The typical cost of a gravel driveway is about $1,600. While average prices often range from about $600 to $2,000, high-end projects can cost upward of $4,000. In general, the price per square foot of a gravel driveway is about $2 to $4, including labor and materials. The total cost of your project will depend on the type of gravel you choose, the square footage of your driveway and labor costs in your area.

• How much does driveway gravel cost?
• How much do different types of gravel cost?
• What other factors can affect the cost of installing a gravel driveway?

Gravel driveways are an affordable, natural alternative to their concrete and asphalt counterparts. They blend well with the natural environment around your home, and materials like crushed limestone or rock pebbles can create an impressive entryway, perfect for long driveways. Many homeowners prefer gravel to concrete driveways not only for the low price but for their pleasing aesthetic. If you’re considering going with gravel, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a driveway installation professional. A contractor will be able to tear out your old concrete or asphalt, level and prepare the land, and efficiently pour your gravel.

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There are a number of choices when it comes to the gravel you use for your driveway, from basic crusher run to elegant limestone. Different gravel types come at different price points, but most gravel ranges in cost from about 40 cents to $2 per square foot. To decide which gravel is right for you, learn more about the varieties below.

• Crushed Stone or Basic Gravel: This is what most people think of when they picture a gravel driveway. It consists of broken-up pieces of rocks and can be bought in a number of different rock sizes. Crushed-stone gravel varies in price depending on the color and type of rock used. Limestone is a common variety, although it can be a bit more costly.
• Washed Stone: This variety is just like crushed stone but is washed before being poured. It’s popular, as it won’t get as much dust on your car or shoes.
• Pea Gravel: Made up of very small, smooth stones, pea gravel is popular for its beautiful look. When used for driveways, it does need to be poured at least six inches deep and compacted in order to hold up under the weight of cars.
• Jersey Shore Gravel: Another delicate gravel made up of small, smooth stones, this variety is particularly popular on the East Coast. Jersey Shore gravel has more of a tan color than gray pea gravel and also offers a smoother feeling for driving or walking on.
• River Rock: Made up of a number of differently colored rocks, river rock offers a distinctive look. It also has a smooth, comfortable surface.
• Marble Chips: Broken-up pieces of white and gray marble can look striking on a driveway and add just a touch of shimmer to the surface.
• Quarry Process/Crusher Run: The most affordable option for a gravel driveway, quarry process, or crusher run, is made up of broken-up pieces of stone and stone dust. This creates more of a solid surface, as the dust fills in the space between the rocks and becomes compacted over time.

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Besides the type of gravel you choose, there are a few other factors that can affect the overall cost of your project. You’ll need to consider how much gravel you need, as well as labor costs for removing an old driveway and preparing the land.

While installing a gravel driveway is, for the most part, simpler and cheaper than pouring a concrete or asphalt driveway, the prep work will largely be the same. A team of contractors will still need to prepare the ground and perhaps remove your old driveway. Driveway installation contractors typically charge about $30 per hour, but labor rates can vary depending on the cost of living in your area. You’ll also likely need a team of at least two workers for the job. Pouring gravel usually takes about two to eight hours depending on the complexity and size of the job.

Removing an old driveway, preparing the land and putting in a new driveway requires an extensive amount of labor. So while you set your budget, don’t overlook the following labor costs. All of these tasks may not be necessary for your project, but if you’re starting completely from scratch, you should plan for a bigger budget. Of course, actual prices will vary based on the size and complexity of your project.

Labor Costs:

• Old driveway removal: $700 to $2,000
• Clearing the ground of trees or other plants, stumps or rocks: $200 to $500 or more
• Leveling and grading the ground (cost increases for sloped or rough landscapes): $1,500 to $2,000 or more
• Transporting, pouring and smoothing gravel: $120 to $240

In general, material costs for a new gravel driveway generally fall between $500 and $1,000. To determine your material costs, you’ll need to know the square footage of your driveway. As stated previously, gravel typically costs 40 cents to $2 per square foot, depending on the type you choose. Simply multiply your driveway’s square footage by the unit cost of your gravel.

Gravel also needs to be poured four to six inches deep in order to withstand a car’s weight. Your contractor should be able to advise you on how deep your particular type of gravel should be, and how much you’ll need for your project. But if you want to calculate the amount of gravel you need, simply multiply the length, width and depth.

For a 10 foot-by-50-foot driveway that needs to be six inches deep (or 0.5 foot), see the calculation below:

10 x 50 x 0.5 = 250 cubic feet of gravel

Further Reading: Gravel Driveways: Crunching the Pros and Cons