Gravel in Altoona, PA

Prices vary by gravel type and supplier, but in the Altoona area expect delivered bulk gravel to run roughly $30 to $60 per ton. A typical tri-axle dump truck carries about 10 to 14 tons, so a full truckload commonly costs about $300 to $840 delivered. Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum on most orders, and final price depends on material, exact delivery location, and availability, so request a quote for an accurate number.

For most driveway jobs in Altoona, bulk delivery is the cheapest option per ton once you meet the 3-ton minimum. Bagged gravel from big-box stores costs far more per ton and is only practical for very small touch-ups, while pickup saves delivery fees but requires a suitable truck and time. Compare per-ton delivered pricing with the time and equipment you have to decide which is best.

One ton of common crushed gravel is roughly 0.6 to 0.8 cubic yards, so at a 3-inch (0.25 ft) depth it will cover about 70 to 80 square feet. Exact coverage varies by stone type and how much material compacts, so use this as a starting point and round up to be safe.

Assuming a typical single-car width of 10 feet, a 20 ft by 10 ft driveway is 200 sq ft. At 3 inches you'll need about 2.5 to 3.0 tons (roughly meeting Hello Gravel's 3-ton minimum); at 4 inches you'll need about 3.5 to 4.0 tons. Using a typical delivered price range of $30 to $60 per ton, expect material costs roughly $90 to $240, with the lower end likely for the minimum 3-ton order and final cost depending on material and delivery.

For a 100 ft long by 10 ft wide driveway (1,000 sq ft) at 3 inches depth you need about 12 to 14 tons of gravel. At $30 to $60 per ton delivered, material and delivery run approximately $360 to $840 total, or about $3.60 to $8.40 per linear foot. This estimate excludes grading, compaction, and any contractor labor for spreading.

No, 2 inches is generally too thin for a driveway in Altoona's climate and traffic conditions. We recommend a compacted base of at least 3 to 4 inches for passenger cars, and 4 to 6 inches if you expect heavier vehicles; thicker base helps resist rutting and freeze-thaw damage common in West Pennsylvania.

You can place gravel directly over firm, well-draining soil for small paths, but for a driveway you should remove soft topsoil, add and compact a structural base, and ensure good drainage. For larger or problem sites (poor soil, slope, drainage issues) hiring a contractor with excavation and compaction equipment is recommended to avoid future sinking or washouts.

A quality geotextile under the gravel base often pays off in Altoona by reducing mixing of fines into the base and improving drainage and stability. It adds upfront cost but can cut maintenance and prevent premature failure, so for driveways and areas with poor soils it is usually worth the investment.

Cheaper options include reclaimed asphalt or crushed concrete, which can be priced competitively and perform well in PA weather when properly compacted. Keep in mind that long-term maintenance and performance vary: asphalt and chip seal cost more up front but may require less frequent grading than loose gravel, so compare lifecycle costs, not just the initial price.

Yes, many local contractors in the Altoona area will coordinate delivery and use skid steers or bobcats to spread and compact gravel. Expect labor and equipment fees to range from a few hundred dollars for small jobs to $500 to $1,500 or more for larger driveways, depending on access, site prep needs, and crew time; get multiple quotes to compare.