How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost?
| Driveway Material | Average Cost | 400 Sq. Ft. Driveway Cost |
| Crush and Run | $0.50 Per Sq. Ft. | $200 |
| Limestone | $1.50 Per Sq. Ft. | $600 |
| Base and Pebbles | $1.50 Per Sq. Ft. | $600 |
| Shells | $40 Per Cubic Yard | $800 |
How much does a crushed stone driveway cost?
Crushed stone is costlier at about $55 per cubic yard and $65 per ton. Buying pea gravel in bulk may reduce costs, but different finishes, like gravel with color, will add anywhere from $20 to $50 to the price per unit.
How much crushed stone do I need for my driveway?
Use this formula to determine how much crushed stone you will need for your project: In the construction world, most materials are measured in cubic yards. Multiply the length (L), in feet, by the width (W), in feet, by the height (H), in feet, and divide by 27. This will tell you how many cubic yards of crushed stone you need.
How much does a shell driveway cost?
How much does a shell driveway cost? National Average Cost: $1,500. Click to see full answer. Also, how much does a yard of crushed shell cover? Crushed clamshell runs at about $0.60 per square foot. A cubic yard is about $40 and a ton about $50.
What is the cost of crushed shale per yard?
Price: $36 per yard. Granite and Blue Shale has been crushed to 3/4 of an inch to make this product. All of the fines (dust that does not allow drainage) have been screened out. This material is used when making French drains, drip lines around a home, or any application where you want water to be penetrated.
What is the cheapest type of driveway?
Aggregate, or gravel, is the cheapest and most durable of these four common driveway materials.
How do you make a crushed shell driveway?
To build the driveway a 2-3” layer of crushed shell (this looks like coarse sand) is laid on top of the existing soil and pressed into place with a Bobcat. This is topped by a 2-3” layer of shell placed with a Bobcat and pressed evenly. The crushed shell course binds to itself and creates a pervious base layer.
How much shell do I need for my driveway?
The general rule of thumb is that one cubic yard of seashell will provide a three-inch-deep cover for a 100-square-foot space. Another tip: Shell hardscaping is best for level surfaces.
Is it cheaper to pave or gravel a driveway?
A gravel driveway is a more budget-friendly option than paving with concrete, which runs from $4 to $15 per square foot.
How do you lay crushed shells?
Try and lay the shells down between one and three inches thick. Keep in mind that your shells could spread over time so make sure to keep them as tight as possible. You should rake your shells afterward to make sure that everything is even and looks as good as possible.
How long does it take for oyster shell to decompose?
“The shells of dead oysters degrade rapidly in estuarine environments,” says Mann, “with a half-life of only 3 to 10 years.
How do I build a cheap driveway?
20 driveway ideas on a budgetBrick. Installing bricks on the driveway is one of the best options for shorter driveways. ... Grated asphalt. ... Tar-and-chip. ... Edged stones. ... Concrete. ... Pavers/Block paving. ... Cobblestone. ... Permeable driveway.More items...
How many tons of gravel do I need for a 100 foot driveway?
A 100 foot driveway would need approximately 15.43 tons of gravel. A 150 foot driveway would need approximately 23.15 tons of gravel. A 200 foot driveway would need approximately 30.86 tons gravel.
What area will 1 ton of gravel cover?
approximately 100 square feetA ton of gravel will cover approximately 100 square feet, 2 inches deep.
What type of driveway lasts the longest?
ConcreteConcrete is the old standby for driveways. Most suburban homes opt for this material for two big reasons: Concrete is typically the longest-lasting driveway surface, and, if installed properly, it is practically maintenance-free.
What is the best driveway to have?
Concrete. Among the most durable options on the market is a concrete driveway surface. Although it provides a hard and stable surface, that is highly dependant on professional installation, high upfront costs, maintenance, and weather conditions.
How long do gravel driveways last?
100 yearsWith proper care and maintenance, a gravel driveway can last up to 100 years. The beauty of gravel is that it can be repaired and replenished on an ongoing basis. By contrast, wear and damage to asphalt and concrete driveways are difficult to remedy and replacement is often more cost-effective than extensive repairs.
How much does a chip seal driveway cost?
Chip seal driveways cost $1,200 to $3,000 or $2 to $5 per square foot. Chip seal, also called tar and chip, lasts 7 to 10 years. Tar and chip driveways have the durability of blacktop, come in various colors, and feature layers of stone aggregate spread over hot liquid asphalt.
How much does it cost to build a driveway?
The cost to build a driveway ranges from $600 to $18,000, depending on the material. The cheapest driveways cost $1 to $3 per square foot for gravel, while standard concrete and asphalt driveways cost $3 to $8 per square foot.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
Asphalt driveways last 15 to 30 years, and concrete driveways last 30 to 40 years on average, depending on the climate and usage. Brick and stone pavers last 25 to 50 years. A cobblestone or gravel driveway lasts up to 100 years if well-maintained.
What is the cheapest driveway material?
The cheapest driveway material is gravel at $1 to $3 per square foot using aggregate made of crushed shells, crushed concrete or asphalt, or pea gravel . Tar and chip seal driveways are the second cheapest at $2 to $5 per square foot.
How much does gravel cost?
Well-built gravel driveways require light raking and new gravel once or twice a year. Gravel prices range from $10 to $50 per ton, depending on the stone size and type.
How much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost?
Exposed aggregate or pebble finish driveways cost $5 to $11 per square foot or $3,000 to $6,600 on average. Exposed aggregate features stones mixed into concrete or seeded on the surface. Natural aggregates provide a textured, nonskid surface in various colors, including pastels, earth tones, and deep reds and blues.
How much more expensive is a circular driveway?
Circular driveways cost 10% to 20% more than straight driveways because building a curved shape requires more labor and installation time. Wrap-around driveways take up more yard space but add curb appeal and provide a way for vehicles to enter and exit easily.
Who designed seashell driveways?
Above: The edge of a seashell driveway in Maine in a garden designed by landscape architect Matthew Cunningham. Photograph by Matthew Cunningham. When bought in bulk, seashells are on the more affordable end of the spectrum: comparable to crushed gravel; less than asphalt, concrete, or stone.
How deep should I cover a 100 square foot seashell?
The shells will compact and become more stable over time. The general rule of thumb is that one cubic yard of seashell will provide a three-inch-deep cover for a 100-square-foot space. Another tip: Shell hardscaping is best for level surfaces.
What shells are used for hardscaping in Colonial Williamsburg?
Photograph by Justine Hand. The most common shells used for hardscaping are oyster, clam, and scallop. Their differences are subtle: mostly in color and how they break down.
What are crushed shells used for?
Photograph by Justine Hand. A great alternative to gravel, crushed shells can be used on paths, patios, courtyards, driveways, and even bocce ball courts ( the shells don’t hold water or imprints from shoes and balls).
Why are shells good for the environment?
Another benefit is that, as long as they come from a sustainable harvesting operation, shells are environmentally friendly. They provide excellent drainage since rainwater runs through them to percolate into the ground. And shells are a natural material that benefits the ground below as they decompose.
Why did the New Englanders use oyster shells as paving material?
Later this practice became common in New England as a way to recycle waste from the seafood industry . Above: Photograph by Justine Hand.
Which shells are more fragile?
Oyster shells, primarily off-white and gray, break down in a way that makes them more compact and, subsequently, more stable over time. Clamshells, mostly off-white or yellow-white, are slightly more fragile and will break down faster than oyster shells. They also compact nicely for vehicle traffic.
Where is the Dawsonville driveway?
This driveway is a good representation of the majority of gravel drives. The home is in Dawsonville, Georgia. It is built on land that was once farmland, but only used for hunting in the last 20 years. Light woods had grown up that needed to be removed in the driveway path.
How much is 2" to 3" stone per square foot?
Middle layer: 2” to 3” stone is spread to a depth of 3-4 inches. 2” to 3” stone layer: $0.35-$0.45 per square foot. Top layer: Road gravel, crushed stone or pea stone is spread to a depth of 2-3 inches.
Can you replace a concrete driveway with gravel?
Replacing an old asphalt or concrete drive with gravel doesn’t happen often, but if that’s what you’re doing, the cost will be the highest among the scenarios. Heavy equipment is used to break up the existing material and load it into trucks. It is then hauled away for disposal or recycle/reuse.
Is it cheaper to replace a gravel driveway with a concrete driveway?
That said, as with every type of driveway, the final price you pay will be dictated by the amount of preparation and work to be done. Replacing an existing gravel driveway will be much cheaper than removing an old concrete driveway before laying gravel.
Cost Factors for Installing a Gravel Driveway
More cost factors can affect the price tag of your new gravel driveway beyond necessary procedures. Some of the cost factors in question are relatively minor. They won’t force you to alter your spending plans that much.
How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost?
Gravel driveways cost an average of $1,225 but can cost up to roughly $2,400. The total cost is based mostly on the size of the driveway, as well as labor. Countless builder-owners choose gravel driveways due to how much cheaper they are than other materials, such as concrete and asphalt.
Cost Per Square Foot Gravel Driveway
Gravel driveways cost an average of $1.50 per square foot including installation, and the average driveway is 640 square feet. A 640 square foot driveway is often a 2 car driveway, but single car driveways can be as small as 200-300 square feet, or smaller.
Gravel Driveway Material
Besides the gravel itself, there are many materials that go into a gravel driveway, and they’re all low cost. There are several options to choose between for what kind of gravel driveway you want.
Gravel Driveway Labor Cost
Professionals may charge you $25-$35 per hour for labor for gravel driveway installation. It can take between 2 and 4 ½ hours to install a gravel driveway. Sometimes, the labor rate applies to each person on the job, and other times it is general.
Replace Concrete With Gravel
You can choose to replace an existing concrete driveway with gravel, and it’s not a bad idea. However, replacing a driveway carries added costs that you wouldn’t have with installing a brand new one.
Gravel Driveway vs. Concrete
Gravel and concrete sit at opposite ends of the driveway material price range. Whereas gravel is cheap, easy to install, and permeable, concrete driveways are more complex and more expensive to install.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
A gravel driveway costs as little as $300 or as much as $60,000 for an extra-long driveway . The average cost for a 16- by 38-foot gravel driveway is $1,500. A gravel driveway can be a functional, budget-friendly feature for any home. If you’re interested in an alternative to an asphalt or concrete driveway, gravel may be the way to go.
How much does it cost to build a driveway?
Land preparation costs can run from $450 to $8,500 or between $1.30 and $2 per square foot, with the average at $2,600. Tree removal costs between $80 and $1,650 or $660 on average. Stump removal can cost between $60 to $360 per stump or $2 to $4 per inch of diameter. If you need extensive land clearing to build the driveway, expect to pay around $400 an hour or between $500 and $3,000 per acre if it’s a heavily wooded location. Digging and excavating to install a gravel driveway can cost $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the terrain and the condition of the land. Grading a gravel driveway can run between $4 and $8 per square foot, and the cost to grade and excavate an average-size driveway will cost around $700 to $2,500. Some installation companies may include grading and excavating costs in the overall price of a gravel driveway project. Be advised that they may charge extra to haul away the excavated dirt or move it to a different area on your request.
What is crushed granite?
Commonly used as the top layer for a gravel driveway , crushed granite is a mixture of finely crushed granite and stone dust. The fine texture of the dust will settle between the stones and provide a smooth, tightly packed, and long-lasting driveway surface. Crushed granite, or decomposed granite, can come in various colors depending on where it was sourced. It usually costs around $25 to $50 per ton.
How much does pea gravel cost?
Crushed clamshells or plain pea gravel costs around $40 per cubic yard or $50 per ton. If you buy pea gravel in bulk, you may qualify for a discount. Crushed stone runs approximately $55 per cubic yard and $65 per ton. Colored gravel can add an extra $20 to $50 per unit.
What is the best gravel driveway base?
Along with base #1, base gravel #3 is considered one of the best gravel driveway bases. Item #4 is another standard base layer for gravel driveways. Item #4 is usually made of crushed gravel, dirt, and sand, but it can sometimes contain recycled asphalt, bluestone, or limestone. Item #4 costs between $12 and $22 a ton.
How to calculate the square footage of a driveway?
Multiply the length and the width of the driveway to find the square footage: 16 feet x 38 feet = 608 square feet. To find the total cubic feet, multiply the total depth (1 foot) by the area (608 square feet) to get the total volume of gravel needed (608 cubic feet).
Why does the price of a new gravel driveway change?
This price can change because of local labor costs, the difficulty of the job, and the geographic area. Labor rates typically include the cost of supplies and equipment, but check with your contractor. If the new gravel driveway is replacing a paved driveway, prepare to pay more for removal.
How much does it cost to crush and run a gravel driveway?
Crush and run is one of the cheapest materials that can be used in a gravel driveway at about $0.40 per square foot. Cost per cubic yard is about $20 and per ton about $28.
How much does gravel cost?
The average size for a parking spot or single parking pad is 18 by 9 feet. The price of gravel for one spot with a depth of a 3 inches is about $60. A 1,000-square-foot parking lot with four spaces and room to pull in and back out costs about $370. A 1,512-square-foot parking lot with six spaces is about $560.
How much does a square foot of gravel cost?
On average, a square foot costs about $0.70. Colored gravel tends to be more expensive. Businesses that specialize in selling such materials typically price per cubic yard or per ton. A cubic yard of plain gravel is about $40, and a ton is about $50.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
The size of the project, including the depth, will be the biggest cost factor. Professionals recommend they be a minimum of 4 inches deep.
How much does it cost to install gravel?
The cost to install gravel is $1.25 and $1.80 per square foot. The average cost of a 16x38 foot gravel driveway is $1,500. Driveways on the smaller side can cost as little as $300 with a larger and longer driveway costing as much as $60,000.
How much does a yard of rock pebbles cost?
Rock Pebbles. The base cost per square foot of rock pebbles is about $1.50. A cubic yard of these is about $86 and a ton about $108. If you want a driveway that looks a little less rough around the edges, pebbles, also known as river rocks, are an option. These are smooth and typically have more color variation.
How much does it cost to put gravel in a patio?
The national average price to put in a walkway or patio is about $3,300 with a low end of $800 and a high end of $10,000. Using gravel would fall on the cheaper end of the range.
How much does a crushed shell cost?
How much does crushed shell cost? Crushed clamshell runs at about $0.60 per square foot. A cubic yard is about $40 and a ton about $50. Even if you don't live by the beach, crushed shells are another great option for driveway coverage. The type of shell is one factor that will affect the price. Click to see full answer.
What is crushed oyster shell used for?
Conclusively, crushed oyster shell could be used as an alternative liming material to restore the soil chemical and microbial properties in upland soil and to increase crop productivity.”. In terms of soil fertilizing, crushed shell as nutrients works great for both backyard gardens and agricultural operations.
