Gravel in Port Arthur, TX

Prices vary by material and supplier, but expect roughly $25-$45 per ton ($18-$32 per cubic yard) for common crushed stone and gravel in the Port Arthur/Beaumont area. Specialty materials like river rock or decorative shell are usually higher. Final price depends on delivery distance, truck access, and any spreading or tipping fees, so check your zip code for an exact quote.

Local suppliers in the Port Arthur area commonly offer crushed limestone, crushed granite, river rock (rounded stone), crushed concrete, and crushed shell or coquina in coastal locations. Availability varies by supplier and season because Hello Gravel sources regionally, so product mix and color may change.

Coastal humidity, salt air, heavy rain, and periodic hurricanes increase the risk of washout, compaction loss, and surface migration of rounded stone. Use angular, crushed stone for better interlock, ensure good drainage, and plan for more frequent maintenance after heavy storms. Expect material color and texture to reflect local geology.

For a new driveway, use a compacted base of 6 inches plus a 2-3 inch topcoat. For example, a 12 ft x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) at a total 6 inch depth needs about 9 cubic yards or roughly 12.5 tons; a 16 ft x 50 ft driveway (800 sq ft) at 6 inches needs about 14.8 cubic yards or roughly 21 tons. For coastal Port Arthur areas prone to flooding, increase the compacted base to 8 inches and keep the topcoat 2-3 inches to resist washout.

Crushed limestone is affordable and locks together well, making a stable driveway surface, but it can dust and soften in salt air over time. Crushed granite is harder and more durable, shedding water well but usually costs more. River rock is decorative and good for drainage beds, but its rounded shape moves under traffic and is not recommended as the main driveway surface in Port Arthur.

Excavate to a stable subgrade, install geotextile fabric where suitable, and place a 4-8 inch compacted layer of angular crushed stone as the base, with a 2-3 inch compacted topcoat. Add a slight crown to the center and edge restraints to keep material in place. In flood-prone spots, consider deeper aggregate, better drainage swales, and erosion control measures.

Expect routine maintenance after heavy rains or storms and a light top-up every 1 year to every 3 years depending on traffic and weather. Properly built and maintained gravel driveways can function for 10-20 years before major base repairs are needed, but hurricanes and persistent flooding will shorten that lifespan and increase repair frequency.

Rules vary: many Port Arthur homeowners can install gravel driveways, but local city codes, county drainage rules, and HOA covenants may impose restrictions on material, drainage, or curb cuts. Check with the City of Port Arthur permits office, Jefferson County, and your HOA before ordering or installing gravel to avoid compliance issues.

Installation pricing varies by scope: expect contractor rates generally in the range of $1.50-$4.00 per square foot for excavation, base installation, and compaction in the Beaumont metro, though prices change with site conditions. Delivery, mobilization, and heavy grading for flood control raise costs, so get multiple local quotes and include Hello Gravel delivery costs when budgeting.

Hello Gravel typically delivers by tri-axle dump truck; minimum order is 3 tons. Check access for truck width, low-hanging wires, steep or soft driveways, and local culvert or street restrictions—drivers may only be able to dump at the curb or driveway entrance. Tailgate spreading can be requested at checkout but is performed at the driver’s discretion and is not guaranteed.

Calculate area in square feet, multiply by desired depth in feet, and divide by 27 to get cubic yards (area x depth / 27). Convert to tons by multiplying cubic yards by about 1.4 (varies by material). For example: 480 sq ft at 0.5 ft depth = 8.9 cu yd x 1.4 = about 12.5 tons. Use Hello Gravel’s online material calculator for a quick estimate and zip code pricing.

After a storm, remove silt and debris, regrade and reestablish the crown for drainage, then add fresh crushed stone to low or washed areas and compact it. Install or repair swales, check culverts, and consider temporary erosion controls until vegetation or hard edges are restored. For repeatedly flooded areas, consider alternatives like raised stone shoulders, better drainage, or more durable pavement.