Buyers typically pay for #57 stone by ton or by bag delivered, with main cost drivers including material grade, delivery distance, and site access. This guide breaks down typical price ranges and hidden fees to help budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (Crushed Stone #57) | $15/ton | $26/ton | $60/ton | Delivered or picked up; price varies by quarry and location |
| Delivery (per ton) | $10/ton | $15/ton | $40/ton | Front-door delivery often cheaper than long-haul |
| Base Preparation | $1.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $6.00/sq ft | Includes minor grading and compaction |
| Installation Time | 2–3 hours | 4–6 hours | 1–2 days | Depends on area size and site access |
| Other Fees | $0–$1,000 | $0–$1,500 | $0–$2,500 | Permits, disposal, and haul charges |
Overview Of Costs
Cost range overview: For typical projects using #57 stone, total material and delivery often run from roughly $25 to $120 per ton installed, with base prep or decorative applications priced per square foot. The exact estimate depends on region, quantity, and whether a proscribed base is used. The following assumes midwestern or southern US delivery, standard 1–2 inch stone sizing, and common yard coverage calculations.
Cost Breakdown
Core components are shown in the table below with assumptions: 1) material delivered by truck, 2) moderate site access, 3) no extensive excavation. A typical project uses multiple weights of stone and may include a short run of edging or fabric to reduce mixing with soil.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Typical Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15/ton | $26/ton | $60/ton | ton | Assumes standard 1.5–2 inch fraction |
| Labor | $20 | $40 | $60 | hour | Includes site prep and spreading |
| Equipment | $5 | $10 | $25 | hour | Loader or skid steer rental |
| Delivery | $10/ton | $15/ton | $40/ton | ton | Dependent on distance |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $500 | $2,000 | flat | Region dependent |
| Disposal/Drainage Add-Ons | $0 | $200 | $1,000 | flat/ton | Rock removal or soil amendment |
What Drives Price
Key price drivers include stone quality (natural vs processed), distance to quarry, and site access. Regional quarry competition affects per-ton costs, and delivery charges scale with weight and distance. A steeper driveway or confined space can raise equipment time and labor costs. Additionally, local codes or permits may add fees that alter the final price.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting tips include batching delivery for larger areas, choosing a lower headroom in stone grade if aesthetics permit, and requesting three quotes to compare trucking costs. Ordering slightly more material to cover waste often reduces per-ton delivery fees. Consider combining installation with adjacent projects to negotiate bulk pricing.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to quarry access and transport costs. In the Northeast and West, delivered stone can run higher due to shorter supply lines and higher labor rates, while the Midwest and Southeast often show lower averages. Expect regional deltas of roughly +/- 10–25% from national averages.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs depend on crew size and project area. For a 1,000 sq ft area, spreading and compaction can take 4–6 hours with a small crew; larger projects or slopes increase both time and price. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> A typical crew charges between $40–$60 per hour per worker, with a 2–4 person team common for medium jobs.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Surprises often come from permits, soil testing, fabric underlayment, edging, and disposal of old materials. A modest project may incur 0 to 25 percent of the material cost in fees and extras. Always verify whether delivery is curbside only or requires additional handling at the site.
Real-World Pricing Examples
- Basic – 20 tons of #57 stone, curbside delivery, minimal base prep. Specs: 1,000 sq ft, 2 inches deep. Hours: 4. Materials: $300–$520; Delivery: $200–$400; Labor: $320–$480; Base/Prep: $200–$400. Total: $1,020–$1,800.
- Mid-Range – 50 tons, moderate site prep, edging, and fabric. Specs: 2 inches deep over 1,500 sq ft. Hours: 8–12. Materials: $750–$1,300; Delivery: $750–$1,000; Labor: $720–$1,200; Edging/Fabric/Permits: $200–$600. Total: $2,420–$4,100.
- Premium – 100 tons, complex grade, slope work, and site drainage. Specs: 3 inches deep over 3,000 sq ft. Hours: 16–24. Materials: $1,500–$3,000; Delivery: $1,500–$2,400; Labor: $1,600–$2,800; Extras: $600–$1,400. Total: $5,200–$9,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.