Updated November 9, 2026
What goes into the price
Every gravel driveway estimate is built from the same handful of things:
- Length and width. A typical single-lane drive is 10 to 12 feet wide. Long rural drives are mostly a materials job.
- Base depth. Most new drives need about 4 inches of compacted crusher run (GAB) as a base. Soft or wet clay may need more.
- Surface stone. Some drives are crusher run all the way up. Others get a top layer of #57 stone or another surface stone for looks and traction.
- Ground prep. Clearing, stripping topsoil, cutting high spots and filling low ones all happen before any stone arrives.
- Drainage. A crown, ditches along the sides and a culvert where the drive crosses a ditch.
- Access and distance. How far the stone has to be hauled, and whether a dump truck can get to the work area. Jobs far from our bases may also include a mileage fee, agreed up front.
How much gravel you need
Gravel is sold by the ton, so start with volume. Multiply length by width by depth (in feet) and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Crusher run weighs roughly 1.35 to 1.55 tons per cubic yard.
For example, a driveway 100 feet long and 12 feet wide with a 4 inch base is about 14.8 cubic yards, or roughly 20 to 23 tons of crusher run. That is about two dump truck loads.
Our material calculator does this math for you for crusher run, #57 stone and other materials.
Why drainage is worth paying for
Most driveways that rut and wash out are not short on gravel. They have water running down the middle of them. A crown that sheds water to the sides, ditches to carry it away and a properly sized culvert where the drive crosses a road ditch cost more up front, but they are what keep you from buying gravel again every spring.
If your drive connects to a county road, the county may require a permit and a minimum culvert size. On a state route, the Georgia Department of Transportation handles that permit.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Rework instead of replace. An old drive with a decent base can often be regraded, crowned and topped instead of rebuilt.
- Do the site work at the same time. If you are already clearing or grading for a house or shop, adding the driveway to that job saves a second mobilization.
- Make room for trucks. A clear, firm path for a dump truck means the stone can be dropped where it is needed instead of moved twice.
- Pick the right surface stone. Crusher run on top is the most economical. Decorative stone costs more and is not always needed.
Questions to ask before you hire anyone
- How deep will the base be after compaction?
- Is the stone included, and roughly how many tons?
- How will water get off the driveway?
- Is a culvert included if one is needed?
- What happens to the dirt and debris you remove?
Common questions
How thick should a gravel driveway be?
Most residential gravel driveways use about 4 inches of compacted crusher run as a base, with more on soft or wet ground. A surface layer of stone can go on top.
How long does a gravel driveway last?
A gravel driveway built on a good base with proper drainage can last for many years. Expect to add a little surface stone and regrade it from time to time.
Do I need a permit for a driveway in Georgia?
Connecting a driveway to a public road usually needs a permit from the county or city, or from GDOT on a state route. Check with your local government before work starts.