Gravel Driveway Cost: The Complete 2026 Guide
Updated
A gravel driveway costs about $1 to $3 per square foot installed, or roughly $1,200 to $2,500 for an average two-car driveway. Gravel itself runs $30 to $60 per ton delivered; the rest is base material, grading, and labor. It's the cheapest driveway option up front.
A gravel driveway is the most budget-friendly way to create a durable, drivable surface — a fraction of the cost of concrete or asphalt. Done right, with a proper base and good drainage, it can last decades with occasional regrading and topping up.
This guide covers what a gravel driveway costs in 2026 by size and gravel type, the layers that make it last, and how to calculate exactly how many tons and cubic yards you'll need.
Key takeaways
- Gravel driveways cost about $1–$3 per square foot installed.
- An average two-car driveway runs roughly $1,200–$2,500.
- Gravel costs $30–$60 per ton delivered; one ton covers ~100 ft² at 2 inches.
- A lasting driveway needs 2–3 layers totaling 6–8 inches over a stable base.
- Budget for occasional regrading and topping up every year or two.
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Gravel driveway cost by size
Gravel is the cheapest driveway material, but the total still depends on size, depth, and how much base prep your site needs. The table below shows typical installed costs for common driveway sizes with a proper multi-layer build.
| Driveway size | Approx. area | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car | 10 × 20 ft (200 ft²) | $300 – $700 |
| 2-car | 20 × 30 ft (600 ft²) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Long/rural | 12 × 100 ft (1,200 ft²) | $2,000 – $4,500 |
Cost by gravel type
Different gravels serve different layers and budgets. Crushed stone bases are cheap and structural, while decorative top gravels cost more but look better.
| Gravel type | Cost per ton | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#3 base) | $30 – $45 | Bottom structural layer |
| Crusher run | $30 – $50 | Compacting middle layer |
| Pea gravel | $40 – $60 | Decorative top layer |
| #57 stone | $35 – $55 | Drainage / top layer |
The layers that make it last
A gravel driveway is only as good as what's underneath. A proper build has three layers over a graded, fabric-lined subgrade:
- Geotextile fabric — stops gravel sinking into the soil and blocks weeds.
- Base layer — 3–4 inches of large crushed stone (#3) for structure.
- Middle layer — 2–3 inches of crusher run that compacts tight.
- Top layer — 1–2 inches of finer or decorative gravel.
- Total depth — aim for 6–8 inches, compacted in stages.
How to estimate tons and cubic yards
Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard. To estimate, multiply length × width × depth (in feet) for cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 to convert yards to tons. A 600 ft² driveway at 6 inches deep needs about 11 cubic yards, or roughly 15 tons.
Our gravel calculator handles this instantly — enter the dimensions and depth and it returns cubic yards, tons, and a delivered cost estimate.
Pros and cons of a gravel driveway
- Pro: lowest up-front cost of any driveway.
- Pro: quick to install and easy to repair.
- Pro: excellent drainage, no cracking.
- Con: needs regrading and topping up over time.
- Con: can rut, wash out, or scatter without good edging and base.
- Con: harder to shovel snow than a solid surface.
Ways to save on a gravel driveway
- Use cheaper crushed stone for the base and save decorative gravel for the top.
- Buy in bulk by the ton rather than by the bag.
- Do the grading and spreading yourself; rent a plate compactor.
- Install good edging to keep gravel in place and reduce top-ups.
- Compare delivery fees — they can rival the gravel cost on small orders.