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Gravel Cost Guide

The three parts of a gravel bill

A gravel quote usually has three pieces: the material, getting it to you, and putting it down. Material is priced per cubic yard or per ton depending on the supplier. Delivery is often a flat charge by distance or truck size. Labour, if you hire it, covers spreading, grading and compacting. Breaking a quote into those three lines makes comparisons fair, because one yard might have cheap stone and expensive trucking while another is the reverse.

Material price varies by type

Common crushed stone from a nearby quarry is generally the least expensive option because it is produced in volume and travels a short distance. Washed or screened stone costs more because of the extra processing. Decorative products, such as coloured granite, polished pebbles or large river rock, can cost several times as much per ton, especially when shipped long distances or sold in bags. Prices differ widely across regions, so the only useful number is a current local one.

Illustrative ranges (not quotes)

To show how the pieces combine, the table uses round example prices. They are deliberately simple and dated; your area may be much higher or lower.

Quantity changes the unit price

Small orders are expensive per unit. A truck that can carry ten yards costs nearly the same to drive across town whether it carries one yard or ten, so delivery dominates a small order. Bagged stone is convenient but usually costs far more per cubic foot than bulk once you need more than a few bags. If you have several projects, consider ordering them together or coordinating with a neighbour.

Hidden costs to plan for

Driveways and patios often need excavation of sod and topsoil, which then must go somewhere. A geotextile or fabric layer may be recommended in soft soil. Edging restrains loose stone and is a separate purchase. Equipment rental, such as a plate compactor, adds a daily fee. If a delivery truck cannot reach the spot, you may pay for extra wheelbarrow time or a smaller truck. None of these are reasons to avoid gravel; they are simply line items to include so the project budget is honest.

Converting a per-ton quote

If one supplier prices by the ton and another by the yard, convert using the density each one gives you. Multiply yards by tons per yard to get tons. A stone at 1.4 tons per yard priced at $35 per ton costs about $49 per yard. The cubic yards to tons converter does the multiplication, and the gravel calculator lets you enter a per-yard price.

When paying more makes sense

A cheaper stone that ruts, washes out or spreads onto the lawn can cost more over a few years than a slightly pricier product that stays put. For driveways, the base is usually where spending matters most, because the top layer can be refreshed but a failing base means digging out. For decorative beds, a better edging often saves more than switching stone. The right choice depends on the use, and a local contractor can explain which trade-offs make sense on your soil.

Getting comparable quotes

Ask each supplier for the product name, a short description of size and whether it contains fines, the price per yard or ton, the density they use, the delivery fee and any minimum order. Ask whether tax is included. With those six facts, comparing two quotes takes a minute.

Budget worksheet

Write down: total area, layer depths, cubic yards per layer, density, price per yard or ton, delivery fees per load, number of loads, edging length and price, fabric area and price, equipment rental days, and any excavation or disposal charges. Add tax. Then add a contingency of ten percent for surprises such as soft spots that swallow extra stone. Laying it out this way also makes it obvious which line is worth negotiating.

Metric pricing

Where suppliers sell by the tonne, convert using their density. The table shows cubic metres and tonnes at a density equal to 1.5 US tons per yard:

Seasonal timing

Spring is the busiest season for landscape yards, and delivery slots can fill weeks ahead. Late summer and autumn orders are often easier to schedule. Some yards adjust prices seasonally; asking costs nothing.

Why two quotes differ

Two quotes for the same driveway can differ because one includes excavation and one assumes a ready subgrade, because densities or compaction allowances differ, or because one yard rounds up to full truckloads. Ask each to list volume, product and every fee.

Finally, keep receipts and note the product names you used. When it is time for a top-up in a few years, ordering the same stone keeps colour and texture consistent, and you will already know its density and how far a yard went on your site.

Worked example

Illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.

A 50 × 10 ft parking pad at 4 in with 10% extra ≈ 6.8 yd³ ≈ 9.5 t. Illustrative: 6.8 × $45 = $306 material + $150 delivery = $456, plus optional compactor rental. Rounding up to 7 yd³ adds about $9.

FAQ

Is gravel cheaper than concrete?

Usually upfront; see concrete vs gravel.

Why are bags so expensive?

Packaging and handling; bulk is cheaper beyond small jobs.

Do you list supplier prices?

No. Figures are illustrative only.

Related: Gravel calculator · Gravel types · Mulch cost