Gravel is one of the most versatile landscape materials—driveways, paths, drainage, decorative landscaping. But ordering bulk gravel can be confusing if you don't know what to ask for.

This guide covers everything: types of gravel, how much you need, what questions to ask suppliers, pricing, and how to prepare for delivery.

Why Order Bulk Gravel Delivery?

You Need Bulk Gravel If:

✅ Driveway (3–6 inches base + 2–3 inches top)
✅ Gravel paths (2–3 inches across multiple areas)
✅ Drainage or fill (French drains, swales)
✅ Landscape decorative beds (2–3 inches)
✅ Ordering 1+ ton (more economical than bags)

The Math

  • Bagged gravel: $5–$10 per 50-lb bag = ~$200–$400/ton
  • Bulk delivery: $40–$75/ton
  • Savings at 5 tons: $800–$1,800
  • Break-even: Around 1–2 tons

If you need 2+ tons: Order bulk delivery.

Types of Gravel: What to Know

Pea Gravel ($30.99/yard)

What it is: Small, smooth, rounded stones (pea-sized).

Characteristics:

  • Comfortable to walk on (smooth)
  • Good drainage
  • Attractive appearance (various colors)
  • Easy to rake/maintain

Best for: Playgrounds, walkways, decorative landscaping.

Cost: $50–$75/ton

NOT ideal for: Driveways (shifts under weight), French drains (too large).

Crushed Stone / Crushed Granite

What it is: Angular, crushed fragments of granite or limestone. Harbor Soils products: 5/8" Minus Aggregate ($34.99/yard), 3/4" Minus ($34.99/yard), 1-1/2" Clean Crushed Rock ($35.99/yard), 3/4" Clean ($43.99/yard).

Characteristics:

  • Locks together (compacts well)
  • Excellent drainage
  • Affordable
  • Durable under traffic

Best for: Driveway base layer, drains, paths with heavy traffic.

Cost: $40–$65/ton

Pros: Compacts, doesn't shift, long-lasting.
Cons: Sharp edges (uncomfortable barefoot), dusty.

River Rock / Round Drain Rock

What it is: Larger, smooth, rounded stones (1-3 inches). Harbor Soils options: 7/8" Round Drain Rock ($31.99/yard), 1-1/2" Round Drain Rock ($30.99/yard), Oversized Round Rock ($56.99/yard).

Characteristics:

  • Very decorative (attractive colors/shapes)
  • Doesn't compact
  • Poor drainage (gaps, slow water movement)
  • Shifts easily

Best for: Decorative landscaping, decorative beds, water features.

Cost: $60–$100/ton

NOT ideal for: Driveways, drainage, high-traffic areas.

Marble Chips

What it is: White marble stone fragments.

Characteristics:

  • Very decorative (bright white)
  • Premium appearance
  • Poor drainage
  • Expensive
  • Can reflect heat

Best for: Decorative landscaping only (high-end projects).

Cost: $150–$250/ton

NOT ideal for: Function (drainage, driveways).

Jersey Shore Gravel / Beach Pebbles

What it is: Mixed small stones, shells, colorful pebbles.

Characteristics:

  • Very decorative
  • Doesn't compact
  • Poor drainage
  • Shifts easily

Best for: Decorative beds, walkways in low-traffic areas.

Cost: $50–$100/ton

Crush & Run (Crusher Run / "Minus" Material)

What it is: Crushed stone + stone dust (compacts into solid base). Harbor Soils options: 3/4" Minus ($34.99/yard), 5/8" Minus Aggregate ($34.99/yard), 1-1/4" Minus ($35.99/yard). Browse the full crushed rock collection.

Characteristics:

  • Compacts extremely well
  • Creates solid base layer
  • Good drainage
  • Very affordable

Best for: Driveway base layer, path base, under pavers.

Cost: $35–$50/ton

Pros: Compacts, creates solid foundation, very cheap.
Cons: Dust cloud on delivery, stains light-colored vehicles.

Stone Dust / Crushed Slate

What it is: Fine stone powder (byproduct of crushing).

Characteristics:

  • Very fine (dust-like)
  • Compacts to nearly solid
  • Poor drainage
  • Dark color

Best for: Base layer under pavers, path filler, base under mulch.

Cost: $30–$45/ton

Calculate How Much Gravel You Need

The Formula

Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Then: Cubic Yards × 1.4 = Tons (approximate)

Common Projects

Driveway (20 ft × 30 ft, 4 inches base + 2 inches top = 6 inches total):

  • 20 × 30 × (6 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 11.1 cubic yards
  • 11.1 × 1.4 = ~15.5 tons
  • Cost at $50/ton: $775

Gravel Path (3 ft wide × 50 ft long × 2 inches deep):

  • 3 × 50 × (2 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards
  • 0.93 × 1.4 = ~1.3 tons
  • Cost: $65

Decorative Bed (100 sq ft × 3 inches deep):

  • 100 × (3 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards
  • 0.93 × 1.4 = ~1.3 tons
  • Cost: $65–$100

Use Our Calculator

Don't estimate—use our cubic yard calculator →.

How to Order Gravel Delivery

Step 1: Know What You Need

  1. Calculate tons needed (see above)
  2. Decide gravel type (driveway base? decorative?)
  3. Know delivery address

Step 2: Find Suppliers

Search: "gravel delivery near me" or "bulk gravel [your city]"

Step 3: Call for Quote

Tell them:

  • "I need [X tons] of [gravel type] delivered to [address]"
  • "Can you deliver [date/time]?"

Ask:

  1. Price per ton?
  2. Delivery fee separate or included?
  3. Minimum order?
  4. Same-day delivery available?
  5. What time window?
  6. Do you need access (driveway width)?
  7. Payment options?

Red flags:
🚩 No screening (contamination)
🚩 Unclear pricing
🚩 Won't confirm delivery area
🚩 Extremely cheap (poor quality)

Step 4: Prepare for Delivery

  • Clear driveway (no cars, obstacles)
  • Mark dumping location clearly
  • Have water available (reduces dust)
  • Be home when truck arrives

Step 5: Receiving & Using

Check:

  • Gravel type matches order
  • No unusual contamination
  • Quantity looks right (rough: ~1 ton pile = 2 ft tall × 3 ft wide)

Spreading:

  • Small amounts: Shovel into wheelbarrow, distribute by hand
  • Large amounts: Rent skid steer loader (~$150–$200/day)
  • Compact: Use foot traffic or roller for driveway base

Pricing Guide

Typical Costs (Pacific Northwest)

Type Per Ton For 5 Tons
Crushed Stone $40–$65 $200–$325
Crush & Run $35–$50 $175–$250
Pea Gravel $50–$75 $250–$375
River Rock $60–$100 $300–$500
Stone Dust $30–$45 $150–$225
Marble Chips $150–$250 $750–$1,250

Add delivery fee: $0–$100 (often free for 5+ tons)

Cost Comparison: Driveway

15-ton driveway (crush & run base + pea gravel top):

  • 10 tons crush & run: 10 × $45 = $450
  • 5 tons pea gravel: 5 × $60 = $300
  • Total: $750 (includes delivery)

Common Questions

Q: What's the difference between crush & run and crushed stone?
A: Crush & run has dust that helps it compact. Crushed stone is just stone. Crush & run is better for driveway base.

Q: How deep should driveway gravel be?
A: 3 inches base (crush & run) + 2 inches top (pea gravel or crushed stone) = 5–6 inches total.

Q: Can I use pea gravel on a driveway?
A: Technically yes, but it shifts under tires. Better: crush & run base (3") + pea gravel top (2").

Q: How often do I need to refresh gravel?
A: Driveway: Every 2–3 years (compacts, shifts). Paths: Every 3–5 years. Decorative: As needed.

Q: Is river rock good for drainage?
A: No. Use crushed stone or pea gravel for drainage. River rock's smooth shape leaves gaps but drains poorly.

Q: Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
A: Helps with weeds, but not essential. For driveways: NO (prevents compaction). For decorative beds: YES (reduces weeds).

Driveway Base Guide

Ideal driveway: Layered approach

  1. Compact native soil (grade, compact)
  2. Crush & run base: 3–4 inches (compacts, creates solid foundation)
  3. Pea gravel or crushed stone top: 2–3 inches (decorative, comfortable)
  4. Refresh: Every 2–3 years (top layer only)

Cost for 20 × 30 ft driveway (~15 tons):

  • Crush & run (10 tons): $450
  • Pea gravel (5 tons): $300
  • Total: $750 (one-time)
  • Refresh cost (year 3): $300 (5 tons pea gravel)

Ready to Order Gravel Delivery?

Order bulk gravel from Harbor Soils—same-day delivery across Kitsap County.

Shop Bulk Gravel →

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Harbor Soils

  • Phone: 253-857-5125
  • Service area: Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Purdy, Poulsbo, and surrounding areas
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM | Sat 10 AM–3 PM