Gravel Driveway Cost

Q: 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.

A gravel driveway costs $1,500-$6,000 for a standard 12x50-foot single-car driveway, or $1.25-$3.00 per square foot installed. A three-layer system with base, middle, and top gravel provides the best long-term value.

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Cost per Ton

$20 – $45/ton

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Cost per Yard

$25 – $55/yd³

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Materials Compared

5 gravel types

Estimate Your Project Cost

Shape Rect Circle Tri

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Depth:

Gravel type

Overage % Extra material for uneven ground, spillage, and settling. 10% is typical.

Try:

Recommended Materials

Crushed Stone Base Layer

Depth: 4" $20 – $40/ton

Base layer of #3 or #4 stone runs $500–$800 for a standard driveway. Provides load-bearing stability.

#57 Gravel Middle Layer

Depth: 4" $20 – $35/ton

Middle layer costs $400–$700. Fills gaps in the base and transitions to the top surface.

#8 Gravel Top Layer

Depth: 2" $22 – $40/ton

Finish layer costs $300–$600. Provides a smooth driving surface.

Crushed Limestone Alternative

Depth: 3" $20 – $45/ton

Popular alternative top layer in the Midwest. Compacts into a firm, almost concrete-like surface.

Crusher Run Alternative

Depth: 4" $20 – $35/ton

Single-layer option at $400–$700 for a standard driveway. Eliminates the need for a 3-layer system.

Gravel Driveway Cost Breakdown

Material	Per Ton	Per Yard
Crushed Stone	$20 – $40	$25 – $55
#57 Gravel	$20 – $35	$25 – $45
#8 Gravel	$22 – $40	$28 – $50
Crushed Limestone	$20 – $45	$25 – $50
Crusher Run	$20 – $35	$25 – $45

Prices vary by region, availability, and order size.

A gravel driveway costs $1,500-$6,000 on average for a standard single-car driveway (12 feet wide by 50 feet long), including materials and professional installation. Per square foot, expect $1.25-$3.00 installed.

Material costs make up about 40-60% of the total. A three-layer driveway system uses a 4-inch base of #3 stone ($500-$800), a 4-inch middle layer of #57 stone ($400-$700), and a 2-inch top layer of finish gravel ($300-$600).

Labor and equipment costs add $0.50-$1.50 per square foot for excavation, grading, compaction, and spreading. Longer driveways, difficult terrain, or poor soil conditions increase labor costs.

Additional cost factors include grading and drainage ($200-$800), edging material and installation ($2-$5 per linear foot), geotextile fabric ($0.30-$0.50 per sq ft), and removal of existing driveway material ($1-$3 per sq ft if applicable).

Gravel driveways are dramatically cheaper than asphalt ($3-$6/sq ft) or concrete ($5-$10/sq ft), making them the most budget-friendly driveway option.

Published February 11, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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