The Cubic Yard

Gravel Driveway Cost (2026)

6 min read · Updated June 2026

$1–$3
per sq ft installed
$25–$40
per cubic yard (materials)
$1,500–$6,000
typical 600 sq ft driveway
50–70%
DIY savings on labor

Cost Breakdown

Cost FactorDIYHired Out
Gravel materials (base + surface)$300–$600$300–$600
Landscape fabric$50–$100$50–$100
Equipment rental (compactor, etc.)$80–$200Included
Excavation / grading labor$0 (you do it)$400–$1,200
Gravel spreading labor$0$300–$800
Edging materials$50–$200$50–$200
Total (600 sq ft driveway)$480–$1,100$1,100–$2,900

Prices reflect US national averages. Local costs vary 20–40%.

Gravel Type Cost Comparison

#411 Crusher Run (base layer)Recommended
Structural base — compacts well, must-have under all driveways
$15–$25/yard
#57 Crushed Stone (surface)Recommended
Best surface layer — angular stone, stable, drains well
$25–$35/yard
Pea Gravel
Surface layer — comfortable underfoot, but shifts more
$25–$40/yard
Crushed Granite
Formal look — compacts into semi-hard surface
$30–$50/yard
Limestone (#57)
Budget surface option — similar to crushed stone
$20–$30/yard
River Rock / Decorative
Purely decorative — not ideal for driveways
$40–$80/yard

Real Project Estimates

Single car (10×50 ft = 500 sq ft)
Gravel needed
6.2 yards
Materials only
$155–$310
DIY total
$400–$900
Professionally installed: $1,000–$2,500
Standard (12×50 ft = 600 sq ft)
Gravel needed
7.4 yards
Materials only
$185–$370
DIY total
$480–$1,100
Professionally installed: $1,200–$3,000
Double-wide (20×50 ft = 1,000 sq ft)
Gravel needed
12.4 yards
Materials only
$310–$620
DIY total
$700–$1,500
Professionally installed: $2,000–$5,000
Long rural (12×200 ft = 2,400 sq ft)
Gravel needed
29.6 yards
Materials only
$740–$1,480
DIY total
$1,500–$3,000
Professionally installed: $4,000–$10,000

Based on 4-inch total depth (2" base + 2" surface). All prices include delivery.

Gravel vs Asphalt vs Concrete

MaterialInstalled (per sq ft)LifespanMaintenance
Gravel$1–$310–30 yearsTop-up every 5–7 yrs
Asphalt$3–$720–30 yearsSeal every 3–5 yrs
Concrete$6–$1230–50 yearsMinimal (cracks $$$)
Pavers$10–$2530–50 yearsMinimal, replaceable

Calculate exactly how much gravel you need

Enter your driveway dimensions for cubic yards, tons, and cost estimates.

Open Gravel Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a gravel driveway cost?

A gravel driveway typically costs $1–$3 per square foot for materials and installation. A standard 12×50 ft (600 sq ft) driveway runs $600–$1,800 for materials and $900–$4,200 installed. DIY installation saves 50–70% on labor.

What is the cheapest gravel for a driveway?

Crushed limestone (#411 crusher run) is typically the cheapest at $15–$25 per yard. Pea gravel runs $25–$40/yard and plain crushed stone runs $25–$35/yard. Decorative options like river rock or decomposed granite cost $40–$80/yard.

How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?

For a standard 12×50 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you need about 7.4 cubic yards or approximately 10–11 tons. Add 10% for waste. Use our gravel calculator for exact quantities for your dimensions.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

A properly installed gravel driveway with landscape fabric, a compacted base layer, and proper edging lasts 10–30 years with periodic maintenance. You'll need to top up gravel every 5–7 years and fill ruts annually.

Is a gravel driveway cheaper than asphalt or concrete?

Yes. Gravel costs $1–$3/sq ft installed vs. $3–$7/sq ft for asphalt and $6–$12/sq ft for concrete. Gravel also has lower repair costs — just add more material. However, gravel requires ongoing maintenance that the others don't.

Related Guides