Question 1

How much gravel do I need?

Accepted Answer

Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) and divide by 27 for cubic yards. Then multiply by the material's density to get tons. For a 10x10 area at 4 inches deep: (10×10×0.333)÷27 = 1.23 cubic yards of gravel.

Question 2

How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?

Accepted Answer

Crushed stone: 1.4 tons/yd³. Pea gravel: 1.2–1.35 tons/yd³. River rock: 1.35 tons/yd³. Limestone: 1.5 tons/yd³.

Question 3

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

Accepted Answer

Install gravel driveways in layers: 4 inches of compacted base course (3-inch crush) topped with 2–3 inches of surface gravel. Total depth of 4–6 inches is standard.

Question 4

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Accepted Answer

A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs approximately 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons). Lighter gravels like pea gravel weigh about 2,500 lbs/yd³.

Question 5

How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?

Accepted Answer

At 2 inches deep, 1 ton of gravel covers about 100 square feet. At 4 inches, roughly 50 square feet. At 6 inches, approximately 33 square feet.

Question 6

What type of gravel is best for a driveway?

Accepted Answer

A 3-layer system works best: #3 stone base, #57 stone middle, and #21A crushed granite or limestone top layer. Avoid round stones like pea gravel for driveways — they shift underfoot.

Question 7

How do I calculate gravel for a path or walkway?

Accepted Answer

Use L × W × D (all in feet) ÷ 27. For a curved path, measure the average width. Use pea gravel or decomposed granite at 2–3 inches deep for walkways.

Question 8

Can I order gravel by the truckload?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gravel suppliers typically deliver by the ton or yard. A standard dump truck holds 10–14 tons. A pickup truck holds about 0.5–1 ton. Call local quarries for bulk pricing.

Depth	1 Ton Covers	1 Yd³ Covers	Best Use
2 inches	~100 sq ft	~162 sq ft	Top dressing, decorative beds
3 inches	~65 sq ft	~108 sq ft	Paths, playgrounds
4 inches	~50 sq ft	~81 sq ft	Driveways, base layers
6 inches	~33 sq ft	~54 sq ft	Heavy traffic, drainage

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