Wondering about the pea gravel price? The cost for a yard of pea gravel typically ranges from $20 to $70 per cubic yard, but this can fluctuate based on location, quality, and whether you need delivery.
Pea gravel is a popular choice for many landscaping and construction projects. Its smooth, rounded stones and natural appearance make it attractive for pathways, patios, and decorative ground cover. But before you grab your shovel, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the cost of pea gravel per cubic yard, including factors influencing the price, delivery fees, and how to calculate your needs.
Fathoming The Cost Of Pea Gravel
The price of pea gravel isn’t a fixed number. Several elements play a role in determining how much you’ll pay for this versatile material.
Key Cost Influencers
- Material Type and Quality: Not all pea gravel is created equal. The color, size consistency, and smoothness of the stones can affect the pea gravel price. Higher quality, more uniform stones might command a slightly higher price.
- Location: As with most materials, your geographic location significantly impacts the cost. Prices can vary between states, cities, and even within different regions of the same city. Local supply and demand, transportation costs, and the proximity of quarries all contribute.
- Supplier: Whether you buy from a large home improvement store, a local garden center, or a landscaping supply yard, prices can differ. Bulk suppliers often offer better pea gravel bulk pricing than retail outlets.
- Quantity: Buying in larger quantities, especially by the truckload, usually results in a lower per-unit cost. This is where pea gravel bulk pricing becomes a significant advantage.
- Delivery: If you need the pea gravel brought to your home or job site, the pea gravel delivery cost will be added to your total. This fee is often based on distance and the volume of material being delivered.
- Seasonality: Demand for landscaping materials can fluctuate throughout the year. Prices might be slightly higher during peak gardening and construction seasons.
Deciphering The Cubic Yard
Before we dive deeper into costs, let’s clarify what a “yard of pea gravel” actually means. When people refer to a “yard of gravel,” they usually mean a cubic yard.
How Many Cubic Feet in a Yard of Pea Gravel?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume. To visualize it, imagine a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high.
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
So, when you’re buying gravel, you’re buying it by volume. Knowing this helps when you’re calculating how much you need for your specific project.
Pea Gravel Coverage Per Yard
Knowing pea gravel coverage per yard is essential for accurate project planning and budgeting. How much area a cubic yard of pea gravel will cover depends on the desired depth of the gravel layer.
Typical Coverage Depths
Most landscaping and pathway applications recommend a gravel depth of 2 to 4 inches.
- For a 2-inch depth: One cubic yard of pea gravel can cover approximately 162 square feet.
- (Calculation: 27 cubic feet / (0.167 feet depth)) = ~162 sq ft)
- For a 3-inch depth: One cubic yard of pea gravel will cover approximately 108 square feet.
- (Calculation: 27 cubic feet / (0.25 feet depth)) = ~108 sq ft)
- For a 4-inch depth: One cubic yard of pea gravel will cover approximately 81 square feet.
- (Calculation: 27 cubic feet / (0.333 feet depth)) = ~81 sq ft)
Important Note: These are estimates. The actual coverage can vary slightly depending on how tightly the gravel is compacted and the specific size of the stones.
The Actual Pea Gravel Price: A Closer Look
The base price of the pea gravel itself, before delivery or other fees, is a primary component of your total cost.
Price Ranges Per Cubic Yard
- Low End: You might find basic pea gravel for as low as $20 to $30 per cubic yard from bulk suppliers, especially if you pick it up yourself.
- Mid-Range: A more common pea gravel price falls between $30 and $50 per cubic yard. This often includes decent quality gravel from local landscaping yards.
- High End: For premium colors, very uniform sizes, or specific sourced gravel, you could pay $50 to $70 or even more per cubic yard.
Table 1: Estimated Pea Gravel Material Costs (per cubic yard)
| Supplier Type | Estimated Price Range (per cubic yard) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Box Home Stores | $30 – $60 | Often sold in bags (which can be more expensive per yd) |
| Local Garden Centers | $35 – $65 | May offer better quality and selection |
| Bulk Landscaping Yards | $20 – $50 | Best pea gravel bulk pricing, requires pickup/delivery |
Prices are estimates and can vary significantly by region.
Pea Gravel Bags vs. Bulk
Pea gravel is often available in two forms: bagged and bulk.
- Bagged Pea Gravel: Typically sold in 0.5 cubic foot or 0.75 cubic foot bags. While convenient for small projects, the cost per cubic yard is significantly higher than buying in bulk. A typical bag might cost $5-$10. To get one cubic yard (27 cubic feet), you’d need 36 bags (27 / 0.75), costing between $180 and $360. This is often the most expensive way to purchase pea gravel.
- Bulk Pea Gravel: This is where you get the best pea gravel bulk pricing. It’s sold by the cubic yard and delivered by dump truck. This is the most economical option for any project requiring more than a few bags.
The Impact of Pea Gravel Delivery Cost
Unless you have a truck capable of hauling a cubic yard or more of heavy material and don’t mind the labor, you’ll likely need to factor in pea gravel delivery cost.
Factors Affecting Delivery Fees
- Distance: The further the supplier is from your delivery location, the higher the delivery fee. Most suppliers have a base delivery charge and then an additional charge per mile beyond a certain radius.
- Volume: Some delivery fees are flat rates regardless of volume, while others might increase slightly for larger loads (e.g., 5+ cubic yards).
- Delivery Location Accessibility: If your delivery site is difficult to access (e.g., narrow roads, steep driveways, needing a special truck), there might be an additional surcharge.
- Time of Delivery: While less common, some suppliers might charge more for specific delivery windows or expedited service.
Typical Delivery Cost Ranges
- Local Delivery: For deliveries within a few miles of the supplier, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150.
- Extended Delivery: If you’re outside the typical delivery zone, the cost could jump to $100-$250 or more.
It’s always best to call your local landscaping supply yards or garden centers to get a precise quote for delivery to your specific address.
Estimating Your Project Needs: A Pea Gravel Calculator Approach
To get an accurate estimate, you need to know the dimensions of the area you want to cover. This is where a pea gravel calculator comes in handy.
Simple Calculation Steps
- Measure the Area: Determine the length and width of the space you want to cover in feet.
- Calculate Square Footage: Multiply the length by the width (Length x Width = Square Footage).
- Determine Desired Depth: Decide how deep you want the pea gravel layer to be (in inches).
- Convert Depth to Feet: Divide the desired depth in inches by 12 (Depth in Inches / 12 = Depth in Feet).
- Calculate Cubic Feet Needed: Multiply the square footage by the depth in feet (Square Footage x Depth in Feet = Cubic Feet Needed).
- Convert to Cubic Yards: Divide the total cubic feet by 27 (Cubic Feet Needed / 27 = Cubic Yards Needed).
Example:
Let’s say you want to create a small pathway that is 20 feet long and 3 feet wide, with a desired gravel depth of 3 inches.
- Length: 20 feet
- Width: 3 feet
- Square Footage: 20 ft x 3 ft = 60 sq ft
- Desired Depth: 3 inches
- Depth in Feet: 3 inches / 12 = 0.25 feet
- Cubic Feet Needed: 60 sq ft x 0.25 ft = 15 cubic feet
- Cubic Yards Needed: 15 cubic feet / 27 = 0.56 cubic yards
Since you can’t usually buy fractions of a cubic yard (suppliers typically sell in whole or half-yard increments), you’d likely need to round up to 1 cubic yard for this small project to be safe.
Tip: Always add a small buffer (5-10%) to your calculation to account for settling, unevenness, or potential mistakes.
Common Applications and Their Costs
The pea gravel for landscaping cost can vary depending on the specific use. Here are some common applications and how the pricing might apply:
Pea Gravel Driveway Cost
A pea gravel driveway can be a cost-effective and attractive alternative to asphalt or concrete. However, it requires a thicker base and proper preparation to ensure stability and drainage.
- Depth: For a driveway, a depth of 4 to 6 inches is often recommended.
- Material Needs: This means you’ll need significantly more gravel per square foot than for a simple pathway. For a 10×20 foot driveway (200 sq ft) at 4 inches deep:
- 200 sq ft x (4/12) ft = 66.7 cubic feet
- 66.7 cubic feet / 27 = ~2.47 cubic yards.
- You’d likely purchase 2.5 to 3 cubic yards.
- Total Cost: If pea gravel is $40/yard and delivery is $100, the material cost would be $100-$120, plus the $100 delivery fee, totaling $200-$220. However, this doesn’t account for the cost of base materials (like crushed stone for a sub-base) or labor if you’re not doing it yourself. The pea gravel driveway cost is therefore primarily driven by the volume needed and the foundation layers.
Pea Gravel Patio Cost
Creating a pea gravel patio is a popular DIY project. It offers a natural, permeable surface.
- Depth: A typical patio depth is 2 to 3 inches.
- Material Needs: For a 10×10 foot patio (100 sq ft) at 3 inches deep:
- 100 sq ft x (3/12) ft = 25 cubic feet
- 25 cubic feet / 27 = ~0.93 cubic yards.
- You’d likely purchase 1 cubic yard.
- Total Cost: Using our example prices ($40/yard material, $100 delivery): $40 + $100 = $140. This is a very affordable way to create an outdoor living space. The pea gravel patio cost is generally lower due to the thinner gravel layer compared to driveways.
Decorative Landscaping Uses
- Pathways: Similar to patios, pathways usually require a 2-3 inch depth. The cost is relatively low, making it an excellent choice for garden paths.
- Ground Cover: As a mulch alternative in garden beds, a 2-inch layer is common. This helps suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Drainage: Pea gravel is excellent for French drains or around downspouts due to its permeability. The depth here can vary but is often substantial, requiring more material.
The pea gravel for landscaping cost is highly variable, but for decorative uses like pathways and ground cover, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options available.
Preparing for Delivery: What to Expect
When your pea gravel is scheduled for delivery, a few things can help ensure a smooth process.
Site Preparation
- Clear the Area: Ensure the delivery area is clear of obstacles, vehicles, or debris.
- Designate a Drop Location: If you have a preferred spot for the gravel to be dumped, make sure the driver knows. They will typically dump it in a accessible location on your driveway or yard.
- Gate Access: If the delivery needs to go through a gate, ensure it’s unlocked and wide enough for a truck.
What to Look For
- Accuracy: Confirm the delivery matches the quantity you ordered.
- Quality: Briefly inspect the gravel for any obvious contamination (e.g., excessive dirt, debris, or the wrong type of stone).
Comparing Costs: Beyond Just Pea Gravel
While this guide focuses on pea gravel, it’s worth considering alternatives and the overall project budget.
Alternative Materials
- Crushed Stone/Gravel: Often cheaper than pea gravel, but the angular shapes can be less comfortable underfoot and may not offer the same aesthetic appeal for decorative purposes.
- Mulch: Organic mulch is great for garden beds but decomposes over time and needs replenishment.
- Pavers/Flagstone: Offer a more permanent and formal look but are significantly more expensive and labor-intensive.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Edging: You’ll likely need some form of edging to contain the gravel, especially for pathways and patios. This adds to the material cost.
- Weed Barrier Fabric: Essential for preventing weeds from growing through your gravel, especially in driveways and patios.
- Base Material: For driveways and patios, a compacted layer of crushed stone (e.g., Class 5 or road base) is often necessary beneath the pea gravel for stability and drainage. This is a separate material cost.
- Tools and Labor: If you’re doing the work yourself, factor in the cost of shovels, wheelbarrows, rakes, and potentially a tamper. If hiring professionals, labor will be a significant part of the overall project cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much gravel do I need for a 100 sq ft area at 3 inches deep?
A: For a 100 sq ft area at 3 inches deep, you will need approximately 1 cubic yard of pea gravel.
Q: Can I pick up pea gravel myself instead of paying for delivery?
A: Yes, if you have a suitable truck or trailer and the physical ability, picking up gravel yourself can save on pea gravel delivery cost. Check with your supplier about weight limits and loading assistance.
Q: Is pea gravel good for a backyard play area?
A: Yes, pea gravel can be a good option for play areas due to its soft, rounded nature. Ensure the depth is adequate (at least 6-9 inches) for cushioning falls and that there are no sharp objects mixed in.
Q: How do I calculate the cost of my pea gravel project?
A: To calculate the cost, first determine the amount of gravel needed in cubic yards using a pea gravel calculator or the steps outlined above. Then, find the pea gravel price per cubic yard from local suppliers. Add the estimated pea gravel delivery cost and any costs for edging, weed barrier, or base materials.
Q: What is the difference between pea gravel and river rock?
A: Both are rounded stones, but river rock is generally larger and can come in a wider variety of colors and shapes, often sourced from riverbeds. Pea gravel is typically smaller (around 3/8 to 3/4 inch) and more uniform in size, often produced from crushed stone or naturally rounded by water.
Q: Can I use pea gravel in place of sand for a paver base?
A: No, pea gravel is not a substitute for paver base material. Paver bases require angular crushed stone that compacts tightly to provide a stable foundation. Pea gravel is too rounded to lock together effectively for this purpose.
Q: How much does a bag of pea gravel usually cost?
A: A bag of pea gravel, typically around 0.5 to 0.75 cubic feet, usually costs between $5 and $10. Buying in bulk by the cubic yard is much more economical.
By carefully considering these factors, you can accurately estimate the cost of pea gravel per cubic yard and the total expense for your next project, ensuring you get the best value for your landscaping needs.