
Where to Buy Gravel: Best Options for Every Project
Finding the Right Source Matters
If you’ve ever started a driveway, landscaping, or construction project, you’ve likely asked yourself: where can I buy gravel that’s high-quality, affordable, and delivered on time?
Choosing the right gravel supplier makes a huge difference in both cost and convenience.
Whether you’re laying a new gravel driveway, creating a drainage base, or refreshing a garden path, you’ll find that gravel is sold through several different types of suppliers – from local landscape yards to nationwide online delivery platforms like Gravel Monkey.
Below, we’ll walk through each option, explain the pros and cons, and help you choose the best way to order gravel for your specific project.
Local Landscape Supply Yards: The Neighborhood Favorite
For most homeowners, a local landscape supply yard is the easiest place to buy gravel. These businesses specialize in bulk aggregates such as crushed stone, pea gravel, and decorative rock – typically sold by the ton or cubic yard.
Advantages of Buying Locally
- See before you buy: You can view gravel color and size in person to ensure it matches your project.
- Local delivery available: Many suppliers offer same-day or next-day delivery for nearby areas.
- Support local business: Buying from neighborhood suppliers helps your local economy.
Potential Drawbacks
- Delivery range may be limited to 10-20 miles.
- Prices can vary based on distance and load size.
- Some yards have limited weekend hours.
Tip: When searching online, try phrases like “gravel delivery near me” or “landscape supply [your city]” to find nearby options.
Quarries and Aggregate Producers: Buying Direct in Bulk
If you’re managing a large project – such as a long driveway, commercial lot, or construction foundation – buying directly from a quarry can save you money.
Advantages of Buying from a Quarry
- Lowest cost per ton: You skip the middleman.
- Consistent quality: Material is freshly processed from the source.
- Variety: Quarries usually offer multiple grades and stone types.
Considerations
- Quarries often require minimum order quantities (e.g., 5-10 tons).
- They may not offer small residential deliveries.
- You’ll likely need a truck or contractor to handle transport.
Pro Tip: Ask your local quarry if they partner with delivery services or can recommend a hauler – it’s often more affordable than renting equipment yourself.
Home Improvement Stores: Ideal for Small Projects
For small DIY jobs like filling planters, patching pathways, or adding accents around the yard, Home Depot, Lowe’s, or other home centers are perfectly suitable.
Pros
- Convenient pickup: Buy bagged gravel by weight (typically 40-50 lbs per bag).
- Predictable quality: Consistent color and texture.
- No delivery required for small jobs.
Cons
- Expensive per pound: Bagged gravel costs much more than bulk.
- Limited types: Usually only pea gravel, river rock, or all-purpose crushed stone.
- Labor intensive: Multiple trips if you need several hundred pounds.
If you need more than ½ ton, it’s generally cheaper to switch to bulk gravel delivery.
Online Gravel Suppliers: The Modern Solution
Ordering gravel online has become the most convenient option for both homeowners and contractors – especially when using platforms like MyGravelMonkey.com.
Why Choose an Online Gravel Supplier
- Transparent pricing: See exact costs by ton or yard before you buy.
- Nationwide delivery: Reliable logistics that bring materials directly to your site.
- Variety: Easily compare sizes like 3/8″, 3/4″, 1″-1 ½″, and 2″-3″ driveway gravel.
- Time-saving: No need to visit multiple suppliers or handle transportation.
How It Works
- Browse gravel types (e.g., driveway, decorative, drainage).
- Enter your ZIP code to check availability and pricing.
- Choose delivery date that suits your schedule.
- Gravel is delivered directly to your project site by truck.
This approach combines convenience, variety, and competitive pricing – all without leaving home.
Cost Comparison: What You Can Expect to Pay
Gravel prices vary depending on the material type, size, and delivery distance.
| Gravel Type | Average Price per Ton | Typical Uses |
| Crushed Stone (¾″) | $40-$55 | Driveways, bases |
| Pea Gravel | $45-$60 | Walkways, gardens |
| Decorative River Rock | $60-$90 | Landscaping, accents |
| Road Base / Crusher Run | $35-$50 | Sub-base for driveways |
| Limestone or Granite Mixes | $50-$75 | Drainage, foundations |
Note: Prices can fluctuate based on region, fuel costs, and supplier availability. Always confirm current rates before ordering.
How Much Gravel Should You Order?
Estimating gravel quantity can be tricky, but an online gravel calculator makes it simple.
Quick Rule of Thumb
- 1 cubic yard = ~1.4 tons of gravel
- Covers about 100 square feet at 2 inches deep
For example, a 10′ × 20′ driveway (200 sq ft) at 3 inches deep requires about 2.5 tons of gravel.
Tip: Always add 5-10% extra to account for compaction and grading.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Gravel
1. Delivery Logistics
Check that the delivery truck can access your site. Ensure there’s a clear unloading area for the gravel drop.
2. Gravel Size & Purpose
Choose size based on use:
- 3/8″ to 3/4″ – Ideal for driveways and walkways.
- 1″ to 2″ – Best for drainage and decorative use.
- 2″ to 3″ – For heavy-duty bases or erosion control.
3. Color & Aesthetic
Gray, tan, and white are classic choices for driveways; brown and mixed colors suit garden landscapes.
4. Maintenance & Longevity
Gravel driveways may require topping up every 2-3 years, depending on use and weather.
Best Option for Most Homeowners
While quarries and hardware stores have their place, for most homeowners and small contractors, the best place to buy gravel is through a reliable online bulk supplier like Gravel Monkey.
You get:
- Transparent per-ton pricing
- Wide selection of gravel sizes
- Convenient doorstep delivery
- Easy online ordering and calculator tools
This approach saves both time and guesswork while ensuring professional-grade materials for your project.
Conclusion: Simplify Your Gravel Purchase
Knowing where to buy gravel helps you plan efficiently and stay within budget.
For small pickups, local landscape yards or home improvement stores work well.
For bulk orders with seamless delivery, platforms like Gravel Monkey make it easy to get the exact quantity and type of gravel you need – right to your site, anywhere nationwide.
Order your gravel today and get your project started with reliable materials and straightforward delivery.
FAQs
Approximately 3 to 4 tons, depending on depth (2-3 inches).
Some suppliers include it; others charge per mile. Always check before confirming your order.
Yes – bagged gravel is available at home improvement stores for small decorative or patch jobs.
¾″ crushed stone offers the best balance of compaction, drainage, and stability.








