Written by
Tom Grupa
Gravel driveway cost
A gravel driveway costs$1 to $3 per square footto install. A 12×25 (1-car) gravel driveway costs$300 to $900, and a 24×24 (2-car) driveway is$600 to $1,800.
A 12×100 gravel road costs $1,200 to $3,600 or $4 to $12 per linear foot.
DIY driveway gravel prices are $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot or $10 to $50 per ton.
| Type | Size (W×L) | Average cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Car gravel driveway | 12×25 | $300 – $900 |
| 2-Car gravel driveway | 24×24 | $600 – $1,800 |
| 3-Car gravel driveway | 30x24 | $720 – $2,200 |
| Gravel driveway grid | 24×24 | $1,700 – $4,000 |
| Resin-bound driveway | 24×24 | $4,000 – $6,300 |
| Tar and chip driveway | 24×24 | $1,200 – $2,900 |
| 100' gravel road | 12×100 | $540 – $1,000 |
| 250' gravel road | 12×250 | $1,350 – $2,500 |
| 500' gravel road | 12×250 | $2,700 – $5,000 |
*Costs depend on the size and depth, gravel type, soil conditions, labor, excavation, grading, permits, and optional grid stabilization.
Gravel is a popular paving choice for long driveways because it's cheaper than asphalt and concrete, comes in many colors, eco-friendly, and adds curb appeal.
A gravel driveway with a well-built foundation lastsup to 100 yearsif well-maintained.
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Gravel driveway cost calculator
Enter the dimensions of your project in our gravel driveway calculator below to find the number of cubic yards required and the estimated total cost.
The primary cost factors for a gravel driveway are:
Site clearing & preparation – Tree removal, land clearing, excavation, and grading costs to prepare the base foundation
Gravel needed – Purchasing gravel by calculating layers and depth required based on soil conditions. Costs depend on rock type and gravel delivery fees.
Labor – Installation and labor costs for spreading and compacting the gravel and creating a drainage system
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Gravel driveway cost per square foot
The average cost to install a gravel driveway is$1.25 to $3.00 per square foot. Adding a porous paving system, grid, resin-bound, or tar and chip driveway for extra stabilization costs$3 to $12 per square footinstalled.
DIY gravel driveway materials cost$0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| DIY gravel driveway | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Average gravel driveway | $1.25 – $3.00 |
| Stabilized gravel driveway | $3.00 – $12.00 |
Cost to build a gravel road
The average cost to build a gravel road is$4 to $12 per linear foot, depending on the road width and depth, soil conditions, and choice of materials. Building a long private gravel road leading up to your property costs$21,000 to $65,000 per mile.
| Width | Cost per linear foot | Cost per mile |
|---|---|---|
| 9 feet | $4.05 – $7.47 | $21,400 – $39,400 |
| 12 feet | $5.40 – $9.96 | $28,500 – $52,600 |
| 15 feet | $6.75 – $12.45 | $35,600 – $65,700 |
A typical gravel roadway is12 inchesdeep with three layers of larger stones and gravel spread on top. Properties with a strong clay or stone foundation may only need base grading and3 to 4 inchesof gravel to create a stable road.
Some cities or counties require a permit to construct a gravel or dirt road. Permits start at$500.
Cost for gravel parking lot or pad
The cost for a gravel parking lot or pad is $3 to $5 per square footor about the same as constructing a new gravel driveway. A 10×20 gravel parking pad costs$600 to $1,000to build, depending on soil conditions, labor rates, and the type of rock used.
Commercial & farm gravel roads
Commercial and farm gravel roads cost$21,000 to $53,000 per mile, depending on the project size, location, and terrain.
Farm roads should be at least9 to 12 feet wide, have a raised surface in the center for drainage, and need a6-inchminimum sub-base foundation of crushed stone for stability.
Driveway gravel prices
Driveway gravel cost per ton & yard
Gravel pricesfor a driveway are$10 to $50 per tonor$15 to $75 per yard, depending on the rock type, volume ordered, and delivery fees. Driveway stone and rock costs$100 to $120 per toninstalled, including delivery, spreading, and compacting.
| Rock type | Per foot* | Per ton* | Per yard* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | $1.00 – $3.19 | $28 – $45 | $29 – $86 |
| White gravel | $2.77 – $4.80 | $52 – $184 | $75 – $129 |
| Black gravel / lava rock | $3.55 – $10.56 | $76 – $85 | $96 – $140 |
| Crushed limestone | $1.48 – $2.00 | $30 – $38 | $35 – $54 |
| Crusher run gravel | $0.50 – $2.00 | $24 – $34 | $51 – $54 |
| Sand & gravel (class 5) | $0.50 – $1.50 | $11 – $19 | $15 – $25 |
| Road base gravel | $1.00 – $1.50 | $18 – $30 | $25 – $33 |
| Crushed concrete | $0.59 – $2.79 | $11 – $53 | $16 – $75 |
| SB2 sub-base gravel | $1.41 – $2.30 | $27 – $31 | $38 – $62 |
| Crushed & recycled asphalt | $0.52 – $1.85 | $10 – $27 | $25 – $50 |
| Aggregate & drainage rock | $1.00 – $3.00 | $25 – $50 | $30 – $70 |
| Stone dust or screenings | $1.00 – $5.00 | $30 – $145 | $10 – $25 |
| Caliche or arizona gravel | $1.17 – $6.62 | $45 – $253 | $31 – $178 |
| Crushed or decomposed granite | $1.00 – $3.00 | $25 – $50 | $38 – $75 |
| Crushed marble | $0.80 – $1.50 | $27 – $64 | $35 – $80 |
| Quartz gravel | $3.00 – $10.00 | $69 – $95 | $100 – $150 |
| Steel slag rock gravel | $1.33 – $2.00 | $25 – $39 | $35 – $54 |
| Blue stone gravel | $2.74 – $5.74 | $52 – $109 | $74 – $155 |
| River rock | $1.74 – $2.59 | $33 – $49 | $47 – $70 |
| Crushed shells gravel | $0.53 – $4.44 | $10 – $86 | $14 – $120 |
| Pebble mix | $1.25 – $2.00 | $80 – $100 | $60 – $90 |
| Shale | $1.00 – $3.00 | $20 – $60 | $28 – $85 |
| Slate chips | $0.61 – $1.26 | $27 – $64 | $35 – $80 |
*Materials only. Not including installation.
Consult with a professional before selecting gravel.
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White or black gravel driveway
A white gravel driveway costs$2.77 to $4.80 per square foot,$30 to $120 per cubic yard, or$20 to $100 per tonfor stones up to 1". A white rock driveway is available in crushed granite, white quartz blends, limestone, and pea gravel. White gravel shimmers in the sunlight, causing a glare.
Black gravel driveway rocks ranging from 0.50" to 1" in size cost$3 to $10 per square foot,$96 to $140 per cubic yard, or$76 to $85 per ton. Black stones include lava rocks, basalt-pebble stones, crushed asphalt, granite chips, and basalt volcanic rock. Black gravel heats up in the summer.
Road base driveway cost
Using road rock as a base material for a gravel driveway costs$0.59 to $1.50 per square foot,$18 to $31 per ton, or$25 to $62 per cubic yard. Road rock, also known as caliche, is crushed limestone that installs over a geotextile fabric or geogrid, providing a stable foundation.
Pea gravel driveway
A pea gravel driveway costs$28 to $45 per ton,$29 to $86 per cubic yard, or$1 to $3 per cubic footfor materials only. Most pea gravel mixtures have a blend of stones in three or four colors. Pea gravel slides around and requires edging or pavers on the sides of the driveway.
Avoid using pea gravel for a driveway on an incline.
Crushed stone & limestone driveway cost
A crushed limestone driveway costs$1.50 to $2 per cubic foot,$40 to $54 per cubic yard, or$30 to $38 per tonfor up to 1" stones. Crushed stone gravel can come in any color, though most popular blends are in neutral, earth-toned colors.
Crushed shell driveway cost
A crushed shell driveway costs$0.50 to $4 per square foot,$14 to $120 per cubic yard, or$10 to $86 per ton. Crushed shells are cheapest in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Each cubic yard of crushed shells covers 100 square feet as a 3" surface layer over a compacted base-layer.
Seashells like clams, oysters, and scallops prevent the surface from forming ruts or potholes. Shells break down and compact evenly to create a stable and level surface. Avoid using crushed shells on an inclined driveway.
Caliche driveway & road
A caliche driveway is$1.17 to $6.62 per cubic foot,$31 to $178 per cubic yard, or$48 to $253 per ton. The cheapest caliche is available from the Southwestern United States. Caliche is as durable as limestone cement and makes a long-lasting driveway foundation.
Pebble stone driveway cost
Using pebble stones as the surface layer of a driveway costs$1.25 to $2 per square footor between$60 and $90 per ton. Pebble driveways promote drainage and won't become slippery when wet. Avoid using pebbles on driveways with a steep grade.
Crush & run driveway
Crush and run driveway costs are$1 to $2 per cubic foot,$51 to $54 per cubic yard, or$24 per ton or more. Top-layer crusher run stone is 0.75" rock with particles, like quarry process or #411 gravel. Crusher Run is also called quarry process (QP), dense-grade aggregate (DGA), and road stone.
Crusher run binds the surface layer together. By adding water and compacting, the stone hardens to create a cement-like, smooth driveway surface.
Blue stone driveway
A blue stone driveway costs$2 to $5 per cubic foot,$74 to $155 per cubic yard, or$50 to $100 per ton. A bluestone driveway is not as durable or heavy as granite but has excellent strength for a driveway. The light-colored sandstone variety helps retain moisture to keep a driveway cooler.
Shale driveway cost
Crushed shale driveways cost$28 to $85 per cubic yard,$1 to $3.15 per cubic foot, or$19.72 to $60 per ton, depending on the rock size. Slate chips look similar but are more durable.
Steel slag rock driveway
A steel slag driveway costs$1.33 to $2 per square foot,$35 to $54 per cubic yardor$25 to $39 per ton. Steel slag rock for driveways is often 1" to 1.25" long, though quarry process steel slag of 0.50" to dust is the cheapest. Steel slag is more durable than crushed limestone.
River rock driveway
A river rock driveway costs$1.74 to $2.59 per cubic foot,$47 to $70 per cubic yard, or$33 to $49 per ton. Most river rock comes in sizes from1 to 3 inchesand requires edging or another binder to hold the stones in place.
Learn more about thecosts of river rock.
SB2 gravel driveway
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SB2 gravel driveway prices are $1.41 to $2.30 per cubic foot,$38 to $62 per cubic yardand$27 to $31 per ton for rocksup to 4 inchesin size. Sub-base grey granite is also called #3 stone.
Cost factors to install gravel driveway
A gravel driveway requires a proper base-rock foundation, a sloped crown surface to promote runoff, ditches or trenches to channel water away, and the right type of gravel and depth.
Common cost factors include:
The type of stones, their sizes, and volume purchased
The length, width, and depth of the driveway
The soil's composition –Most subsoils need a geotextile fabric laid under the foundation and other prep work.
Edging materials to contain the gravel –Driveway curbing costs $5 to $18 per linear foot.
Preparing the land by excavating and grading
Permit costs depending on where you live
Additional costs for porous paving systems, such as a geogrid, resin-bound, or tar and chip driveway
Driveway gravel sizes
Driveway gravel sizes range from0.1"-10" in diameter, and the bigger sizes cost more. For the most durable driveway, install a 6" to 8" layer of large crushed stones as a sub-base. Then place smaller rocks in 4" layers on top of the sub-base, setting each layer with a roller compactor.
Site preparation
Preparing the land to build a driveway or road may include:
Removing an existing concrete driveway costs $2 to $6 per square foot.
Tree removal costs $150 to $500 for trees up to 30' tall, $300 to $1,000 for trees between 30 and 60 feet, and $650 to $2,000+ to cut down large trees over 60 feet.
Tree stump removal costs $2 to $6 per inch of diameter or $80 to $250 per stump.
Land clearing costs $400 per hour to build a long road or driveway.
Cost to excavate & grade a gravel driveway
Excavating andgrading a gravel driveway costs$700 to $2,500 on average.
Excavating costs$1 to $2 per square footfor a gravel driveway, depending on the job size and terrain conditions.
The cost to grade a gravel driveway is$4 to $8 per square foot.
Some companies include light excavating and grading work for a lower cost when installing a driveway.
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How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A long-lasting gravel driveway should be 8" to 12" deepminimum and made up of three 4" thick layers. Layer the gravel with 4" of fist-size gravel at the sub-base, 4" of golf-ball-size gravel for the middle layer, and a 4" deep surface layer of 0.75" gravel.
The sub-base layer should be8" deepto support heavy trucks regularly.
How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
One yard of gravel covers approximately27 square feetto a depth of 12". A 12' x 25' one-car driveway needs11.1 cubic yardsof gravel, and a 24' x 24' double-car driveway needs21.3 cubic yardsof gravel.
| Project | Cubic yards | Gravel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car gravel driveway (12×25) | 11.1 | $250 – $700 |
| 2-car gravel driveway (24×24) | 21.3 | $500 – $1,300 |
| Gravel road (12×100) | 29.6 | $600 – $1,200 |
*This table assumes several layers of different-sized rocks at a total of 12-inches thick. The actual depth required depends on the soil composition.
Use this formula to calculate the amount of gravel needed:
Length × Width × Depth = Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Cubic Yards × 1.4 = Tons
Driveway gravel delivery cost
Drivewaygravel delivery costs$7 to $18 per cubic yardon top of the price of gravel. Most quarries and landscape suppliers will not deliver less than 10 cubic yards of gravel. Order at least 15 yards to get the cheapest delivery rates. Delivery does not include spreading or installation.
Be sure your gravel foundation is in place before receiving your delivery.
Spreading gravel on driveway cost
The cost of spreading gravel on a driveway is$10 to $25 per cubic yard or$40 to $70 per hour per worker. Spreading costs may be included with gravel delivery charges. After spreading, each gravel layer needs compacting to increase stability and to prevent ruts and sinking.
Driveway drainage considerations
Adrainage system costs$1,000 to $4,000and prevents a gravel driveway from washing away or filling with puddles. For best results, contractors use foundation crowns, drains, and pavers when building a driveway.
Crowns – The driveway should crown at the center to form a 0.25" to 0.50" slope on either side. The surface of the sub-grade foundation should be highest near the home or garage and in the middle.
Drains & ditches – Contractors dig trenches or side drains and install plastic piping trench drains leading away with a slight slope next to the driveway.
Porous pavers & grids – In areas with heavy rain, consider installing porous paver stones with gravel in between or a plastic geogrid system filled with gravel to provide extra stabilization.
Gravel driveway permit
Adriveway permit costs$50 to $200+, depending on the location. Contact your homeowners' association before constructing a new driveway.
Stabilized gravel driveway systems cost
A permeable, resin-bound, tar, or geogrid gravel driveway system costs$2 to $12 per square foot, adds extra stabilization, requires less maintenance, and prevents ruts and holes. Aporous paving systemensures a long-lasting gravel driveway, maintains a level-surface, and promotes drainage.
Gravel driveway grid cost
A gravel driveway grid costs$2 to $4 per square footdepending on the type and project size. A 24×24 (2-car) gravel driveway geogrid costs$1,100 to $2,300installed. Porous paving systems are plastic honeycomb-shaped structures embedded in your foundation to stabilize the gravel.
HDPE plastic rings connected by an interlocking geogrid structure allow for a 1" gravel fill and require 0.66 cubic yards of gravel per 100 square feet of grid.
Core gravel driveway cost
A CORE gravel driveway costs$2 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type, and doesn't include the sub-base foundation or gravel. CORE's gravel geogrid system is eco-friendly and provides path and parking stabilization. CORE Glow stones will illuminate your driveway for up to 10 hours at night.
Resin-bound driveway prices
A resin-bonded gravel driveway costs$7 to $12 per square footon average, depending on if extensive site preparation is required. The top layer of a resin-bound driveways contains stones covered in a resin adhesive, which creates a stable and permeable driveway that lastsup to 20 years.
Tar and gravel driveway cost
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Atar and gravel driveway costs$2 to $5 per square footand offers the best high-traction surface for areas with a lot of rain, ice, or snow. Chip-and-seal driveways use liquid asphalt to bind the stones into place permanently. Tar-and-chip surfaces are worth the extra cost and last up to 10 years.
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Cost of gravel driveway vs. asphalt – which is cheaper?
Installing anew driveway costs$1 and $20 per square foot, depending on the type. A gravel driveway is the cheapest at$1.25 to $3 per square foot, anasphalt driveway costs$3 to $7 per square foot, and aconcrete driveway costs$4 and $8 per square foot.
| Type | Cost per square foot | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1 – $3 | Lasts up to 100 years, gravel moves around | Low maintenance, easy to repair |
| Stabilized gravel | $2 – $8 | Lasts up to 20 years, prevents ruts and holes | Low maintenance, easy to repair |
| Asphalt | $3 – $7 | Lasts 12 to 20 years, softens in high temperatures | Low maintenance, easy to repair |
| Concrete | $4 – $8 | Lasts up to 30 years, can crack | Hard to repair |
| Pavers | $10 – $30 | Lasts 25 to 50 years, can crack or break | Easy to repair and replace |
Gravel driveway pros & cons
Pros
Most affordable option for constructing a driveway
Last up to 100 years
Large variety of gravel sizes and colors to choose from
Can be used immediately after installation
Can be used with paving stones for a decorative look
Can be installed using ground stabilizers to last longer, improve drainage, and reduce flooding
Easier to repair by adding and spreading out more gravel
Cons
Gravel can sink into the ground with heavy rain and snow.
May develop ruts and holes, requiring adding more gravel once or twice a year
Ice and snow removal costs more for a gravel surface.
Stirs up dust in dry climates and may require spraying with oil or water or using dust control for soil stabilization
Gravel driveway repair cost
Graveldriveway repairs cost$0.50 to $2.20 per square footfor re-grading, resurfacing, or regraveling. Small ruts and holes are fixed by adding additional gravel at$2 to $8 per bag, which covers2 cubic feetor less.
| Repair | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Resurface or regravel | $0.25 – $0.75 |
| Regrade | $0.50 – $2.20 |
On average, you'll need to add up to3 inchesof new gravel every couple of years.
Deep ruts are a sign your base isn’t strong enough to support the daily traffic.
Unstable surfaces that remain for hours after a storm indicate too much water is lodging in the base of the driveway.
Solving structural problems requires removing all of the gravel, re-grading the foundation, then laying the gravel back using stronger base rock in thicker layers.
Cost to resurface or regravel a gravel driveway
Graveldriveway resurfacing costs$0.25 to $0.75 per square footto re-gravel with a 3" layer of pea gravel. A 10×20 single-car gravel driveway with costs$50 to $150to resurface, while re-graveling a 24×24 double-car gravel driveway costs$150 to $450.
Cost to regrade a gravel driveway
The average cost to regrade a gravel driveway is$0.50 to $2.20 per square foot or $250 and $1,000 per acre. Prices depend on the type of tractor used and whether the project requires subgrade or fine-surface grading work. Surface grading for a gravel road costs$1.50 per square foot.
Cheapest gravel for driveways
The cheapest gravel for driveways is crusher run, crushed shells, crushed concrete, slate chips, recycled asphalt, and pea gravel, which all cost$15 to $30 per yard or less than$1 per square footwhen purchased in bulk from a quarry.
| Type | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Crusher run gravel | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Crushed shells | $0.53 – $4.44 |
| Crushed concrete | $0.59 – $2.79 |
| Slate chips | $0.61 – $1.26 |
| Recycled asphalt | $0.92 – $1.85 |
| Pea gravel | $1.00 – $3.19 |
Best gravel for driveways
The best gravel for a driveway base is size #1 or #3, such as limerock or drain rock, at 1.5" to 6" in diameter.
Use crushed stone #57 for the middle layer at 0.75" to 1".
For the surface layer, use pea gravel (size #8), limestone (size #10), or crusher run (#411) at 0.10" to 0.50".
| Type | Cost per yard | Size (diameter)* | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base gravel #1 (limerock) | $82 | 2.5" – 6" | Extra strong driveway sub-base layer |
| Base gravel #3 (drain rock, base rock) | $26 | 1" – 2" | Driveway base layer (at least 4" thick); promotes drainage |
| Crushed stone #57 (crushed limerock) | $68 | 0.75" – 1" | Middle layer or drains; average grade; Not to use where muddy |
| Size #8 (pea gravel) | $40 | 0.37" – 0.50" | Surface layer; commonly used in asphalt or concrete mixes |
| Size #10 (screenings) | $85 | 0.12" | Surface layer or between pavers; usually from steel slog or limestone |
| Crushed stone #411 (crusher run, quarry process) | $90 | 0.75" | Surface layer or repairs; comes blended with stone dust, or #57. |
| Item #4 (crushed concrete, asphalt or limestone) | $31 | 1.50" or less | Driveway base layer; contains fine dust and smaller rock particles |
*The smallest size is #10, and the biggest is #1.
DIY gravel driveway costs
A DIY gravel driveway costs$150 to $300for tools,$200 to $1,500for gravel, plus$200 to $400 per dayfor equipment rental. Poor construction leads to consistent ruts, holes, and drainage issues. Hiring a professional installer is typically cheaper and ensures a lasting driveway.
| Tool rental | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Mini excavator | $230 – $380 per day |
| Skid steer | $195 – $290 per day |
| Truck rental | $19 – $29 for the first 75 minutes; $5 for every 15 minutes after |
| Plate compactors / tamper | $90 per day; $360 per week |
| Tow-behind rear blade | $200+ |
| Tool | Cost | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden stakes & nylon string | $10 – $30 | To mark out your driveway during construction. |
| Sledge Hammer | $25 – $50 | Secure the wooden stakes in place. |
| Geo-textile fabrics & erosion-control mats | $1.25 – $1.71 per square yard | Line the bottom of your drains and driveway foundation. |
| Perforated pipe | $1 – $3 per linear foot | For drain trenches on both sides of a driveway. |
| Hand tampers | $25 – $40 | For compacting and leveling gravel layers by hand. |
| Rake | $25 – $50 | For spreading out and leveling gravel. |
Hiring a gravel driveway installer
When hiring a gravel driveway contractor, be sure to:
Ask friends, family, and neighbors for references.
Get at least three price quotes.
Check out their portfolio or past work.
Review licensing, insurance, and qualifications.
Verify reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a contract, detailed estimate, and warranty in writing before the project begins.
Don't pay cash – Figure out a reasonable payment plan up front.
Questions to ask
How many gravel driveways have you installed?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
What does your warranty policy include?
What is your payment schedule?
