How much gravel do I need?

What Is Gravel and What Types Are Available?

Gravel is a loose collection of rock fragments used in construction, landscaping, drainage, and paving. Unlike concrete or asphalt, gravel allows water to drain through it, making it an excellent choice for driveways, walkways, drainage systems, and decorative ground cover. Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton, with most suppliers using weight-based pricing.

The type of gravel you choose depends on your project. Here are the most common varieties:

• Pea gravel: Small, rounded stones (3/8″ diameter) with a smooth texture. Popular for walkways, patios, playgrounds, and decorative ground cover. Comfortable to walk on but shifts underfoot — not ideal for driveways. Costs $35–$55 per ton.
• Crushed stone (#57): Angular, irregular pieces (3/4″ to 1″) that lock together when compacted. The standard choice for driveways, parking areas, and base layers. Excellent drainage and stability. Costs $30–$50 per ton.
• Crusher run (DGA): A blend of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts into a solid, stable surface. The best option for driveway base layers and under pavers. Costs $25–$40 per ton.
• River rock: Naturally rounded stones (1″ to 3″) in various colors. Used for decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, and drainage features. More expensive than crushed stone — $45–$75 per ton.
• Drainage gravel (#4): Large stones (1.5″ to 2.5″) used around French drains, foundation drains, and retaining walls. The large gaps between stones allow maximum water flow. Costs $30–$45 per ton.

How Deep Should Gravel Be?

The required depth depends on what the gravel is supporting:

• 2 inches: Decorative ground cover and walkways with light foot traffic. This depth works for pea gravel pathways and garden borders where the primary goal is visual appeal rather than structural support.
• 4 inches: Standard driveways, parking pads, and moderate-traffic areas. A 4-inch layer of compacted crushed stone provides a stable driving surface for cars and light trucks. This is the most common depth for residential gravel driveways.
• 6 inches: Heavy-traffic driveways, drainage trenches, and base layers for construction. French drains and foundation drainage systems require at least 6 inches of gravel to allow adequate water flow. Commercial driveways and areas supporting heavy vehicles should also use 6 inches as a minimum.
• 8–12 inches: Structural base for concrete slabs, under-slab drainage in wet climates, and commercial applications. Often installed in two compacted lifts of 4–6 inches each.

For driveways, many professionals recommend a layered approach: 4 inches of larger crushed stone (#3 or #4) as a base, topped with 2–3 inches of crusher run or smaller stone that compacts into a smooth driving surface.

Understanding Gravel Weight

Gravel suppliers typically sell by the ton, but you calculate volume in cubic yards. The conversion factor depends on the gravel type:

• Crushed stone and crusher run: ~1.35 tons per cubic yard (the most common conversion factor)
• Pea gravel: ~1.30 tons per cubic yard (slightly lighter due to uniform round shape)
• River rock: ~1.35–1.50 tons per cubic yard (varies by stone size and density)
• Lava rock: ~0.50–0.65 tons per cubic yard (very lightweight due to air pockets)

When in doubt, use 1.35 tons per cubic yard as a reliable average for most gravel types. It is always better to order slightly more than your calculation shows — returning unused gravel is difficult, but running short mid-project means paying another delivery fee.

Delivery vs. Pickup

Gravel is heavy. Very heavy. One cubic yard weighs about 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons), so hauling it yourself requires the right vehicle:

• Pickup truck: A full-size pickup can carry about 1 cubic yard (one ton) safely. Half-ton trucks should stick to 3/4 of a yard. Do not overload — gravel is denser than it looks and exceeding your truck’s payload rating is dangerous.
• Trailer: A utility trailer rated for 3,500+ pounds can carry 1–1.5 cubic yards. Make sure your tow vehicle is rated for the combined weight of trailer and gravel.
• Bulk delivery: For anything over 2 cubic yards, delivery is the practical choice. Most suppliers charge $50–$100 for delivery within a local radius. A dump truck deposits the gravel in your driveway, and you wheelbarrow it to the project site.

At current 2026 prices, pickup typically saves $50–$100 on delivery fees, but factor in your time and fuel costs. For most homeowners, delivery is well worth the fee.

Base Layer Preparation

Proper base preparation is what separates a gravel surface that lasts decades from one that develops ruts and potholes within a year:

• Excavate the area: Remove topsoil, grass, and organic material to the required depth. Organic matter under gravel decomposes and causes settling.
• Grade for drainage: Slope the subgrade at least 1–2% (1/8″ to 1/4″ per foot) away from buildings. Water must flow off the gravel surface or through it — standing water erodes the base over time.
• Compact the subgrade: Use a plate compactor or roller on the exposed soil. Soft or loose subgrade will cause the gravel layer above it to shift and settle unevenly.
• Install geotextile fabric: Lay landscape fabric over the compacted subgrade before adding gravel. The fabric prevents gravel from migrating into the soil below, extending the life of your gravel surface significantly.
• Add and compact gravel in lifts: For depths over 4 inches, add gravel in 3–4 inch layers, compacting each layer before adding the next. This creates a much denser, more stable surface than dumping the full depth at once.

Cost Estimates for Gravel in 2026

Plan your gravel project budget with these typical 2026 prices:

• Crushed stone (per ton): $30–$50, the most economical option for driveways and base layers.
• Pea gravel (per ton): $35–$55 for standard colors; decorative blends may cost more.
• River rock (per ton): $45–$75, with price varying significantly by size and color.
• Delivery fee: $50–$100 for standard local delivery. Some suppliers offer free delivery on orders over 10 tons.
• Professional installation: $1.50–$3.00 per square foot including material, delivery, grading, and compaction.

For a typical 10×20 driveway extension at 4 inches deep (2.47 cubic yards / 3.33 tons), expect to pay $100–$170 for material plus $50–$100 for delivery — a total of $150–$270 for a DIY project.