Three-quarter-inch crushed stone typically costs $25-$75 per ton before delivery, with many buyers paying about $45 per ton for standard material. The 3/4 stone price varies with stone type, order size, hauling distance, local supply, and whether spreading or site preparation is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone, per ton | $25 | $45 | $75 | Quarry price for common crushed stone |
| Stone, per cubic yard | $35 | $65 | $110 | About 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard |
| Local delivered load | $150 | $350 | $700 | Small loads can carry minimum delivery fees |
| Installed stone | $60 | $130 | $250 | Per ton, including basic placement; site work varies |
Assumptions: Common 3/4-inch crushed limestone or granite, ordinary access, and typical U.S. market rates. Actual quotes vary by location and order size.
What 3/4-Inch Crushed Stone Costs by Ton and Yard
At the quarry, standard 3/4-inch crushed stone commonly runs $25-$75 per ton, with an approximate midpoint of $45. A cubic yard often weighs around 1.4-1.5 tons, so material alone is roughly $35-$110 per yard, averaging about $65. Actual weight depends on the rock, grading, moisture, and how tightly it settles.
For a straightforward bulk order, budgeting $40-$60 per ton for the stone itself is a practical starting point. This range generally reflects ordinary gray limestone or similar aggregate, rather than decorative stone or specialty drainage products. Prices at a retail landscape yard may exceed direct quarry prices, especially for small quantities.
A 10-ton purchase at $45 per ton would cost about $450 for material, before delivery, taxes, or spreading. A 20-ton order at the same rate would be about $900. Contractors may quote by the ton, cubic yard, truckload, or completed project; the quote should specify which unit is used and whether freight is included.
Three-quarter-inch stone usually describes the nominal size, not a single uniform product. It may be sold as clean, washed stone or as a graded product containing smaller particles and fines. The intended use matters: clean stone is common for drainage, while a compactable blend may suit a driveway base better.
How Quarry, Hauling, and Placement Shape the Quote
A delivered quote combines the aggregate price with transportation and, when requested, unloading or placement. The table gives common planning ranges; regional trucking rules, fuel prices, and minimum charges can shift them. For installation labor, crews may charge by the hour, by the ton, or as a combined site-work price.
| Quote component | Typical range | How it is charged | What changes the amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4-inch stone | $25-$75 per ton | Per ton or yard | Rock type, grading, and quarry supply |
| Delivery | $75-$250 per load | Per truck trip | Distance, truck size, fuel, and minimums |
| Spreading and raking | $50-$100 per hour | Per worker-hour or job | Depth, access, and crew size |
| Base preparation | $1-$4 per sq ft | Per square foot | Excavation, grading, and compaction needs |
| Old material removal | $100-$500 per load | Per load or disposal fee | Volume, debris type, and landfill distance |
Delivery and site work can equal or exceed the stone charge on a small order. A truck may have a minimum fee even when it carries only part of its capacity. Confirm whether the supplier’s delivered price includes dumping in one pile, spreading across the area, or moving material by wheelbarrow.
Labor estimates can be compared with this simple calculation: . For example, four hours at $75 per hour equals $300 in labor, before equipment or materials. If the installer uses a skid steer or compact loader, ask whether equipment is included or billed separately.
How Tonnage, Stone Type, and Distance Change Price
Quantity is one of the biggest price drivers. A small order of 1-3 tons may cost more per ton after delivery than a 10-20-ton order because the truck, dispatch, and unloading still require a trip. For larger projects, confirm the truck’s legal payload and whether the supplier can deliver the full quantity in one trip.
Depth also determines how many tons are needed. A 3-inch layer across 1,000 square feet takes about 9-10 cubic yards, or roughly 13-15 tons, before allowing for compaction and uneven ground. A 4-inch layer over the same area may take around 18-20 tons. These are planning estimates, not a substitute for a supplier’s calculation.
A change from 3 inches to 4 inches over 1,000 square feet can add roughly 5 tons of material. At $45 per ton, that is about $225 more for stone alone, potentially plus another delivery or added installation time. Use the intended finished depth and measured area when requesting quotes.
Stone type and processing affect the rate. Common crushed limestone often sits near the middle of the range, while granite, washed stone, and specialty colors may cost more. Clean 3/4-inch stone can have a higher price than a similar-sized blend because it is screened or washed and may be supplied for drainage or decorative use.
Haul distance can raise the delivered rate even when the quarry price is low. A nearby pit may charge less overall than a distant supplier with a lower material rate. Ask for the delivered total and identify the delivery address, requested quantity, and any access restrictions before comparing offers.
Delivery Minimums and Tight Access Can Add Fees
Delivery charges often range from $75-$250 for a local truck trip, but remote addresses, traffic, tolls, and long waits can push the fee higher. Smaller landscape suppliers may deliver a few yards in a smaller truck, while quarry trucks usually carry more and may have a higher minimum order. Ask what quantity triggers the quoted rate.
Truck access can determine whether a low material quote remains low after delivery. Narrow gates, soft lawns, steep driveways, low branches, overhead wires, and limited turning space may prevent a large dump truck from reaching the drop point. A smaller vehicle or multiple loads can add $50-$200 or more, depending on the supplier and distance.
Some companies charge a waiting fee if the truck cannot unload promptly, or a redelivery fee if access is blocked. If material must be carried from the curb or moved around a building, labor can add several hundred dollars. Marking the desired dump location and clearing the route ahead of time can avoid avoidable delays.
Ask whether taxes, fuel surcharges, and payment fees are included. A quote that lists only the per-ton material price may not reflect the amount due. For a delivered estimate, request the total for the stated tonnage, the number of loads, and any extra charges for spreading or placement.
Regional 3/4-Inch Stone Rates Vary by Quarry Access
Local geology and quarry availability shape regional prices. Areas near limestone or granite quarries can have lower material rates, while island communities, remote rural areas, and dense urban markets may pay more because of longer hauls, restricted truck routes, or limited suppliers.
| Market type | Typical material rate | Delivered rate | Common price pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarry-adjacent rural | $25-$45 per ton | $35-$70 per ton | Lower haul expense, but fewer delivery services |
| Suburban market | $35-$60 per ton | $50-$90 per ton | Moderate truck distance and local competition |
| Large urban market | $45-$75 per ton | $65-$120 per ton | Traffic, access limits, and higher operating costs |
| Remote or island location | $50-$90 per ton | $80-$150 per ton | Long haul, transfer, or limited supply |
Delivered pricing may differ by 20%-50% between a quarry-adjacent area and a high-cost urban or remote market. These are broad comparison ranges, not fixed regional averages. A location with abundant aggregate can still have expensive delivery if the job site is far from the pit.
Compare at least two quotes based on the same product description and quantity. One supplier may price clean washed stone, while another offers a 3/4-inch blend with fines. Ask for the quarry location, product name, tons per load, and delivery charge so the difference is clear.
Three Driveway and Drainage Quotes With Realistic Totals
These examples show how project scope affects the bill. They assume common crushed stone, ordinary access, and typical local rates. The actual amount needed should be confirmed against measurements, intended depth, and the supplier’s conversion from cubic yards to tons.
| Project | Material and unit rate | Labor or delivery | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small drainage strip, 3 tons | 3 tons at $55 = $165 | $150 delivery | $315 |
| Driveway refresh, 10 tons | 10 tons at $45 = $450 | $175 delivery and $300 spreading | $925 |
| New 1,000-sq-ft base, about 15 tons | 15 tons at $50 = $750 | $200 delivery and $1,200 grading and placement | $2,150 |
The installed example costs more because it includes grading and placement, not just a truckload of stone. A driveway refresh may require little preparation if the base is stable. A new installation can require excavation, fabric, grading, or compaction, so the labor portion can vary substantially.
For the drainage strip, a single small load may be convenient but expensive per ton. Combining the order with another project or arranging a supplier’s smaller delivery vehicle may lower the cost. For the driveway base, verify whether the price includes compaction equipment and whether the final depth is measured before or after compaction.
Clean Stone or Crusher Run for Driveways and Drains
Clean 3/4-inch stone typically costs about $35-$85 per ton, depending on rock and washing. Its open spaces let water pass through, making it useful for drainage trenches, dry wells, and some decorative applications. Because it does not lock together as tightly as a fine-containing mix, it may shift under vehicle traffic unless the design calls for it.
Crusher run or a compactable 3/4-inch blend often costs roughly $25-$60 per ton. It includes smaller particles that help the layer bind when compacted, making it a common driveway base choice. The exact product name and composition vary by quarry, so the buyer should confirm that the material is intended for the planned use.
The least expensive stone is not always the lowest-cost choice if it needs replacement or extra stabilization. For a drainage bed, substituting a compactable blend may reduce water flow. For a driveway, using clean stone without a suitable base may lead to movement and ruts. Ask the installer to explain the specified material and layer depth.
Decorative gravel and river rock are not direct price equivalents. They can cost $50-$150 or more per ton because of color, shape, sorting, or limited supply. If appearance is not important, standard crushed stone may be more economical. If runoff or soil conditions dictate a particular aggregate, changing products just to lower the initial price may create performance problems.
Ways to Reduce a 3/4-Inch Stone Bill Without Underordering
Measure the area and choose a depth based on the job rather than ordering by guesswork. For a rectangular area, multiply length by width, then use the desired depth to estimate volume. Ask the supplier to convert the volume to tons using its own stone density; a general 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard estimate can differ from the product actually delivered.
Accurate quantities and comparable delivered quotes usually save more than choosing an unsuitable stone. Request written prices for the same product, tonnage, delivery point, and unloading method. Compare the full delivered total, not only the material rate, and check whether the quoted load is subject to a minimum or fuel surcharge.
Consider scheduling delivery when a truck can unload without waiting and the site is ready. Clear access, protect surfaces that should not be driven on, and identify the drop location in advance. If the project needs excavation or old gravel removal, bundling those tasks with delivery may reduce separate mobilization fees, though the combined quote should still itemize each task.
Do not pay for premium washed or decorative stone when ordinary crushed material meets the project specification. Conversely, avoid reducing the specified depth or choosing the wrong grade solely to lower the upfront bill. A shortfall can require another truck trip, where the delivery fee may cost more than the extra stone would have.
For a small job, compare a bulk delivery with bagged product only after checking the quantity. Bags are convenient for patching or narrow areas, but retail bag pricing is commonly much higher per ton than bulk stone. For a larger driveway or drainage project, bulk delivery is generally more economical when truck access is practical.