Gravel Driveway Cost per Square Foot in 2026
Gravel driveway cost guide for 2026. Estimate cost per square foot, gravel depth, crushed stone base, delivery, grading, and long-term maintenance.
How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost per Square Foot?
A gravel driveway usually costs $1-$4 per square foot installed in 2026 for a basic project. A deeper, better-built driveway with excavation, geotextile fabric, base rock, and top gravel can cost $3-$8 per square foot.
Gravel is much cheaper upfront than concrete or asphalt. Compare long-term tradeoffs in the Concrete Driveway Cost Guide.
Gravel Driveway Cost by Size
| Driveway Size | Square Feet | Basic Gravel | Better Base + Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single car, 10x20 | 200 | $200-$800 | $600-$1,600 |
| Two-car, 20x30 | 600 | $600-$2,400 | $1,800-$4,800 |
| Long rural drive, 12x100 | 1,200 | $1,200-$4,800 | $3,600-$9,600 |
| Large driveway, 24x50 | 1,200 | $1,200-$4,800 | $3,600-$9,600 |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Crushed stone or gravel | $25-$75 per ton |
| Delivery | $50-$150 per load |
| Grading | $0.50-$2.00 per sq ft |
| Geotextile fabric | $0.10-$0.50 per sq ft |
| Installation labor | $1-$4 per sq ft |
| Annual maintenance | $100-$500+ |
Gravel vs Concrete vs Asphalt
| Material | Installed Cost per Sq Ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1-$8 | Indefinite with refresh | Rake, refill, control weeds |
| Asphalt | $3-$7 | 15-25 years | Sealcoating |
| Concrete | $4-$15 | 30-50 years | Sealing, crack repair |
| Pavers | $10-$25 | 25-50 years | Resetting, weed control |
Related Guides
- Crushed Stone Cost per Yard
- Concrete Driveway Cost
- Concrete Slab Cost for a 20x20 Patio
- Stamped Concrete vs Regular Concrete Cost
FAQ
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Many residential gravel driveways use 4-6 inches of compacted material. Poor soil, heavy vehicles, and wet areas may need a deeper base.
Is gravel cheaper than asphalt?
Yes. Gravel is usually cheaper upfront, but it needs more regular maintenance and can spread or rut over time.
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
Crusher run or dense-grade aggregate works well for the base because it compacts. A cleaner top layer can improve appearance.