Gravel is one of the most versatile materials for driveways, landscaping, drainage, and base prep. Prices vary significantly by type and whether you buy bulk or bags. Here's the full breakdown.
Quick answer: Gravel costs $20–$50 per ton or $25–$60 per cubic yard, delivered. Delivery adds $50–$150 per trip. Bulk is 70–85% cheaper than bags for anything over 1 cubic yard.
| Gravel Type | Per Ton | Per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run (road base) | $20–$35 | $25–$45 |
| #57 stone (3/4" crushed) | $25–$40 | $30–$50 |
| Pea gravel | $30–$50 | $35–$60 |
| Decomposed granite | $35–$55 | $40–$65 |
| River rock | $50–$100 | $60–$120 |
| White marble chips | $60–$120 | $75–$150 |
| Project | Bulk Cost | Bag Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway (12×40 ft, 4") | $250–$450 | $1,400–$2,200 |
| Patio base (10×10 ft, 4") | $50–$120 | $300–$500 |
| French drain (50 ft) | $100–$200 | $600–$950 |
| Walkway (3×30 ft, 3") | $40–$80 | $200–$350 |
| Landscaping bed (200 sqft, 2") | $60–$120 | $300–$500 |
Bulk costs don't include delivery ($50–$150 per trip). Bag costs assume $5–$8 per 0.5 cubic foot bag from a home center.
| Factor | Bulk | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per cubic yard | $25–$60 | $200–$400 |
| Minimum order | 1 ton (some require 10+ tons) | 1 bag ($5–$8) |
| Delivery | $50–$150 per trip | Free pickup or delivery charge |
| Handling | Dumped in driveway, you wheelbarrow it | Carry and pour, more labor |
| Best for | Any project over 1 cubic yard | Small projects under 0.5 cubic yards |
| Application | Depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway | 4–6 inches |
| Patio/walkway base | 4 inches |
| Walkway (decorative) | 2–3 inches |
| Landscaping/beds | 2 inches |
| French drain | Full trench |
Gravel type — basic crusher run is cheapest. Decorative stone (river rock, marble chips) costs 2–4× more. Choose based on function, not just appearance.
Quantity — most suppliers have minimum deliveries of 1 truckload (10–15 tons). Ordering less than a full load still costs the same delivery fee.
Delivery distance — most landscape supply companies charge a flat delivery fee ($50–$150) plus per-ton pricing. Closer suppliers are cheaper. Shop the nearest quarry or landscape yard.
Regional availability — gravel types native to your area cost less. River rock in a riverbed region is cheap; shipped to the desert, it's expensive.
Preparation needed — if you need to excavate, grade, or install landscape fabric before laying gravel, add $1–$3/sqft for prep work.
Calculate your exact gravel quantity with our Gravel Calculator.
A ton of gravel costs $20–$50 depending on type. Crusher run and #57 stone are cheapest ($20–$40/ton). Pea gravel runs $30–$50/ton. Decorative river rock is most expensive ($50–$100/ton). Add $50–$150 for delivery.
A typical 12×40 ft driveway at 4" deep needs about 6 cubic yards (8–9 tons). At $30–$45/ton for crushed stone plus delivery, budget $350–$550 for materials. Use our gravel calculator for exact quantities.
Dramatically. Bulk gravel costs $25–$60 per cubic yard. Bags from Home Depot run $5–$8 per 0.5 cubic foot bag — that's roughly $200–$400 per cubic yard in bags. Bulk saves 70–85% for anything over 1 cubic yard.
Driveways: 4–6 inches. Patio base: 4 inches. Walkways: 2–3 inches. Decorative landscaping: 2 inches. French drain fill: fill the full trench. Thicker is better for driveways with heavy vehicle traffic.
Crusher run (#57 stone or road base) is best for driveways. It compacts well, locks together, and creates a stable surface. Pea gravel looks nice but shifts under tires and requires edging to contain it. Use 3 layers: large crushed stone on bottom, mid-size in middle, crusher run on top.