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How Much Does Driveway Gravel Cost?

$20 - $110 per m2

    How Much Does Driveway Gravel Cost?

    The gravel driveway cost per square foot depends on the price of driveway gravel per ton. Labour cost, aggregate used, and property location are also some of the variables to consider. Overall, driveway stone prices average between $20 and $110 a square metre.

    Gravel driveways are very popular in Australia because they are durable enough to handle any type of vehicular traffic. If you plan to put gravel down for your driveway, we’re here to help. Our guide will walk you through the associated costs of laying a gravel driveway.

    City Average Cost of Gravel (m3)
    Sydney $60 – $100
    Melbourne $60 – $100
    Brisbane $100 – $180
    Canberra $50 – $80
    Perth $80 – $100

    Factors Impacting the Gravel Driveway Cost

    Several factors impact the gravel driveway cost.

    Size of the driveway

    The size, length and width of the driveway you plan to build determines how much gravel you need and significantly impacts the total gravel driveway cost.

    Type of driveway materials

    The type of gravel used also impacts the price of installing gravel driveways. Driveway stone prices can differ dramatically. A crushed limestone driveway cost is different from a crushed granite driveway cost, and a pebble driveway cost a different price as well. Cobblestone or slate tend to be the most expensive options.

    Land preparation

    Preparing the land to install gravel driveways takes lots of time and work, which can increase the gravel driveway costs per square metre. Grading and levelling the land to install the driveway makes the process much more expensive. Removing an existing driveway can cost between $35 to $55 per square metre.

    Soil’s composition

    The soil composition also impacts the price of installing a gravel driveway.

    In areas where the soil is primarily sand and gravel, the cost of installing a gravel driveway can be reduced by 25% to 60%.

    New or replacement

    Replacing a gravel driveway is much cheaper than installing a new one. Installing a new gravel driveway can cost between $30 and $50 per square metre. Re-gravelling or replacing an old paved driveway can range from $40 to $65 a square metre.

    Price Estimates for Different Types of Gravel Driveways

    The price to install a gravel driveway can vary widely depending on the type of stone used.

    Gravel

    The cost of installing a gravel driveway can reach up to $5 per square foot, depending on the aggregate used.

    Crushed granite

    The cost of crushed granite driveway installation varies greatly. The size of the job and the condition of the area where the driveways are to be installed significantly impact the price—crushed granite costs between $100 and $150 per ton for delivery and distribution.

    Resin

    Resin driveway prices vary between $30 to $50 per square metre. The price can vary significantly based on the driveway’s size and layout, the condition of the site and the options the property owner chooses.

    Crushed rock

    A crushed rock driveway costs between $50 and $75 per cubic metre to install. Crushed rock driveways can use regular crushed stone, crushed limestone or upscale-looking crushed white marble, which cost upwards of $90 per cubic metre.

    Stone

    Stone driveways can range in price from $50 and $90 to as high as $150 per cubic metre, depending on the depth of stone and gravel base. Among the least expensive of the options for driveways, when nicely designed and built, a stone driveway can enhance the appearance of an old house.

    Limestone

    Crushed limestone for driveways can cost between $50 to $100 a ton. Affordable, customizable and easy to work with, limestone can be crushed to meet specific dimensions, dyed in many colours and lasts a very long time.

    Crushed stone

    A crushed stone driveway costs between $50 and $90 a cubic metre to install. The final price depends on whether the stone is from nearby or far away, the driveway’s size, the job site’s condition and the materials, equipment and finishes used.

    Pebblestone

    Innovative, eco-friendly and available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours, a pebble driveway can cost around $80 to $150 a cubic metre to install. Using pebbles adds unique style and creative designs while meeting the practical requirements for constructing driveways on residential and commercial properties.

    Cost of Driveway Gravel

    The gravel driveway cost can vary widely depending on the type of gravel used. The per-ton price can range from $45 for standard gravel to $230 or more for limestone, pebblestone or other materials.

    Blue gravel leading to a garage with the rear end of a ute on the other side.

    An example of drainage gravel used for a driveway. | Source: Rewind Landscapers

    Asphalt Driveway vs Gravel Driveway vs Concrete Driveway

    When building driveways, the most popular materials among Australians are gravel, asphalt and concrete. The cost of installing each type of driveway can vary widely, and each material has several advantages and disadvantages.

    Which is the most cost-effective? 

    Asphalt driveways cost between $25 and $45 a square metre, and concrete driveways cost $65 a square metre to install. On the other hand, gravel driveways start at $20 and can go over $100 per square metre.

    Driveway Type Advantages Disadvantages
    Asphalt
    • Sleek appearance
    • Ability to withstand extreme weather and climatic conditions
    • Long lifespan
    • Style and colour limitations
    • Maintenance requirements
    • Susceptibility to damage in sweltering weather
    Gravel  

    • Affordable
    • Environmentally-friendly
    • Easy to install
     

    • Regular maintenance
    • Ruts and sinkholes often form
    • Dust, dirt and debris from it often fly into the air
    Concrete
    • Durability
    • Versatility
    • Low maintenance requirements
    • Tendency to crack
    • Quickly becomes stained
    • Challenging to repair

    How To Hire a Gravel Driveway Contractor

    When hiring a gravel driveway pros, it’s essential to choose one that’s properly trained and licensed. Making sure they are experienced experts also helps. Good ways to connect with expert concreters include:

    • Contacting local or regional concreter trade organizations
    • Getting references from family, friends and neighbours
    • Researching concrete installation companies online
    • Asking for recommendations at the local trusted hardware store

    How To Create An Accurate Estimate

    There are several steps consumers can take to create an accurate estimate. They include:

    • Contacting local or regional concrete trade organizations
    • Asking family, friends and neighbours what they paid for similar work
    • Researching prices for the work you need done online
    • Getting a gravel driveway permit
    • Talking with at least three concreters and finding out what they will charge

    How to Save Money Hiring a Concreter

    • To save money when hiring a concreter, you should:
    • Get at least three price quotes
    • Compare levels of service
    • Contact local or regional concreter trade organizations for information on fair pricing and recommendations on good local concreters

    Give your driveway a new look

    Knowing and understanding the costs of installing a gravel driveway helps with decision-making when planning your project. The total cost will vary, and that’s why it’s crucial to work with experienced contractors for guidance. These professionals can ensure the job will go smoothly and meet your standards.

     

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

    FAQs

    How much does it cost to re-gravel a driveway?

    The average cost to gravel a driveway that’s 10 feet wide and 100 metres long is about $2,500. Several factors can make the driveway gravel prices higher or lower. Some of the factors that make gravel driveway cheaper are:

    • Existing concrete driveway
    • How badly damaged it was
    • What type of gravel you choose
    • How thick a layer of gravel you want to have installed
    • Where your home or business is located
    • Distance from the gravel supplier.

    The average price of a cubic yard of gravel in Australia is between $55 and $120, and the labour to install it usually is about $5 per square metre.

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