When planning for a home improvement or construction project, one of the essential materials often considered is gravel.
It's used for various purposes, from creating a serene walkway in your garden to constructing a durable driveway.
But how much does getting a pickup truck full of gravel delivered to your doorstep cost?
Let's delve into the intricacies of pricing and considerations when procuring gravel.
How Much Does A Pickup Truck Load Of Gravel Cost?
The answer depends on several factors, including the gravel type, the load size, and where you live.
Generally speaking, a pickup truck load of gravel can range in cost from $50 to $100 per ton, with an average total cost of around $90 for 1 ½ tons, depending on what type and amount of material is needed.
However, prices can vary based on the market price and location.
It's important to note thats some service may require at least 10 yards worth of gravel when purchasing.
Depending on the project, the crew delivering your gravel will come with a tractor to offload the rocks and spread them where needed.
Arranging For A Gravel Pickup Truck Load Delivery
When arranging for a gravel truckload delivery, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure you get the best deal and service possible. Here are some tips to help you arrange for a successful delivery:
- Determine the amount of gravel you need: Before arranging for a delivery, you need to know how much gravel you need. Measure the area you want to cover and calculate the volume of gravel required.
- Find a reputable supplier: Look for a supplier with a good reputation for providing quality gravel and reliable delivery services. You can search online for local suppliers or ask for recommendations.
- Get a quote: Once you have found a supplier, contact them and ask for a quote. Ensure you provide them with the amount of gravel you need, the delivery location, and other relevant information.
- Schedule the delivery: Once you have chosen a supplier, schedule the delivery. Make sure to provide them with clear directions to the delivery location and any special instructions.
- Prepare the delivery location: Before the delivery, make sure the delivery location is clear and accessible. Remove any obstacles or debris that may hinder the delivery process.
Cost of Delivering Gravel
Navigating the cost landscape for gravel delivery can be rocky, as pricing can vary based on quantity, location, and measurement method. Let's break down the various cost structures to give you a clearer picture.
- Per ton: This is the most common pricing structure. Depending on the region and gravel type, costs can range from $10 to $50 per ton. Some suppliers provide free delivery for over 5 tons within a 5-mile radius.
- Per cubic yard: A cubic gravel yard typically weighs about 1.3 tons. Pricing can be anywhere from $15 to $75 per cubic yard, but always ask about weight for a better estimate of your total cost.
- Per square foot: This is not a standard pricing method for gravel, but in cases where it's used, it’s usually for laying gravel over a particular area. The cost can range from $.50 to $3 per square foot.
- Per mile: Some suppliers charge a delivery fee based on the distance traveled, typically $10 per mile.
- Renting a dump truck: Renting a dump truck might be economical if you need a significant amount of gravel. This can cost anywhere from $210 to $500 per day.
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How Much Gravel Is In A Pickup Truck Load?
Understanding the gravel capacity of various trucks helps in planning bulk deliveries. While a standard pickup truck might hold around two cubic yards, different types of trucks have distinct carrying capacities:
- 10-wheeler: Accommodates 13 tons or 26,000 lbs of gravel, equivalent to 9.28 cubic yards.
- Large flatbed truck: Has a capacity of 25 tons or 50,00 lbs, translating to 17.85 cubic yards.
- 12-wheeler: Can transport 16 tons or 32,000 lbs, about 11.42 cubic yards.
- High side-end dump truck & semi-end dump truck: Both can manage 21 tons or 42,000 lbs, equaling 15 cubic yards.
- Industrial belly dump truck: Typically carries a maximum of 23 tons or 46,000 lbs or 16.42 cubic yards.
- Super 16 & transfer dump truck: These can haul 24 tons or 48,000 lbs of gravel, approximately 17.14 cubic yards.
Can A Pickup Truck Load Carry 1 Ton of Gravel?
Smaller beds usually hold less than 1 ton, while more extensive beds can carry up to 2 tons of gravel.
As explained, keep in mind that the weight of gravel in a pickup truck load can differ based on the gravel's size and type.
Gravel pieces larger than 2 inches in diameter will typically weigh more than those under 2 inches.
How To Calculate The Amount of Gravel Needed?
Calculating the amount of gravel needed can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools, it can be done quickly and easily. Here are the steps to follow:
- Measure the length and width of the area in feet and then multiply the two numbers to get the area in square feet.
- Determine the depth of the gravel you want. This is usually measured in inches. Once you have the depth, convert it to feet by dividing the number of inches by 12.
- Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet. This will give you the volume of gravel needed in cubic feet.
- Convert the volume of gravel from cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing it by 27. This is because most suppliers of gravel sell it by the cubic yard.
- Add 10-20% to the amount of gravel you calculated to account for settling and compaction.
How Much Does It Cost to Spread Gravel?
In this section, we'll break down the costs associated with spreading three popular types of gravel: pea gravel, river rock, and paving stones.
- Pea gravel: Costs about $1 to $3 per square foot for spreading.
- River rock: More expensive, ranging from $2 to $5 per square foot.
- Paving stones: Paving stone installation can range between $10 to $20 per square foot.
Also read: How To Pour A Concrete Floor For An Existing Garage
Gravel Prices Based On Project
When it comes to buying gravel, the price will depend on the type of project you have in mind.
Walkway
If you're looking to install a gravel walkway, you can expect to pay around $250 for a 4'x20' walkway. This includes the cost of the gravel and installation.
Spread the cost over a larger area, and the price per square foot will decrease.
For instance, a 100-square-foot walkway will cost around $1 to $3 per square foot.
Landscaping
Landscaping projects that require gravel, such as a garden path or decorative rock garden, will cost around $10 to $50 per ton, depending on the type of rock and travel distance.
A 10'x20' landscaping project will cost around $400 to $700, including the cost of the gravel and installation.
Driveway
The cost of a gravel driveway will depend on the size of the driveway and the type of gravel you choose.
Expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,500 for a 1,000-square-foot driveway. This includes the cost of the gravel and labor for installation.
Continue reading: How Much Weight Can A Driveway Hold?
Road
If you're looking to install a gravel road, the cost will depend on the length of the road and the type of gravel used.
Expect to pay around $1 to $3 per square foot for a 4" thick layer of gravel. This means that a 100'x10' road will cost approximately $1,000 to $3,000, including the cost of the gravel and installation.
Final Thoughts
Buying a truckload of gravel can be a cost-effective solution for landscaping projects, driveways, and other construction purposes.
With proper research and planning, you can save money and get the best value for your money.
Remember to always consider the quality of the gravel, the reputation of the supplier, and the delivery time when making a purchase. By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the best deal for your money.