Gravel Cost Per Ton
Gravel costs $10-$50 per ton depending on type and quantity. Pea gravel runs $25-$50/ton, crushed stone $20-$40/ton, and decorative stone $50-$100+/ton. Bulk orders of 5+ tons typically qualify for discounted rates.
Cost per Ton
$5 – $200/ton
Cost per Yard
$8 – $240/yd³
Materials Compared
26 gravel types
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Recommended Materials
$25–$50 per ton. One of the most popular residential gravels.
$20–$40 per ton. The most affordable option for driveways and base work.
$20–$45 per ton. Economical in limestone-rich regions of the Midwest and South.
$25–$45 per ton. Cost-effective for patios, walkways, and xeriscaping.
$20–$35 per ton. One of the most cost-effective construction aggregates.
$22–$40 per ton. Mid-range pricing for a versatile smaller stone.
$40–$100 per ton. Premium decorative stone with the highest per-ton cost.
$20–$35 per ton. The most affordable driveway surface — single-layer application saves on total cost.
$22–$40 per ton. Slightly pricier than #57 due to additional crushing.
$5–$15 per ton. The cheapest bulk material — sometimes free from excavation sites.
$12–$30 per ton. Quality varies; screened topsoil costs more but is ready to use.
$20–$40 per ton. Lightweight — a ton covers more area than a ton of stone.
$25–$45 per ton. Slightly more than brown mulch due to dye processing.
$35–$80 per ton. Large stone for erosion control — price varies widely by stone size.
$15–$40 per ton. Check municipal programs for free or low-cost compost from yard waste.
$25–$45 per ton. Premium over unwashed stone due to washing process. Essential for drainage projects.
$15–$30 per ton. The cheapest gravel option — unprocessed pit-run material with minimal handling costs.
$60–$120 per ton. Premium decorative stone. Often sold in bags at home centers for smaller projects.
$90–$150 per ton. Lightweight volcanic stone — a ton covers significantly more area than heavier gravels.
$15–$30 per ton. Very affordable fine aggregate. Dense material — a ton doesn't go as far as coarser gravel.
$20–$40 per ton. Comparable to crusher run pricing. Popular for driveway resurfacing and repair.
$15–$35 per ton. Generic mixed aggregate — pricing varies by region and supplier.
$15–$30 per ton. One of the cheapest driveway materials available. Eco-friendly reclaimed pavement.
$80–$150 per ton. Premium Northeast stone. Transport costs add significantly outside the region.
$60–$120 per ton. Decorative rounded river stone with warm multicolored tones.
$120–$200 per ton. The most expensive decorative gravel. Often sold bagged for small accent areas.
Gravel Cost Per Ton Breakdown
| Material | Per Ton | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $25 – $50 | $30 – $60 |
| Crushed Stone | $20 – $40 | $25 – $55 |
| Crushed Limestone | $20 – $45 | $25 – $50 |
| Decomposed Granite | $25 – $45 | $30 – $50 |
| #57 Gravel | $20 – $35 | $25 – $45 |
| #8 Gravel | $22 – $40 | $28 – $50 |
| River Rock | $40 – $100 | $45 – $120 |
| Crusher Run | $20 – $35 | $25 – $45 |
| #89 Stone | $22 – $40 | $28 – $50 |
| Fill Dirt | $5 – $15 | $8 – $25 |
| Topsoil | $12 – $30 | $15 – $40 |
| Brown Shredded Mulch | $20 – $40 | $25 – $45 |
| Black Shredded Mulch | $25 – $45 | $30 – $50 |
| Rip Rap | $35 – $80 | $45 – $100 |
| Compost | $15 – $40 | $20 – $50 |
| Washed Gravel | $25 – $45 | $30 – $60 |
| Bank Run Gravel | $15 – $30 | $20 – $40 |
| Marble Chips | $60 – $120 | $75 – $150 |
| Lava Rock | $90 – $150 | $110 – $180 |
| Stone Dust | $15 – $30 | $20 – $40 |
| #411 Gravel | $20 – $40 | $25 – $55 |
| Construction Gravel | $15 – $35 | $20 – $50 |
| Recycled Asphalt | $15 – $30 | $20 – $45 |
| Bluestone | $80 – $150 | $100 – $180 |
| Jersey Shore Gravel | $60 – $120 | $75 – $150 |
| Mexican Beach Pebble | $120 – $200 | $150 – $240 |
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size.
Gravel prices per ton vary based on the type of gravel, your location, and the quantity ordered. On average, expect to pay $10-$50 per ton for most common gravel types when picking up from a quarry or supplier.
Pea gravel typically costs $25-$50 per ton, while crushed stone runs $20-$40 per ton. Decomposed granite falls in the $25-$45 per ton range. Specialty or decorative gravel can cost $50-$100+ per ton.
Buying in bulk (5+ tons) usually gets you a better per-ton rate. Many suppliers offer tiered pricing — for example, $35/ton for 1-4 tons, $30/ton for 5-9 tons, and $25/ton for 10+ tons. Always ask about bulk discounts.
A ton of gravel covers approximately 80-100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 50-60 square feet at 3 inches deep. Coverage varies by stone type — angular crushed stone compacts more tightly than rounded pea gravel, so you get slightly more coverage per ton.
Published February 11, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gravel Wash Away?
Which Gravel Washes Away?
Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk.
Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones.
How to Prevent Washout
To prevent gravel from washing away:
- Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface
- Install edging along all borders
- For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides
Slopes and Drainage
On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas.
If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.
What Size Gravel for Driveway?
A well-built gravel driveway uses three layers of progressively smaller stone:
Base Layer (4 inches)
Use #3 stone (1-2 inches) or #4 stone (1.5-3 inches). These large angular stones create a stable foundation and won't sink into soft soil. A geotextile fabric under this layer prevents the stone from migrating into the subgrade.
Middle Layer (4 inches)
#57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch) is the standard choice. It fills the gaps in the base layer, adds stability, and provides a transition to the finer top layer.
Top Layer (2-3 inches)
#8 gravel (3/8 to 1/2 inch) or crushed limestone creates a smooth driving surface. Some homeowners prefer #411 (a blend of #57 stone and stone dust) because the dust fills voids and compacts into a very firm surface.
What to Avoid
Avoid using pea gravel or river rock for driveways — their rounded shape means they never lock together and will constantly shift under tires, creating ruts.
Gravel vs Concrete: Which Is Better?
Gravel and concrete each have clear advantages depending on your priorities, budget, and project requirements.
Where Gravel Wins
A gravel driveway costs $1-$3 per square foot installed, while concrete runs $5-$10 per square foot. Gravel can be a DIY project; concrete requires professional installation. Gravel is permeable and handles drainage naturally; concrete requires slopes and drainage planning.
Where Concrete Wins
A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 25-30 years with minimal upkeep. Gravel driveways need periodic regrading, rut filling, and top-layer replenishment. Concrete provides a smooth, clean surface year-round; gravel can be dusty in summer and difficult to plow in winter.
Cold Climate Considerations
For driveways in cold climates, concrete can crack from freeze-thaw cycles and road salt damage. Gravel handles freezing and thawing without damage but is harder to snow-plow.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose gravel when budget is a priority, the driveway is long (rural properties), drainage is a concern, or you want a rustic aesthetic. Choose concrete for short suburban driveways, wheelchair accessibility, frequent snow removal, and a modern look.
Need help budgeting your project?
Get quotes from local gravel suppliers for current pricing and delivery options.