Gravel Driveway: How Much Gravel Do I Need?

How Much Gravel for a Driveway

A proper gravel driveway uses three layers: a base layer of large crushed stone (4-6 inches), a middle layer of medium stone (4 inches), and a surface layer of fine gravel (2-4 inches). Total depth: 10-14 inches.

To calculate volume: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard.

Example: a 40-foot long, 12-foot wide driveway at 12 inches total depth needs: 40 × 12 × 1 ÷ 27 = 17.8 cubic yards, or about 25 tons of gravel across all three layers.

Gravel Types and Layer System

Base layer (4-6 inches): use #3 crushed stone (1-2 inch diameter). This provides structural support and drainage. It is the foundation that prevents your driveway from sinking into soft ground.

Middle layer (4 inches): use #57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch). This transitional layer fills gaps in the base and provides additional stability. It also aids drainage.

Surface layer (2-4 inches): use #411 gravel, pea gravel, or crusher run (fine gravel with dust). This creates the smooth driving surface. Crusher run packs down best and resists scattering.

For a simple, budget driveway, you can skip the middle layer and use just a 6-inch base layer topped with 3-4 inches of surface gravel.

Gravel Driveway Costs

Gravel materials cost $15-$50 per ton depending on type and region. Crushed limestone and recycled concrete are the most affordable at $15-$25 per ton. Decorative gravels cost $30-$50 per ton.

Delivery fees range from $50-$200 per load depending on distance and quantity. Most suppliers deliver 10-20 tons per truckload. Ordering full loads minimises per-ton delivery cost.

Professional installation (grading, compacting, edging) costs $2-$5 per square foot on top of materials. A 480 sq ft driveway (40×12) costs roughly $1,500-$3,500 total for a complete three-layer installation.

DIY installation can reduce costs by 40-60% if you have access to a plate compactor (available at equipment rental shops for $80-$150 per day) and are comfortable operating one.

Maintenance Tips

Rake and redistribute surface gravel every 6-12 months. Vehicle tyres gradually push gravel to the edges, creating ruts in the centre. Regular raking prevents deep rut formation.

Add a fresh 1-2 inch top layer of surface gravel every 2-3 years. This is the most common ongoing cost, typically $200-$500 per application for a standard driveway.

Install proper drainage alongside the driveway. Without drainage, water washes away gravel and erodes the base. French drains or simple swales along the edges prevent this.

Consider fabric underlayment beneath the base layer if your soil is soft clay. Geotextile fabric prevents the base stone from sinking into the ground, dramatically extending the driveway lifespan.