Gravel driveway cost per square foot
Installed by a contractor, a new gravel driveway runs about $1.50–$4.00per sq ft, including excavation, grading, landscape fabric, a compacted base and top gravel. Materials alone are typically $15–$75 per ton at the quarry, plus about $75–$150 per truckload delivered.
| Driveway | Size | Rock needed | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short single | 30 × 10 ft | 9.3 tons | $450–$1,200 |
| Single-car | 50 × 12 ft | 18.5 tons | $900–$2,400 |
| Two-car | 40 × 20 ft | 24.7 tons | $1,200–$3,200 |
| Long rural drive | 200 × 12 ft | 74.1 tons | $3,600–$9,600 |
How to build a gravel driveway that lasts
- Strip topsoil and grass down to firm subsoil; crown the center so water runs off.
- Lay woven landscape fabric to keep rock from sinking into the soil.
- Spread and compact 4–6" of road base (crusher run / #411) in 2–3" lifts.
- Top with 2–3" of crushed stone such as #57; avoid round pea gravel, which rolls under tires.
For the rock alone, the rock calculator converts any area and depth to tons and yards.
FAQ
How many tons of gravel for a driveway?
Roughly 3 tons per 100 sq ft for 4" of base plus 2" of top stone (including compaction). A 600 sq ft single driveway takes about 18–19 tons.
Is gravel cheaper than asphalt or concrete?
Much cheaper up front — about a quarter of asphalt and a fifth of concrete — but it needs fresh gravel every 2–3 years and regrading to fill ruts.
What's the best gravel for a driveway?
Angular crushed stone that locks together: crusher run or #411 for the base, #57 or 3/4" clean stone on top.