Gravel in San Diego, CA

Prices vary by material and supplier, but typical delivered loads in San Diego usually run between $120 and $220 per ton for common gravels. Hello Gravel works with local suppliers and shows transparent pricing at checkout; final cost depends on stone type, delivery distance, and any labor like tailgate spreading.

Expect to pay roughly $120 to $220 per ton for common gravel sizes in San Diego, with specialty or decorative gravels costing more. Local factors like supplier availability and truck access can affect the final per-ton price.

A 50 lb bag covers about 0.5 to 0.75 square feet at a 1-inch depth, so it is best for small decorative patches or repair spots. For driveways or larger areas in San Diego, buying by the ton is usually more economical.

One ton typically covers about 80 to 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth, or 40 to 50 square feet at a 4-inch depth, depending on particle size and compaction. In San Diego landscaping and pathways, plan on the lower end for coarse rock and the higher end for finer gravel.

A 20 ft long driveway cost depends on width and depth; for a standard 12-ft-wide driveway at 3 inches depth you need about 3 to 4 tons per 100 square feet. For a 20x12 driveway (240 sq ft) at 3 inches depth expect roughly 7 to 9 tons of gravel plus delivery and any spreading costs.

Two inches is generally too thin for a driveway because it can shift and rut under vehicle traffic, especially without a compacted base. For San Diego drives, we recommend 3 to 4 inches of gravel over a compacted subbase for light vehicles; heavier traffic may need more depth and proper base preparation.

Typical tri-axle dump trucks carry about 12 to 16 tons of gravel, but capacity can vary by truck and local regulations. Hello Gravel coordinates with local haulers and will show the number of tons and trucks needed when you enter your project details.

Basic gravel (rounded river rock or pit-run) is often cheaper than crushed stone because crushed stone requires extra processing. However, prices overlap depending on the material, size, and local availability, so check Hello Gravel pricing for side-by-side options in San Diego.

A single dump truck load (roughly 12 to 16 tons) can cost anywhere from about $1,500 to $3,000 delivered in San Diego, depending on tonnage, material type, and access issues. Hello Gravel lets you see delivery fees and schedule options so you can compare truckload pricing for your exact address.

To cover a 10x10 area (100 sq ft) at a 2-inch depth you need about 0.5 tons; at 3 inches plan on about 0.75 tons. Since Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum order in many areas, consider combining small projects or choosing delivery to a nearby neighbor or contractor if you only need a small amount.

Twenty tons will cover roughly 1,600 to 2,000 square feet at a 2-inch depth, or about 800 to 1,000 square feet at a 4-inch depth, depending on material size and compaction. For San Diego landscaping, account for some extra for high-traffic areas and sloped terrain where gravel can migrate.

You can put gravel over soil, but it's best to prepare the area by removing vegetation, grading, and installing a weed barrier or geotextile fabric to reduce weed growth. In San Diego's dry climate, a compacted base or crushed rock underlayer improves stability and reduces settling over time.

Properly installed gravel can last many years; decorative gravel and pathways often last 5 to 20+ years depending on use, maintenance, and exposure. San Diego's mild climate helps longevity, but expect some migration and occasional top-up after heavy rain, wind, or high-traffic use.