For the longest time, there were only a few options for driveways.
They could be asphalt or Concrete.
You weren’t able to do anything else with your driveway other than pick one and stick with it.
Nowadays though?
People realize they might not need such stark contrasts in their properties.
Because times are changing now, especially with the recent innovations in gravel driveways
Gravel driveways have seen a supermassive improvement in their technology and implementation.
They are becoming a perfect competitor to the usual concrete driveway as Concrete’s functional and aesthetic issues arrive with time.
How Much Is A Dump Truck Load Of Gravel?
A 12 x 25-foot driveway can cost somewhat around $300 – $1000 (Source- Cost Helper)
The prices vary drastically across the segment.
Professionals and experts recommend adding at least 4 to 8 inches of thick gravel layers.
You’ll spend around $1400 to start with a truckload of gravel, including labor for delivery and spreading.
Most companies require that you purchase at least 10 yards worth of rock- upon which they will come in themselves when delivering.
Dump Truckload for gravels additional costings –
A truckload of gravel costs around $1,350 + and the minimum order being 10 yards and including delivery fees.
This also includes spreading based on rock type for more than one hour’s worth (based at an average rate)
Most of the jobs use 3-men crews who can spread 12 cubic meters per hour.
Dump truck’s value in tons
A typical dump truck brings 26 to 27 short tons of aggregate per load. (23.6 and 24.5 t; 23.2 and 24.1 long tons; Source- asking lot)
Also, each truck is perfectly capable of over 3 to 5 loads per day as per need.
- A dump truck can easily hold around 13 – 25 tons of gravel.
- This is based on the usual sizes for commercial usage.
- 10 Wheelers usually can transfer around 13 tons
- The massive flatbed truck types can hold 25 tons of gravel.
The Gravel vs. Concrete Driveway –
Concrete driveways were the method of choice for many years, but things are changing now for sure.
Also, Concrete often gets stained with time, and water floods at some localized places.
Gravel, on the other hand, prevents flooding and looks aesthetically beautiful as well.
Paved gravel pathways are the path ahead.
Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) –
Q1.) What is the perfect size gravel for a driveway?
Answer: Gravel is typically graded as per the size for long.
Most driveways prefer to use a minimum of 3 different sizes. The layers are made, which creates a solid foundation.
Also, it makes sure proper water drainage.
The most obvious choice for the bottom layer is the popular #3 stone, which means a stone of approx 1 to 2 inches in dia.
Q2.) What is the best method to calculate the gravel for the driveway?
Answer: Well, there is a complete way to do that
- Begin by simply measuring the length and width of the particular driveway. (In feet)
- Then, multiply the length with the width to get what we call the surface area.
- Divide by 3 the result you got in the 2nd step (because 4 inches = 1/3rd of a foot)
- You now have the volume required. The volume of gravel is still in cubic feet.
- Divide the volume above one last time by 27 to get the final answer. (Because 27 cubic feet are there in a cubic yard)
Q3.) How to calculate the price of a 1-ton rock?
Answer: An approximate value for the same is given below
Large boulders
- – $100 to $600 / per ton and bull $37 per cubic yard and $2.50 per bag
- 5 Gallon bucket river rock gravel – $40-$45 per ton and $30 to $35 / per cubic yard
- Crushed stones, Rock Shells $50 – $65 per ton and $40 – $55 per cubic yard
Q4.) Which is the best rock for the driveway?
Answer: The dust forms a typical cement-like bond when it gets compacted.
Some of the top layer choices for gravel driveways are crushed scale, limestone, Concrete, and of course the granite.
Also, find other types of top gravels in various assorted colors as per your aesthetic needs.
Q5.) How to fix the ruts in a gravel driveway?
Answer: Begin by filling the compacted rut with a 1-inch down crushed stone later.
Keep filling until the stone sits at least 2 inches above the driveway surface.
Tamp the stones with a dedicated tamper until it feels solid.
One can begin to add more stones by using the obvious sense, like if the rut still falls below the top of the driveway surface.
Repeat the tamping process once again.
Q6.) What is the ideal thickness of a gravel driveway?
Answer: 4 to 6 inches.
- The depth can vary, but an estimate of 4 to 6 inches is ideal.
- For measurements in feet, proceed by dividing the number of inches you calculated by 12 (for example, 3 inches becomes 0.25 feet)
- For more than 2 layers, make sure each layer is not less than 4 to 6 inches thick.
- Then calculate each layer separately.
Q7.) How many tons of gravel does one need?
Answer: Well, it is pretty easy to calculate with a simple formula
- Make sure everything is in feet. If in inches, divide by 12(for example, 6 inches becomes 0.50 feet)
- Then apply a simple formula, length in feet x Width in feet x Depth also in feet.
- Take the total from above and simply divide by 21.6, which is the number of cubic feet in a ton.
The final figure hence gained is the estimated amount of tons required.
Q8.) How much is typically a ton of gravel for the driveway?
Answer: $0.40 to $2 per sq. foot
The price varies a lot given a lot of varieties these days.
They can go up and down pretty much always.
The choices are most often based on individualistic needs and priced by the cubic yard or per ton.
The most commonly used Plain Pea gravels and Crushed Clamshells come at a price of about $40 per cubic yard and $50 / ton.
Q9.) How many yards are typical of a ton?
Answer: One can calculate the figure via some simple formulas
As we know that 1 ton means 2000 lbs.
And it becomes equal to approx 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Multiply cubic yard with 1.35 to get the corresponding tons
So, 10 cubic yard becomes = 10 x 1.35 = 13.5 tons
Q10.) How much in square feet does 1 ton of gravel cover?
Answer: A simple ton of gravel usually covers between 20 square feet to 240 sq. feet depending on depth.
- More rocks per sq. feet result in a lower coverage rate
- At a 1-inch flat depth, the coverage becomes equal to 240 Sq Feet
- At a 3-inch flat depth, the same coverage becomes equal to 80 Sq Feet
Q11.) How many yards are there in a ton of gravel?
Answer: There are several ways to measure the weight and volume in tons.
One way is by multiplying your area by 1.4, which will give you an idea about how much gravel it would take for landscaping purposes.
(100 cubic yards x 1.4 = 146 pounds)
Q12.) What are some benefits of the Gravel Driveways over the Concrete one?
Answer: Gravel, if paved regularly, can provide many benefits in the long term over the concrete one like thermal regulation, flood protection, etc.
Paved Gravel Driveways are an upgrade to the regular concrete driveways.
Gravel Driveways with Pavers are an affordable, environmentally friendly way to add a beautiful new driveway.
They won’t develop bare spots or cracks and will stay cleaner for longer with their natural anti-icing properties.
Pavers also protect your home from flooding in the winter months.
Because they help prevent ice buildup on top of sandstone which can damage concrete surfaces more quickly.
The best part is that pavers have so many benefits, such as preventing unsightly blemishes like potholes or cracks by keeping dirt packed down properly.
The dirt is packed between stones instead of having open spaces where water has easy access making these areas prone to the artifacts needing repairs later.
Final Thoughts
You’ll spend around $1400 to start with a truckload of gravel, including labor for delivery and spreading.
Most companies require that you purchase at least 10 yards worth of rock- upon which they will come in themselves when delivering.
Many variables in the gravel can affect the costing
The crew who delivers your new yardage can come with an off-loading machine too, which means there won’t be any heavy lifting when they arrive on site.
So, Ask before!
For some, a driveway is an extension of their home.
While For others, it’s the first thing guests see when they pull into your property for pictures.
Or even if they just want to admire how laid back you are with nature’s beauty right outside your doorstep.
What type do you have? Gravel vs. Concrete ones
Let us know
Thanks for reading!