Construction Gravel: Size, Uses, and Cost Per Ton (2026)
Also called: General Purpose Gravel, Utility Gravel
Construction Gravel at a Glance
| Size | Mixed crushed stone sizes ranging from fines to 1" or larger. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,800 to 3,300 lbs (1.40 to 1.65 tons) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.61 to 0.71 |
| Cost per ton | $15 to $35 per ton |
| Cost per cubic yard | $20 to $50 per cubic yard |
| 10-ton truckload | $150 to $350 before delivery |
| Compaction | Moderate (10%). Locks up with a plate compactor. |
| Drainage | Good. Drains well, a few fines in the mix. |
| Best for | General construction, Base preparation, Utility work |
| Wrong for | Decorative landscaping, Finished surfaces |
What Is Construction Gravel?
Construction gravel is a broad category of mixed-size stone used for general building and site work. It typically includes a combination of crushed stone sizes suitable for base preparation and structural fill.
Project guide: Construction Aggregate Guide: Sizes, Tons per Cubic Yard, and Cost per Ton
How Much Construction Gravel Do I Need?
Draw your project area on the map to get an instant material estimate for Construction Gravel.
Plan your gravel project
Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
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Start typing and pick your address from the list. The map jumps straight to your property.
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Enter an address in step 1. Then click around the edge of the spot you want to cover and the planner does the math.
What Construction Gravel Costs in 2026
Construction Gravel costs $15 to $35 per ton, or $20 to $50 per cubic yard. A 10-ton single-axle truckload runs $150 to $350 before delivery. An 18-ton tandem load runs $270 to $630. Delivery adds $50 to $150 within 10 to 15 miles of the supplier.
| Quantity | Material cost |
|---|---|
| 1 ton | $15 to $35 |
| 1 cubic yard | $20 to $50 |
| 10-ton single-axle load | $150 to $350 |
| 18-ton tandem load | $270 to $630 |
| 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep | $24 to $63 |
Often sold as a generic aggregate. Confirm sizing and composition before ordering.
Prices vary by region and order size. See the gravel cost per ton guide and the delivery cost guide.
How Much Construction Gravel for Common Projects
Tons include 10% compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Formula: cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Project | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft patio (200 sq ft) | 2 in | 1.2 | 2.1 to 2.5 | $32 to $88 |
| 12 x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) | 4 in | 5.9 | 10.0 to 11.8 | $150 to $413 |
| 3 x 50 ft walkway (150 sq ft) | 3 in | 1.4 | 2.4 to 2.8 | $36 to $98 |
Different size? Use the gravel calculator or convert with the tons to yards calculator.
Where Construction Gravel Works and Where It Fails
Best uses
- ✓ General construction
- ✓ Base preparation
- ✓ Utility work
Wrong uses
- ✗ Decorative landscaping
- ✗ Finished surfaces
Common Uses
- ✓ Construction sites
- ✓ Base layers
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Temporary roads
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Versatile material | − Inconsistent sizing |
| + Readily available | − Not decorative |
| + Cost-effective | − Varies by supplier |
| + Suitable for many applications |
Construction Gravel Sizes and Colors
Mixed crushed stone sizes ranging from fines to 1" or larger. Color varies by quarry source.
Compare Construction Gravel With Other Materials
Side-by-side size, cost, drainage, and best-use comparisons.
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Project Guides That Use Construction Gravel
Construction Gravel by City
Suppliers stock Construction Gravel in these cities:
Find Construction Gravel Near You
10291 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, California
Palmer, Alaska
16 S West Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, Michigan
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Greenwood, Indiana
16 E Huron St, Pontiac, Michigan
4341 Snake River Ave, Lewiston, Idaho
4701 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas