How much does a gravel driveway cost in Washington?

Material for a 12×24 ft gravel driveway runs about $210 in Washington. Installed — delivery, spreading, grading, and compaction — expect $540 to $1,440 depending on depth and base work.

What does gravel cost per ton in Washington?

Crushed stone and road base run about $44–$75 per ton in the Washington area, plus a delivery fee of $62–$188 per dump-truck load. Larger loads cost less per ton, so one 15-ton delivery beats three small ones.

How many tons of gravel do I need?

Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 — crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. The calculator above does this automatically.

Is geotextile fabric worth it in Washington?

Over soft or clay-heavy subgrade, yes: stone migrates down into the soil within a few seasons. Fabric costs $0.38–$0.75 per square foot, far less than the first re-graveling.

How often does a gravel driveway need topping up in Washington?

Plan on a 1–2 inch top-up every 2–4 years plus occasional regrading to fix ruts and restore the crown — a fraction of the cost of rebuilding a neglected base.

Gravel Driveway Calculator › Cost by city › Washington, DC

Gravel Cost in Washington, DC

Gravel for a 12×24 ft gravel driveway in Washington, DC costs about $210 ($178–$241). Local 2026 price is around $56 per ton. Free calculator inside.

Estimated cost — a 12×24 ft gravel driveway

$210

Typical range $178 – $241 · about $56 per ton in Washington

Local unit price

$56

You need

2.67 cu yd

State factor

DC ×1.25

What goes into gravel cost in Washington

The line items below are 2026 national averages adjusted by the DC construction-cost factor (×1.25). A written Washington quote is usually built from these pieces — use them to sanity-check any bid line by line before you sign.

Cost item	Typical Washington price	Unit
Crushed stone / road base, material	$44 – $75	per ton
Delivery, 10–15 ton dump load	$62 – $188	per load
Spreading & grading labor	$1.25 – $3.75	per sq ft
Geotextile fabric underlayment	$0.38 – $0.75	per sq ft

Permit fees are set by the city rather than the market — confirm current fees with the local building department.

What’s different about building in Washington

Frost heave is the main threat to gravel surfaces in Washington: lay geotextile fabric under the base so the stone doesn't pump down into clay and terrace deposits during spring thaw.

Permits: for larger flatwork, driveways, or anything structural, check requirements with DC Department of Buildings before work starts.

Estimate your own Washington project

Prices in Washington, DC run about +25% versus the national average. Enter your dimensions — the calculator starts from the local $56 per ton rate; change it to your supplier's quote for an exact figure.

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Local price (per ton)

You need

2.67 cu yd

Estimated material cost $210

Area

288 sq ft

Volume

72.0 cu ft

Weight

3.73 tons

Material shopping list

Order about 2.67 cubic yards of gravel.
Budget about $210 before delivery, taxes, and labor.
Add 5–10% waste for uneven subgrade, cuts, settling, or spillage.

Formula & assumptions

Area = length x width. Volume = area x depth / 12. Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27. Cost = quantity x local unit price.

Default depth: 3 inches
Default price: $56 per ton
Weight factor: 1.4 tons per cubic yard

These assumptions make the estimate easy for search engines and AI answer tools to verify. Replace the default price with your supplier quote for a local estimate.

Gravel cost in Washington by project size

Material quantities use the local Washington unit price; the last column adds delivery, base prep, and labor at DC-adjusted rates. Click any size for its full breakdown and calculator.

Project size	You need	Material cost	Installed estimate
10×20 ft · 3 in	1.85 cu yd	$146	$375 – $1,000
12×24 ft · 3 in	2.67 cu yd	$210	$540 – $1,440
16×40 ft · 3 in	5.93 cu yd	$467	$1,200 – $3,200
20×40 ft · 3 in	7.41 cu yd	$583	$1,500 – $4,000
20×50 ft · 3 in	9.26 cu yd	$729	$1,875 – $5,000
24×60 ft · 3 in	13.33 cu yd	$1,050	$2,700 – $7,200

Installed ranges assume straightforward access and a buildable subgrade; steep, tight, or poor-soil sites price above the top of the range.

Gravel questions Washington homeowners ask

How much does a gravel driveway cost in Washington?: Material for a 12×24 ft gravel driveway runs about $210 in Washington. Installed — delivery, spreading, grading, and compaction — expect $540 to $1,440 depending on depth and base work.
What does gravel cost per ton in Washington?: Crushed stone and road base run about $44–$75 per ton in the Washington area, plus a delivery fee of $62–$188 per dump-truck load. Larger loads cost less per ton, so one 15-ton delivery beats three small ones.
How many tons of gravel do I need?: Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 — crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. The calculator above does this automatically.
Is geotextile fabric worth it in Washington?: Over soft or clay-heavy subgrade, yes: stone migrates down into the soil within a few seasons. Fabric costs $0.38–$0.75 per square foot, far less than the first re-graveling.
How often does a gravel driveway need topping up in Washington?: Plan on a 1–2 inch top-up every 2–4 years plus occasional regrading to fix ruts and restore the crown — a fraction of the cost of rebuilding a neglected base.

Gravel cost in nearby cities

New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Chicago, IL Houston, TX Phoenix, AZ Philadelphia, PA San Antonio, TX San Diego, CA

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Regional estimate = national average adjusted by a DC cost factor. Not a quote. Actual prices vary by site conditions, access, and supplier.