape yards and some quarries let you pick up small amounts (usually by the scoop or a fraction of a yard/ton). This saves the gravel delivery cost. Be aware of how much weight your vehicle can safely carry; a yard of gravel weighs over a ton (how much does a yard of gravel weigh is important here!).
How much does a ton of gravel cost?
The gravel price per ton varies like the price per yard. Basic crushed stone might cost $15 to $40 per ton. Specialty gravels will cost more per ton. Remember that a ton is less volume than a yard (1 yard ≈ 1.2 to 1.5 tons). So, $30/ton might be roughly equal to $36-$45/yard.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
For a new gravel driveway base, 4-6 inches of compacted gravel is standard. If you are just topping up an existing driveway, 1-2 inches might be enough. The deeper layer is needed for stability and drainage.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the yard or by the ton?
It depends on the supplier’s pricing structure and the type of gravel. Quarries often price by the ton. Landscape yards might price by the yard. You need to convert prices to compare accurately. Use the weight estimate (how much does a yard of gravel weigh, 1 yard ≈ 1.2-1.5 tons) to figure out the cost per unit volume (yard) or per unit weight (ton) for both. Often, for bulk amounts, the effective price per yard might be slightly less when buying by the ton, as the material is cheaper per ton, and you need slightly more than a ton to equal a yard. The bulk gravel price or bulk crushed stone price is generally the best value per unit, whether measured in yards or tons.
Getting gravel for your project involves more than just knowing the cost of gravel per yard. You need to think about the type you need, how much you need, and how you will get it to your site. By researching local suppliers and getting specific quotes, you can manage your budget and get the right material for your job.