Gravel & Rock ordered online by the ton. A dump truck delivers to your Champaign address and unloads right where you point.







Gravel and rock serve different purposes, from decorative beds to load-bearing driveways. In Champaign, where the area gets about 41 inches of precipitation a year, drainage and washout planning should guide your choice.
Selecting the right material means matching it to the project's function, depth, and the local ground conditions. Understanding the freeze cycle and soil behavior helps you build something that lasts.
Not every gravel and rock works for every project. The wrong choice can lead to washouts, poor compaction, or shifting surfaces. With Champaign's wet and freeze cycles, picking the right one matters even more. The table below lists the available products and their best uses.
| Product | Best for | Note |
| 3/8" Natural Pea Gravel | play areas, patios, rounded and smooth | Not for driveways or high-traffic areas; the rounded stones shift and rut under vehicle weight. |
| River Rock | beds, borders, dry creek beds | Not compactable and uneven underfoot, making it a poor choice for paths or patios. |
| 2-4" River Rock | larger decorative cover and erosion control | Too large for walking surfaces; use for decorative cover or erosion control on slopes. |
| Drain Rock | French drains and dry wells | Do not use as a top layer; it drains water too fast and stays loose. |
| Decomposed Granite | paths and patios that compact firm | Not for wet clay areas; without good base drainage it can turn muddy and rut. |
| Crusher Run | compacting base under everything | Not a finished surface; it is a base material that needs a decorative layer on top. |
| Road Base | lanes and pads that carry trucks | Not for decorative use; the angular, dusty appearance suits utility lanes and pads. |
Different projects call for different materials and depths. The table outlines common jobs and what to order.
| Project | What to order | Depth or note |
| Erosion control on a slope | 2-4" River Rock | Larger pieces lock together; depth depends on slope angle and expected runoff. |
| Dry creek bed | River Rock | Mixed sizes create natural look; depth can vary by design, typically 3 to 5 inches. |
| French drain | Drain Rock | Fills trench; allows water to flow freely; leave a few inches for topsoil or gravel. |
| Landscape beds | 3/8" Natural Pea Gravel | Smooth stones work well; apply 2 to 3 inches deep for weed suppression. |
| Path that stays firm | Decomposed Granite | Compacts tightly; base layer of crusher run may be needed on soft ground. |
Champaign sees about 122 days a year below freezing. The ground freezes deep and stays frozen long, which causes heaving as it thaws. This movement stresses any surface that sits on a weak base.
Soils in the Champaign area are commonly moderately well drained, meaning they soak up water at a moderate rate. During heavy rain, the ground may become saturated. That is why a drainage layer under your gravel or rock helps prevent washouts.
Snowfall of about 21 inches a year also affects surfaces. Plowing can tear a loose top layer, and snowmelt adds to the need for good drainage. Ground that freezes deep moves as it thaws, which is why the base layer matters more here than the top layer.
Gravel and rock are sold by the ton. To estimate the tonnage for your project, measure the length and width in feet, decide on the depth in inches, and use our material calculators to get a weight estimate. The calculator accounts for product density and gives you a number to order.
Order online by the ton. Delivery is priced by your ZIP code at checkout, and free delivery may apply on qualifying orders. A dump truck brings the load to your address, with capacities from 1 to 40+ tons. Enter code FIRSTTIMER50 at checkout to save $50 on your first order.
You choose a delivery window: morning (7 am to 12 pm) or afternoon (12 pm to 5 pm). The delivery date must be at least 3 business days after ordering. You receive a confirmation email, then a second email with the scheduled window and a photo of the load. Delivery goes ahead only once you approve that second email. You or a nominated person must be on-site during the window.
For more on how we operate, see About Gravel Monkey, check Customer reviews, or review Delivery information.
Yes. Champaign has about 73 days a year with at least a tenth of an inch of rain. That means drainage is important; pick materials that allow water to move through and avoid saturated bases that shift.
Yes. Champaign averages 122 days below freezing. The ground heaves as it thaws, so a well-drained base layer under your gravel prevents shifting and keeps the surface stable.
Yes, Gravel Monkey takes orders from businesses, contractors, and homeowners. Place your order online, and the same delivery process applies regardless of whether you own a home or run a worksite.
Gravel and rock are sold by the ton. You select a product and enter the tonnage at checkout. Delivery cost is calculated based on your ZIP code, and the truck delivers exactly what you ordered.
Choosing the right gravel or rock is about matching the material to your project and the local climate. The tonnage question is the next step. Head to the Champaign hub to start your order or revisit the calculator to confirm your numbers.
Gravel Monkey delivers to homes and businesses in Champaign and the surrounding area.
We also serve nearby towns:
See the delivered price for your address and order gravel & rock by the ton online. Loads run from 1 to over 40 tons, with free delivery on qualifying orders.
Fill out the form and our sales team will get back to you within the hour.