Buy Crushed Gravel in Ithaca, New York
Crushed Gravel ordered online by the ton. A dump truck delivers to your Ithaca address and unloads right where you point.
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Crushed Gravel we deliver in Ithaca
Crushed Gravel in Ithaca
Crushed gravel and crushed stone look similar, but they behave differently on the ground. Crushed gravel is made from natural deposits and keeps a rough, interlocking shape that helps it lock together under compaction. It handles drainage better than rounded material and is less likely to wash out in Ithaca's wetter months.
Ithaca gets about 41 inches of precipitation a year, so drainage and washout planning matter for any gravel surface. Choosing the right crushed gravel size and base depth can keep your driveway or pad stable through the rain.
Crushed Gravel Products for Sale in Ithaca
Each size of crushed gravel suits a different part of the job. The table below lists the options and what each one works best for.
| Product | Primary use | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8" Crushed Gravel | Fine compacting layer | Works as a top dressing or a base for pavers but is too thin for heavy traffic. |
| 3/4" Crushed Gravel | The workhorse size for base and drives | Compacts well and handles most residential loads, but it can shift if the subgrade is soft. |
| 1" - 1 1/2" Crushed Gravel | Structural base under heavy loads | Needs a finer cap layer to be traffic-ready; it is not a finished surface on its own. |
| 1 1/2" Crushed Gravel | First lift over soft subgrade | Bridges over weak soils but leaves gaps that need a smaller stone to lock together. |
| 2"-3" Crushed Gravel | Mud control and deep fill | Too large for a walking or driving surface without a top layer of smaller gravel. |
Which Crushed Gravel Size for Your Ithaca Project
Match the crushed gravel to the ground condition and the traffic you expect. The table below shows common project types and the recommended material.
| Project | What to order | Depth or note |
|---|---|---|
| Soft or muddy subgrade | 1 1/2" Crushed Gravel | 6 to 8 inches as a bridging layer |
| Compacted base | 3/4" Crushed Gravel | 4 to 6 inches, compacted in lifts |
| Farm and site access road | 1" - 1 1/2" Crushed Gravel | 6 to 8 inches plus a 3/4" wearing course |
| Trench backfill | 3/8" Crushed Gravel | Fills voids and drains water |
| Shed or slab pad | 3/4" Crushed Gravel | 4 inches compacted, then concrete or stone |
Why Ithaca Weather Affects Your Crushed Gravel Delivery
Ithaca sees about 155 days a year below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so the ground freezes deep and stays frozen for long stretches. That cycle of freezing and thawing moves the soil beneath your gravel. A base that is too thin will heave and rut when the frost leaves. Planning for a thicker base, especially with a frost-resistant material like 1 1/2" crushed gravel, can reduce those problems.
The county gets about 63 inches of snow each year. Snowplowing can scrape loose gravel off the surface and expose the base below. Using a compacted 3/4" crushed gravel top layer that locks together helps the surface hold up under plow blades.
About 89 days a year bring at least a tenth of an inch of rain, which keeps the ground soft for much of the spring. Spring thaw is the wet part of the year for driveways, and it is when a thin base shows up as ruts. Scheduling your delivery for firm ground and allowing time for compaction before the next rain makes a big difference.
How to Estimate Your Crushed Gravel Needs
The tonnage you need depends on the area, the depth you plan to use, and whether you are compacting in lifts. Use our material calculators to get a quick estimate in tons based on your project dimensions. Enter the length, width and depth, and the calculator will give you the amount to order.
Ordering Crushed Gravel from Gravel Monkey
Ordering is straightforward. Pick the size and quantity by the ton, enter your ZIP code to see the delivered price, and choose a delivery window at checkout. The window is either morning, 7 am to 12 pm, or afternoon, 12 pm to 5 pm. A valid phone number is required to confirm the delivery; orders without one can be delayed or rescheduled.
You get an email confirmation when the order is placed, then a second email closer to the date with the scheduled window and a photo of the material being loaded. Delivery only goes ahead once you approve that second email. Someone must be at the site during the window to accept the load. The site needs a road width of at least 12 feet for the truck. If access is restricted, the crew unloads as close to the requested spot as they safely can.
New customers can use code FIRSTTIMER50 for $50 off their first order. For more details, see our Delivery Information page, read About Gravel Monkey, or check Customer reviews.
Other Building Materials for Your Ithaca Project
Crushed gravel often works with other materials on the same job. These products pair well with crushed gravel in Ithaca projects.
- Crushed Stone, Use it as a top layer over crushed gravel for a firmer, more finished surface.
- Driveway Gravel, A blend made for driveways; crushed gravel is a strong base under it.
- Crushed Concrete, A recycled option that compacts like crushed gravel and works for low-traffic areas.
- Mulch, Spread mulch over the crushed gravel base around plants to hold moisture and reduce weeds.
- Gravel & Rock, Use decorative rock over a crushed gravel sub-base to finish a landscape bed.
- Topsoil, Spread topsoil over crushed gravel as a growing medium in raised beds or garden areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crushed Gravel in Ithaca
How many tons of crushed gravel do I need for my project?
Use our material calculators to get an accurate tonnage based on your dimensions. Ground freezing in Ithaca is deep and long, so a thicker base may be needed, which increases the tonnage compared to a milder climate. Plan for extra material if you are building on soft subgrade.
Do you deliver crushed gravel to Ithaca and the surrounding area?
Yes, we deliver crushed gravel to Ithaca and many nearby towns. Tompkins County permitted about 145 single-family homes in 2024, and we serve those construction sites as well as driveways, pads and farm roads. Delivery is available to any address in the county and to adjacent communities.
Which size is the most common choice for this material?
3/4" crushed gravel is the most common size for driveways and base layers. It compacts well, handles residential traffic, and drains properly. For heavy equipment or soft ground, contractors often step up to 1" - 1 1/2" crushed gravel.
How does delivery scheduling work after I order?
After you place the order online, you choose a morning or afternoon delivery window. We ask for a valid phone number to confirm the window. You receive an email confirmation, and closer to the date we send a second email with the scheduled time and a photo of the material being loaded. You must approve that email for the delivery to proceed. Someone must be on site during the window to receive the load.
Start Your Ithaca Crushed Gravel Project
Whether you are building a driveway, a shed pad or an access road, crushed gravel delivers a stable, compactable base that handles Ithaca's freeze-thaw cycles and wet springs. Order online by the ton, and we will bring the truck to your address. Visit our Ithaca hub page to see all the materials we offer in the area.
We also deliver to these nearby communities:
Ready to order crushed gravel in Ithaca?
See the delivered price for your address and order crushed gravel by the ton online. Loads run from 1 to over 40 tons, with free delivery on qualifying orders.
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