#57 gravel cost typically runs $30-$65 per ton delivered for a standard bulk order, with a national midpoint near $45 per ton. The final quote depends on order size, quarry distance, depth, site access, and whether spreading or grading is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loose #57 stone | $15/ton | $23/ton | $35/ton | Quarry pickup; before delivery |
| Delivered bulk gravel | $30/ton | $45/ton | $65/ton | Typical truck delivery, local order |
| One cubic yard | $40 | $60 | $90 | About 1.4 tons, delivered equivalent |
| Small truckload | $100 | $250 | $500 | Varies with minimum charge and distance |
What #57 gravel costs by ton and cubic yard
For ordinary drainage beds, driveway top layers, and landscaping, #57 stone costs about $30-$65 per delivered ton. A cubic yard weighs roughly 1.3-1.5 tons depending on stone type and moisture, so buyers can budget approximately $40-$90 per delivered yard. Quarry pickup may lower the stone price, but requires a suitable vehicle and loading arrangements.
A common 10-ton order costs around $300-$650 delivered before spreading, excavation, or old-material removal. A 20-ton load may have a lower per-ton delivery rate where the truck can unload safely. Assumptions: standard crushed limestone or granite, ordinary access, and local delivery; regional quotes vary.
How quarry, delivery, and spreading charges shape the quote
A quote may separate aggregate, trucking, equipment, and labor. The table shows typical U.S. ranges; charges vary by market, truck size, and whether the supplier offers a combined rate.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarry stone | $15/ton | $23/ton | $35/ton | Material only |
| Local delivery | $75 | $150 | $300 | Per truck trip |
| Spreading or grading | $50 | $125 | $300 | Per job, light work |
| Excavation and base prep | $1/sq ft | $2.50/sq ft | $5/sq ft | Per area, site-dependent |
| Removal or disposal | $50 | $150 | $400 | Per load or minimum fee |
Delivery and site work can equal or exceed the stone price on small orders. Ask whether the quote includes fuel surcharges, minimum-load fees, tailgate spreading, and taxes. For labor estimates, a small crew may take 2-5 hours to distribute and rake a modest load; At $50-$100 per worker-hour, labor may add $100-$1,000 depending on crew size and grading scope.
Why depth, area, and haul distance move price
Coverage determines tonnage. A 2-inch layer of #57 gravel generally takes about 0.5 ton per 100 square feet; a 4-inch layer needs roughly 1 ton per 100 square feet. Irregular ground, compaction, and overlap can increase the order by 5%-15%. For driveways, a thin decorative layer may not provide the support needed under vehicle traffic.
Every extra inch of depth raises material needs by about 50% when moving from 2 to 3 inches. Distance matters too: deliveries beyond a supplier’s usual 10-20-mile service radius may add $2-$8 per ton or a flat $50-$200 trip charge. A narrow gate, overhead wires, soft ground, or a steep driveway can require a smaller truck or a second trip.
What three driveway and drainage loads cost
These examples use delivered stone and ordinary access. They exclude excavation and extensive grading, which can change the total substantially.
- Small drainage strip: 100 square feet at 3 inches deep takes about 0.75 ton; a supplier’s minimum delivery often makes the bill $100-$250.
- Single-car parking area: 400 square feet at 4 inches uses about 4 tons. Stone and local delivery commonly total $200-$450; basic spreading may bring the project to $300-$650.
- Long driveway top layer: 1,000 square feet at 3 inches needs about 7.5 tons. Delivered gravel may cost $300-$600, with grading or base repairs potentially adding $200-$1,000.
Actual tonnage depends on the compacted depth, aggregate weight, and how evenly the site is prepared.
How #57 gravel compares with other stone sizes
#57 stone is a coarse, angular aggregate commonly used for drainage and general surfacing. It typically costs $15-$35 per ton at the quarry, similar to other common crushed-stone grades, though local availability and rock type set the price. Smaller screenings often cost $20-$45 per ton and create a tighter surface, while larger riprap can run $25-$60 per ton because of heavier stone handling.
Choose by function rather than price alone. #57 gravel does not compact into a smooth, dense surface as well as crusher run, which contains fine particles; crusher run may cost $20-$45 per ton. Drainage projects may need clean stone without fines, while a stable driveway base may require a compactable base layer beneath #57 stone. Switching grades without checking the intended use can lead to extra rework.
How delivery minimums and access affect small orders
Suppliers may set a minimum order of 1-5 tons or charge a flat delivery fee even for a partial load. A half-ton purchase can therefore cost $100-$250 delivered, while a 5-ton order in the same area might cost $200-$450. Bagged gravel from a home center may be practical for a few small repairs but often costs $5-$10 per 0.5-cubic-foot bag, substantially more per ton than bulk material.
Confirm the truck’s minimum, payload, and dumping method before scheduling. A dump truck may need room to turn and a firm, level area; if it cannot reach the placement point, wheelbarrow labor or a second handling charge may add $50-$300. Ask whether the driver can tailgate spread, since that service is not included in every delivery quote.
Which prep choices can lower a #57 gravel bill
Measure the project before ordering and calculate tonnage from the planned depth rather than buying by visual guess. For example, 500 square feet at 3 inches requires roughly 3.75 tons, but ordering exactly that amount may leave no allowance for uneven ground. A 5%-10% cushion is often enough on a well-prepared, regular area; unusually rough terrain may need more.
Controlling truck trips and avoiding unnecessary excavation are the strongest savings levers. Compare at least three delivered quotes using the same tonnage and placement terms, and ask for material and trucking prices separately. Prepare clear access, remove loose vegetation beforehand, and keep reusable soil on site where suitable. Do not skip a stable base or drainage preparation when the surface will carry vehicles or manage runoff; correcting a failed layer can cost more than the initial savings.