Gravel in Modesto, CA

A typical tri-axle dump truck load in Modesto ranges from about 10 to 14 tons, and delivered prices usually depend on gravel type and local availability. Expect ballpark pricing of roughly $30 to $60 per ton delivered for common crushed rock, with decorative types like pea gravel costing more; final cost is shown at checkout or on your quote. Hello Gravel requires a 3-ton minimum and offers free delivery in many areas, so get a local quote for an exact price.

Coverage depends on depth: as a rule of thumb in Modesto, 1 ton of gravel covers about 115 sq ft at 2 inches, about 77 sq ft at 3 inches, and about 58 sq ft at 4 inches. Local gravel density and compaction will change these numbers slightly, so use our material calculator or request a quote if you need precision.

The least expensive options are locally sourced road base, pit run, or recycled crushed concrete rather than decorative gravels like pea stone. Ordering in bulk (minimum 3 tons via Hello Gravel) and avoiding specialty colors or washed products will keep costs down; request a quote to compare nearby suppliers.

A 50 lb bag is roughly 0.5 cubic foot of material, which covers about 3 sq ft at a 2-inch depth or about 6 sq ft at a 1-inch depth. For larger projects in Modesto it's generally cheaper and easier to order by the ton or yard instead of many bags.

Cost depends on width, depth, and material. For example, a 20 ft long by 10 ft wide driveway (200 sq ft) at a 4-inch compacted depth needs about 1.6 cubic yards (roughly 2.3 tons); at $40 per ton delivered, material would run about $92 plus delivery and spreading, but prices vary by gravel type, so request a quote for an accurate estimate.

For a driveway that will see car traffic, 2 inches is generally too thin; we recommend 4 to 6 inches of compacted aggregate over a prepared base for driveways in Modesto's climate. Two inches can be fine for a walking path or decorative top layer if placed over a solid base and compacted.

For a 10 ft by 10 ft area (100 sq ft), you'll need about 0.62 cubic yards at 2 inches (roughly 0.9 tons) and about 1.23 cubic yards at 4 inches (roughly 1.7 tons). Choose depth based on use: 2 inches for walkways, 4 inches or more for light vehicle use.

Volume depends on side height, but a 7x14 trailer with 2 ft sides holds about 7.3 cubic yards by volume; with 1.5 ft sides it's about 5.5 cubic yards. In practice, payload weight limits usually restrict how much gravel you can legally carry—gravel is heavy—so trailers often carry fewer cubic yards than their volume suggests.

A well-installed gravel surface in Modesto can last 10 to 30 years with regular maintenance like raking, replenishing low spots, and proper drainage. The Central Valley's hot summers and occasional heavy winter rains can move or wash gravel, so expect to add a few inches every few years in high-traffic areas.

Cheaper alternatives include recycled crushed concrete, decomposed granite, or compacted road base depending on your aesthetic and drainage needs. In Modesto, recycled materials are often priced lower than decorative gravels, but check local availability and suitability for drainage and erosion control.

A common recommendation is 3/4-inch crushed rock for the base and a smaller 3/8- to 1/2-inch top layer for a smoother finish and better compaction. For Modesto's soils and rain patterns, using a base layer with fines (crusher run) helps lock the surface together and improves durability.

Pit run, crusher run, and recycled crushed concrete are typically the least expensive local options in and around Modesto. Prices vary by supplier and haul distance, so order a quote through Hello Gravel to compare cost-effective options near you.

Using a 10-ton tri-axle as an example, at 2 inches it can cover about 1,150 sq ft, at 3 inches about 770 sq ft, and at 4 inches about 575 sq ft. Actual coverage varies by truck capacity and material density, so confirm the truck size and depth when you order through Hello Gravel.

At a 2-inch depth, 20 tons of gravel will cover roughly 2,300 sq ft; at 3 inches about 1,540 sq ft; and at 4 inches about 1,150 sq ft. For Modesto projects, consider slopes and drainage when planning spread, since runoff during heavy rains can shift material.

Pea gravel is typically pricier than crushed base rock; in Modesto expect delivered prices in the range of about $40 to $80 per ton depending on color, wash, and supplier. Exact pricing depends on availability and haul distance, so request a quote to get a final delivered price.