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Gravel Driveway Cost Estimator 2025
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A gravel driveway costs $2 to $4 per square foot to install. A 12×25 (1-car) gravel driveway costs $400 to $1000, and a 24×24 (2-car) driveway is $700 to $1,900. Costs depend on the size and depth, gravel type, soil conditions, labor, excavation, grading, permits, and optional grid stabilization.
Gravel driveways are a popular paving choice for long driveways because it’s cheaper than asphalt and concrete, comes in many colors, eco-friendly, and adds curb appeal.
A gravel driveway with a well-built foundation lasts up to 100 years if well-maintained.
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Gravel driveway cost per square foot
The average cost to install a gravel driveway is $2.25 to $4.00 per square foot. Adding a porous paving system, grid, resin-bound, or tar and chip driveway for extra stabilization costs $4 to $13 per square foot to install. DIY gravel driveway materials cost $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| DIY gravel driveway | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Average gravel driveway | $2.25 – $4.00 |
| Stabilized gravel driveway | $4.00 – $13.00 |
How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost?
Gravel driveways continue to be an affordable choice, though recent increases in site prep and material costs have slightly raised the overall price range. Most homeowners can expect to spend between $2 to $4 per square foot, including both materials and labor. Total project costs typically range from $500 to $6,000, depending on size and complexity.
Gravel Driveway Cost Breakdown
Gravel Driveway Cost | Price |
Lowest Cost | $360 |
Average Cost | $1,800 |
Highest Cost | $5,400 |
Cost Per Square Foot | $2 – $4 |
Total Project Range | $500 – $6,000 |
Gravel Driveway Cost Breakdown
Understanding the true cost of a gravel driveway requires a closer look at the contributing factors—especially as overall construction expenses have risen.
Type of Gravel
Gravel prices are generally calculated per ton or per cubic foot, but for driveway installations, material costs now typically range between $0.40 and $5.00 per square foot. While high-end decorative stones are available for a premium finish, most standard driveway gravel—accounting for 20% to 75% of the total project cost—falls within this price range.
Labor Costs
Labor for gravel driveway installation has also increased, with current hourly rates ranging from $25 to $75, and an average of about $50 per hour. Most basic gravel spreading takes around two hours, but total labor time may vary depending on the size and condition of the area. Land preparation, which can significantly drive up costs, is covered in more detail below.
Driveway Size
The size of your driveway is one of the biggest cost factors. A small single-car driveway (about 240 sq ft) can have an average material cost of around $648, while a larger driveway suitable for multiple vehicles (up to 1,500 sq ft) may cost approximately $4,050 for materials alone. Additionally, the length from your home to the road can influence the overall expense.
Driveway Depth
Experts now recommend gravel driveways be installed at a depth of 6 to 15 inches, depending on vehicle weight, gravel type, and underlying soil conditions. Since gravel is priced between $50 and $150 per ton, total costs will vary based on the number of six-inch layers needed to meet structural requirements.
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Cost to build a gravel road
The average cost to build a gravel road is $5 to $13 per linear foot, depending on the road width and depth, soil conditions, labor rates, and choice of materials. Building a long private gravel road leading up to your property costs $23,000 to $67,000 per mile.
| Width | Cost per linear foot | Cost per mile |
|---|---|---|
| 9 feet | $5.05 – $8.47 | $23,400 – $41,400 |
| 12 feet | $6.40 – $10.96 | $29,500 – $53,600 |
| 15 feet | $7.75 – $13.45 | $37,600 – $67,700 |
Commercial & farm gravel roads
Commercial and farm gravel roads typically range from $23,000 to $55,000 per mile, with costs influenced by project size, location, terrain, and material choice. Farm roads should be at least 9 to 12 feet wide to accommodate vehicles and equipment, with wider roads needed for larger machinery. A properly constructed gravel road should have a raised center for water drainage and a minimum 6-inch sub-base of compacted crushed stone for stability. Additional costs may apply for grading, culverts, or drainage ditches to prevent erosion. Regular maintenance, including regrading and adding fresh gravel, helps extend the road’s lifespan and usability.
White or black gravel driveway
A white gravel driveway costs $3.77 to $5.80 per square foot, $35 to $130 per cubic yard, or $25 to $110 per ton for stones up to 1″. A white rock driveway is available in crushed granite, white quartz blends, limestone, and pea gravel. White gravel shimmers in the sunlight, causing a glare.
Black gravel driveway rocks from 0.50″ to 1″ in size cost $4 to $11 per square foot, $99 to $150 per cubic yard, or $78 to $90 per ton. Black stones include lava rocks, basalt-pebble stones, crushed asphalt, granite chips, and basalt volcanic rock. Black gravel heats up in the summer.
Pea gravel driveway
A pea gravel driveway costs $30 to $50 per ton, $32 to $88 per cubic yard, or $3 to $5 per cubic foot for materials. Most pea gravel mixtures have a blend of stones in three or four colors. Pea gravel slides around and requires edging or pavers on the sides of the driveway. Avoid using pea gravel for a driveway on an incline.
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Gravel Prices by Driveway Type
Gravel driveway costs can vary significantly depending on the type of gravel you choose. A typical gravel driveway includes three distinct layers, starting with large base stones (similar in size to baseballs) and progressing to finer gravel for the top surface. The top layer is especially important, as it’s the most visible and affects both appearance and performance.
Keep in mind that some gravel materials are intended solely for edging and aren’t suitable for full-surface coverage. Using the wrong type can lead to poor durability or aesthetic issues.
The table below outlines average material-only costs by square foot, ton, and cubic yard for various gravel types. Pricing varies by type, with some gravels offering a broader range of choices. While cost per ton is the most common method for estimating expenses due to the volume needed, calculating by square foot or cubic yard is also effective for planning your budget.
Gravel Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Cost per Ton | Cost per Cubic Yard |
Item #4 | $0.70 – $3.00 | $10 – $25 | $20 – $40 |
Base Gravel #3 | $1.00 – $3.00 | $15 – $30 | $20 – $45 |
Crushed Stone #411 | $1.00 – $3.00 | $20 – $40 | $25 – $45 |
Pea Gravel | $1.00 – $3.00 | $20 – $80 | $30 – $90 |
Crushed Shell | $1.00 – $5.00 | $20 – $90 | $30 – $90 |
Quarry Process / Crusher Run | $1.00 – $5.00 | $25 – $35 | $30 – $40 |
Crushed Granite | $1.00 – $5.00 | $25 – $50 | $35 – $40 |
Crushed Limestone | $2.00 – $5.00 | $30 – $40 | $35 – $50 |
Caliche | $2.00 – $7.00 | $30 – $100 | $35 – $120 |
River Rocks | $3.00 – $7.00 | $45 – $100 | $50 – $110 |
Blue Stone | $3.00 – $8.00 | $50 – $100 | $75 – $150 |
White Gravel | $3.00 – $9.00 | $50 – $150 | $75 – $160 |
Crushed Stone #57 | $4.00 – $9.00 | $65 – $75 | $70 – $90 |
Jersey Shore Gravel | $4.00 – $9.00 | $85 – $100 | $90 – $110 |
Marble Chips | $4.00 – $10.00 | $85 – $400 | $90 – $400 |
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Crushed shell driveway cost
A crushed shell driveway costs $1.50 to $5 per square foot, $16 to $130 per cubic yard, or $12 to $88 per ton. Crushed shells are the cheapest in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Each cubic yard of crushed shells covers 100 square feet as a 3″ surface layer over a compacted base layer.
Seashells like clams, oysters, and scallops prevent the surface from forming ruts or potholes. Shells break down and compact evenly to create a stable and level surface. Avoid using crushed shells on an inclined driveway.
Gravel Driveway vs. Alternatives
How do gravel driveways stack up? Here’s a 2025 Florida comparison:
- Asphalt: $8.50-$18 per square foot. Sleek but pricier and hotter in summer.
- Concrete: $9-$22 per square foot. Durable yet costly and prone to cracking.
- Gravel: $1.50-$4 per square foot. Offers gravel driveway benefits like affordability and drainage.
Gravel Driveway Cost Estimator by Size
When considering a new driveway, gravel is a popular choice due to its affordability and quick installation process. If you’re planning to install a gravel driveway, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: “How much will it cost?” The cost of a gravel driveway depends largely on its size, but other factors like materials and labor also play significant roles. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you budget effectively.
The average cost of a gravel driveway ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot, which includes both materials and labor. Gravel prices are typically calculated by the ton, while labor is charged by the hour. Here’s a quick look at typical costs based on the driveway size:
- Single Car Driveway: Typically measures about 10 by 20 feet and costs approximately $600.
- Two Car Driveway: Commonly about 20 by 20 feet, this larger size averages around $1,500.
- Three Car Driveway: At about 20 by 30 feet, expect to spend about $2,000.
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Question Answer
Frequently Asked Question
A gravel drive should have a first layer of baseball-sized stones at least 4 inches deep. According to Tim Carter of AskTheBuilder.com, each layer thereafter should be 4 inches thick and in gradually smaller stone.
Honeycomb trays stabilise the loose gravel so that it does not rut or sink. Additionally a fabric on the back on the honeycomb tray prevents weed growth. Couple this with the other many benefits of a CORE Drive driveways such as: Fully SUDS compliant porous surface – so no need for planning permission.
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The cost per square foot for a gravel driveway typically ranges from $1 to $3, depending on the type of gravel used, the condition of the site, and your geographic location.
The amount of gravel needed depends on the driveway’s dimensions and the desired thickness of the gravel layer. Generally, a standard driveway might require about 3 to 4 inches of gravel.
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