Gravel in Portland, OR

Prices vary by material, distance, and supplier, but expect roughly $35 to $70 per ton for common crushed gravel in the Portland area, and about $50 to $100 per cubic yard. Specialty materials (pea gravel, decorative rock, or washed fines) and small orders or steep delivery sites can push prices higher. Hello Gravel minimum order is 3 tons and standard delivery scheduling is 2+ business days, so check your zip code for exact quotes.

For Portland driveways, angular crushed rock (3/4u0022 minus or 3/4u0022-1u0022) with some fines is best because it compacts well and resists rutting in wet weather; pea gravel or 3/8u0022 rounded gravel is fine for low-traffic garden paths but can shift under vehicle use. Crushed rock fines or 'crusher run' make a stable wearing surface, while washed river rock is decorative but less stable for driveways. Consider local appearance and drainage needs—regional materials will reflect Oregon geology.

Yes — Portland’s frequent rain and silty or clay-prone soils can cause rutting, washouts, and weed growth if a driveway isn’t properly prepared. For high-traffic driveways, use a well-compacted crushed-rock base, geotextile fabric, good drainage, and consider a gravel stabilizer or polymer treatment on slopes or heavily used areas to reduce migration. Stabilizers add cost but can significantly reduce maintenance in Portland’s wet climate; discuss options with your supplier.

Use these quick estimates (1 cubic yard ≈ 1.4 tons): a 1-car driveway (12' x 20') at 4u0022 depth needs about 3 cubic yards (≈4.2 tons). A 2-car driveway (20' x 20') at 4u0022 needs about 5 cubic yards (≈7 tons). A 3' x 30' walkway at 2u0022 depth needs about 0.6 cubic yards (≈0.8 tons), and a 10' x 10' patio at 4u0022 needs about 1.2 cubic yards (≈1.7 tons). Order a small overage (5-10%) to allow for compaction and grading.

Installed costs vary by access, site prep, and material but expect roughly $3 to $7 per square foot for a professionally installed crushed-gravel driveway in Portland. Steep sites, major grading, drainage work, or stabilizers can push costs higher. Get a local on-site quote for the most accurate price and factor in periodic maintenance.

Yes — Portland has many local aggregate suppliers and quarries; many offer bulk delivery by dump truck and some offer tailgate spreading or small-scale spreading services through their haulers. Hello Gravel connects you with local suppliers and contracted trucking firms, with minimum orders (3 tons) and delivery options; tailgate spreading is offered at the driver's discretion and is not guaranteed. Always confirm spreading, placement preferences, and access requirements when you order.

Plan to regrade and add topping gravel every 1 to 3 years depending on traffic and drainage; high-traffic driveways may need more frequent top-ups. Use geotextile fabric under the base, proper edge restraints, and install effective drainage (ditches or French drains) to reduce washouts. For weed control, use fabric plus a couple inches of gravel and treat persistent weeds with targeted products; polymer stabilizers can reduce rutting and loss but increase upfront cost.

Gravel has the lowest upfront material and installation cost and allows for better stormwater infiltration, which helps in Portland’s rainy climate, but it requires more regular maintenance. Asphalt has moderate upfront cost and lower short-term maintenance than gravel but creates more runoff; concrete is highest upfront with long life but can crack in freeze/thaw cycles without joints or reinforcement. Choose based on budget, desired maintenance level, permeability needs, and local rules or HOA preferences.

Rules vary by neighborhood and HOA. The City of Portland encourages management of runoff and may require permits for changing driveway width or altering curb cuts; some HOAs have specific surfacing or appearance standards. Always check your HOA covenants and contact City of Portland Bureau of Development Services or your local neighborhood office before ordering or installing a driveway.

Driveways: 3/4u0022 crushed rock base compacted to 4u0022 to 6u0022 with a 1u0022 to 2u0022 wearing course of crushed fines; order about 1.4 tons per cubic yard when calculating totals. Walkways: 3/8u0022 pea gravel or 3/8u0022 crushed rock at 2u0022 to 3u0022 depth. Drainage beds: 1u0022 to 1.5u0022 drain rock (clean washed rock) in trenches. Add 5-10% extra for compaction and grading when placing your order.

Provide clear delivery directions, confirm truck access and overhead clearance, and note if there are steep or tight approaches — many Portland properties have narrow streets or tight alleys. Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum, standard 2+ business day delivery, and optional next-day delivery if ordered before noon CST; request tailgate spreading at checkout but expect the driver to confirm feasibility on arrival. Add Order Notes for desired placement and call customer service if you need changes before dispatch.

Remove organic topsoil, establish a compacted subbase of 3/4u0022 crushed rock, and install geotextile fabric to separate the base from native soils—this helps prevent sinking on the region’s silty or clay soils. Create a center crown or run graded slopes to the sides and install edge restraints to keep gravel contained; add French drains or clipped-inlets for areas that collect runoff during heavy Portland rains. Proper prep is the most important factor in long-term performance and reduced maintenance.