Driveway Material Cost
Gravel driveway material (crusher run plus a finishing layer) is the most affordable option, typically running lower per square foot than paved or interlocking surfaces, while remaining durable when properly layered and compacted. Interlocking pavers and stamped concrete sit at the higher end of the cost range but offer a more finished, permanent look.
Material choice should be decided before grading begins, since base depth and compaction specs differ by surface type.
Get a direct quote from Natural Stone Source Ontario for your driveway material. Need the grading and installation done too? See New Driveway Installation Cost on Pro Operator Network.
Choosing the Right Driveway Material
Gravel driveways are normally built in two layers: a coarse base course that carries the load, and a finer top course that compacts to a driving surface. Skipping the base is the most common cause of a driveway that ruts and potholes within a season.
Depth matters more than material choice. Residential driveways generally want six to eight inches of compacted base over a properly graded subgrade, more where the ground is soft or where heavy vehicles turn. Drainage and crown are equally important: a driveway that sheds water to the sides will outlast one built with better stone but no fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should a gravel driveway be?
Six to eight inches of compacted base is typical for residential use, over a graded and compacted subgrade. Soft ground, clay subsoil or regular heavy vehicle traffic call for more depth, and often a geotextile separation layer beneath the stone.
Why does my gravel driveway keep developing potholes?
Almost always drainage or base depth. Water sitting on or under the surface softens the subgrade and the stone pumps into it. A proper crown, ditching at the edges, and adequate compacted base depth fix most recurring potholes.
How is driveway material measured and ordered?
By volume converted to weight. Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then convert to tons using the supplier figure for that material. Order slightly over, since material compacts and edges always take more than the drawing suggests.
Do I need geotextile under a driveway?
On firm, well-drained ground, often not. On clay, peat or anywhere that stays wet, a separation fabric between subgrade and stone is worth the cost. It stops the base sinking into the soil and greatly extends how long the driveway holds shape.