Gravel in Shelby County, TX

Prices vary by material and supplier, but common ranges in Shelby County are about $12 to $40 per ton depending on type (pea gravel and decorative stone cost more). Delivery fees depend on distance, truck type, and site access and typically range from free up to $150 for rural drops; Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum. Exact pricing is best confirmed by entering your zip code on our site or requesting a quote.

Common local options include crushed stone (¾u0022 or #57), crusher run (mixed fines), pea gravel, river rock, and limestone screenings. Crushed stone and crusher run are best for driveways and base layers because they lock together and compact well; pea gravel and river rock are used for patios, pathways, and decorative beds. Screened or washed products are preferred where a cleaner finish is important, like patios or near pool areas.

Hot, humid summers have little direct effect on gravel, but heavy seasonal rains can cause washouts, rutting, and potholes, especially on poorly drained or low-compacted installations. Clay subsoils common in East Texas hold water and can lead to base saturation and loss of support, so proper drainage, crowning, and erosion control are important. Regular maintenance after heavy rains reduces long-term problems.

A 20x40 ft driveway is 800 sq ft. For a 3u0022 top layer you will need about 7.4 cubic yards (roughly 10 to 11 tons); for a 4u0022 layer you will need about 9.9 cubic yards (roughly 13 to 14 tons), using a typical conversion of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. If you include a compacted base (recommended), add material for an additional 4 to 6 inches which can raise the total to 20+ tons depending on depth.

For long rural driveways on clay soils, aim for a compacted base of 6 to 8 inches of crusher run or crushed stone plus a 2 to 3 inch wearing layer. As a rule of thumb, per 1,000 sq ft a 6u0022 base requires roughly 18 to 20 cubic yards (about 25 to 30 tons); add material for the wearing layer as needed. Exact quantities depend on compaction, slope, and whether you install geotextile fabric.

Specific supplier lists vary; Hello Gravel connects you with local quarries and haulers that serve Shelby County and surrounding East Texas areas. Minimums depend on the quarry and truck size but commonly start at 3 tons for standard deliveries and can be higher (5 to 10 tons) for specialty loads or small producers. Tell us your zip code and site access details so we can match you to suppliers that serve your property.

You typically do not need a permit to place gravel on private property, but tying into a county road or installing a driveway apron often requires a driveway permit or approval from Shelby County road maintenance or the Precinct office. If the driveway connects to a state road you may need a permit from TxDOT. Contact your county road office before work and ask local authorities about culverts, sight lines, and right-of-way rules.

Gravel has the lowest upfront cost and is easy to maintain or refresh, making it common in rural Shelby County, but it requires ongoing maintenance and can wash out in heavy rains. Asphalt and concrete cost more up front (asphalt roughly $3 to $7 per sq ft installed and concrete $4 to $8 per sq ft installed) and require less frequent surface maintenance, but they need proper base work and drainage. Crusher run is a specific gravel mix used as an effective base under gravel, asphalt, or concrete because it compacts well and reduces movement.

Expect light maintenance such as filling ruts and spot grading after heavy rains at least once a year, with more intensive regrading or adding new material every 2 to 5 years depending on traffic and rainfall. Small top-up deliveries (1 to 3 tons) commonly cost $100 to $400 delivered; hiring a contractor or renting a grader for major rework ranges from a few hundred to over $1,000. Regular maintenance like trimming vegetation, keeping ditches clear, and re-crowning the drive reduces long-term costs.

Remove topsoil and organic material, install a geotextile fabric on soft spots, then place 4 to 8 inches of crusher run or crushed stone in 2- to 3-inch lifts and compact each lift with a plate compactor or roller. Create a crowned surface (4% slope away from center) and provide side ditches, culverts, or swales to divert water away from the base. Proper compaction and a stable base are the best defenses against rutting and washouts in Shelby County's clay soils.

Washed gravel has fines and dust removed, so it looks cleaner and is preferable for patios, playgrounds, or drainage-sensitive projects; it usually costs more. Unwashed material contains fines that can help bind the surface, which can be useful for driveways but may track into homes. Screened products are sorted for consistent size and finish, while crushed stone is angular and locks together better for compaction and heavy-traffic uses like driveways.

Enter your zip code on Hello Gravel, choose the material and quantity (minimum 3 tons), and select a delivery date during checkout; standard delivery is 2+ business days and next-day delivery is available for orders placed before noon CST with an extra fee. Provide clear delivery instructions and note any access issues; tailgate spreading may be available at the driver's discretion but is not guaranteed.