How Much Does Pea Gravel Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

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Pea gravel is a type of gravel that consists of tiny round stones.  Just like the name states, these stones will resemble that of a small pea.  This type of gravel is used on landscaping projects such as a new walkway or can even be used as a driveway; it can also be found in fish aquariums.

The cost of pea gravel is going to depend on the amount of gravel purchased, where you live and the company selling it.

Pea Gravel Cost
Gravel Texture” (CC BY 2.0) by wwarby

How much does pea gravel cost?

Pea gravel can come in many different colors, and common sizes can include 3/8″, 3/4″, 3/8″, and 3/4″.  Most companies will only ship pea gravel by the ton, and this gravel will be dropped off at the end of your driveway upon purchase.

Plain pea gravel will cost about $35 to $42 per ton, while a decorative colored pea gravel can cost anywhere from $50 to $85 per ton.  Since a ton is equal to 2,000 pounds, 2,800 pounds can cover one cubic yard or 27 cubic feet.  With that being said, one ton can cover up to 40 square feet of area with a one-inch depth.

If you don’t want to buy in bulk, a bag of pea gravel that covers up to 0.5 cubic feet can cost anywhere from $2 to $7 per bag.  For example, a bag of Southdown Old Castle pea gravel retails for $4 to $6.

According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner needs about 200 square feet of pea gravel, which equals about $350 to $400 if you were to purchase the 0.5 cubic foot bags.  However, the website notes that if you were to use a landscaping company and pay by the ton, then the costs would be about $30 to $45 or up to $50 for a colored variety.

Type of Pea GravelPrice per Ton
Brown$50 to $65
Chattahoochee$70 to $90
Crimson$70 to $90
Egg Rock (White or Brown)$60 to $90
Mini Slate$60 to $75
Trail Mix$60 to $75
White$50 to $70

NOTE:  1 ton of rock can usually  cover around 70 to 110 square feet if it’s 2 inches deep.  It will greatly depend on the type of rock.




Factors that affect the cost

The supplier

When you buy pea gravel, it can be done via two options:  either at a landscaping supply company or from a home improvement store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot.  Smaller bags, as mentioned above, can cost about $3 to $7 per 0.5 cubic feet, while landscaping supply companies will charge by the ton.

The type

All pea gravel isn’t created equally.  Some gravel will have no defined shapes, while other gravel will be softer and will have a color to it.

The amount

The more gravel you need, the more you will pay, but if you purchase more than five to 10 tons at a time, the cost per ton may go down.  Remember to add the depth to your measurements as well when measuring the area.

Colors

Just like the type, the color can affect the cost.  A standard gray will cost the least amount, while a different color can cost more.

DIY or professional?

Lastly, the pea gravel will need to be installed, and if you choose a professional, plan on adding more to the pea gravel costs.

What is going to be included?

Pea gravel purchased from a local landscaping company can include shipping, but you will have to meet the minimum before it’s included.  A local truck will drop the load off at the end of the driveway usually on top of a tarp.  It will be the homeowner’s responsibility to move the gravel to the appropriate spots unless you’re hiring a professional landscaper to distribute it.

The colors of pea gravel can vary in many different colors, but the most common colors that you will find can include brown and white.  There are other tones that can tend to be lighter in tone such as a blue, gray, red or beige.  Even though it’s primarily used for decorations, it’s also used for driveways, pathways, a patio and playgrounds.

What are the extra costs?

Depending on the quantity purchased, delivery charges may be extra.  Shipping can start for as little as $25, but if a certain amount is purchased, some companies are more than happy to waive the shipping fee.  This minimum will be anywhere between five and 15 tons.  The distance can influence the price as well if the delivery has to be outside of their range.  If the pea gravel has to be shipped relatively fast, many local companies can charge an expedited shipping fee.

Having professional help unloading the pea gravel in the appropriate spots can incur additional labor charges.  For example, if you want all the pea gravel spread to create a driveway or walkway, the charges can start at $10 per square foot.  However, additional fees can apply, depending on the scope of the project and if any preparation is required.

A pea gravel stabilizer will be required to create a porous, non-slip surface.

Tips to know:

For walkways, it’s best to use a smaller pea gravel to walk on, and for driveways, try to use a slightly larger pea gravel that won’t stick inside of the tire’s tread.

When buying pea gravel, it’s best to install the pea gravel at least two inches deep for the best results.

When getting a quote, make sure that you offer the same information to each company.  Let them know the size of pea gravel you want, the dimensions needed and how thick you want to spread it.

The main benefit of pea gravel is that it’s an economical way to spruce up an area and can work as a very simple ground cover.  It’s also ideal for those who want to drain standing water and dodge soil erosion.  Disadvantages, however, may include sharp edges, weeds growing through and/or it can be difficult to remove in the future since it’s hard to separate from the underlying soil.

How can I save money?

Consult with a few landscaping supply companies in the area.  Prices can greatly vary from one another.  If professional help is required to help install the pea gravel, consider using services such as HomeAdvisor.com.  It’s best to purchase from a local supply company so that delivery charges will be lower.

Consider checking local classified ads such as Craigslist to see if any people have pea gravel for free.  What people are finding is that builders commonly place free ads to have people come to the job site and will have them haul it away.

If you can, consider picking up the pea gravel with a truck or trailer.  If you have access to one, this is a great way to save a few extra dollars.  By avoiding the delivery charges, it can help you save at least $25 to $45.

If you need less than 200 square feet, then it may be advisable to purchase bags at a local retailer such as Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Some suppliers may knock the price down if you purchase more than 10 tons at a time.  With most bulk purchases, the more you purchase at once, the more you’re going to be able to save.  It never hurts to ask about discounts.


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