Buying 1 yard of gravel varies by material, distance, and delivery options. Typical prices reflect material quality, hauling, and site access. The price range you’ll see starts around a low end for basic gravel and climbs with premium blends and long deliveries, so it’s important to know the main cost drivers.
Assumptions: Midwest delivery in standard access, ordinary moisture content, standard 3/4-inch crushed stone or round gravel, no special permit requirements.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel material (1 cubic yard) | $15 | $40 | $60 | Varies by stone type |
| Delivery fee (within 20 miles) | $20 | $60 | $120 | Distance drives up cost |
| Taxes & fees | $0 | $5 | $15 | Local rules apply |
| Total delivered price per yard | $40 | $110 | $200 | Average site cost |
| Per ton equivalent (approx.) | $12 | $25 | $40 | Assumes ~1.4 tons per cubic yard |
Material choice drives the main price gap for 1 yard of gravel. Standard river gravel tends to be cheaper than crushed stone or specialty blends. In practice, expect roughly $15-$40 per cubic yard for basic gravel, and $40-$60 per cubic yard for crushed or screened options. Premium blends with color or engineered specs can push above $60 per cubic yard.
Delivery fees are a major portion of the delivered price. Depending on distance and access, a typical delivery charge lands in the $20-$120 range, with fuel surcharges and curbside drop-off sometimes adding more. Access problems or uphill drives can raise costs by 20-40%.
For planning, 1 yard equals roughly 0.76 cubic meters. A small pathway may require 2-4 yards, while a larger driveway area easily runs 10-20 yards. A standard residential project often sits in the $100-$300 range per yard including delivery when spread across several yards or multiple loads.
Prices vary by region due to supply, demand, and hauling distance. In the East and Midwest, typical ranges are $25-$60 per yard for material, with delivery adding $20-$100. In the West, expect higher base material costs and longer drive times, nudging delivered price toward the $60-$150 per yard band when including delivery.
Most suppliers quote per cubic yard for gravel, but some quotes are per ton. Since a yard of gravel generally weighs about 1.4 tons, per-ton pricing can translate to roughly $18-$50 per yard depending on rock type. Always confirm the unit in a quote and verify the weight assumptions used by the supplier.
Additional charges often appear as additives to the base price, such as bagging, grading, or compaction. Expect small projects to incur minimum charges or delivery surcharges if only a single yard is purchased. Avoid unnecessary extras by confirming exact quantities and service needs up front.
Site prep, such as compacting subgrade, removing existing material, or creating a stable base, adds to the total. If a base layer of crushed stone is required, the per-yard price increases due to extra material and labor. Typical prep can add $10-$40 per yard depending on conditions.
Request a written quote with material type, delivery radius, truck access, and the exact pile size. Ask for a per-yard price plus delivery fee and confirm whether taxes are included. A precise quote helps prevent surprises when the bill arrives.
| Scenario | Material | Delivery | Total Delivered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic gravel, 20 miles | Standard gravel | $40 | $60-$100 | Low end for small jobs |
| Crushed stone, same distance | Crushed stone | $60 | $110-$160 | Higher durability |
| Premium blend, regional haul | Decorative blend | $80 | $140-$210 | Higher aesthetic value |
| Heavy base prep required | Base + material | $50 | $100-$180 | Includes minor prep |