Gravel in South Belt / Ellington, TX

Local delivered prices vary by material, supplier, and truck access, but typical ranges in the Houston area are: crushed limestone about $25-$45 per ton ($35-$63 per cubic yard), pea gravel about $35-$60 per ton ($49-$84 per cubic yard), and crushed granite about $30-$60 per ton ($42-$84 per cubic yard). Prices can change with fuel and seasonal demand; Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum order and will show exact delivered pricing for your zip code at checkout.

Hello Gravel connects you with vetted local suppliers and hauling fleets that deliver by dump truck (typically tri-axle) and many landscape contractors in the Houston area handle delivery and installation. Minimum delivery amounts vary by supplier and site access (some require 3 tons, others prefer 5-10 cubic yards), so contact Hello Gravel or your chosen supplier to confirm minimums and installation availability.

Clay-rich coastal plain soils hold water and are prone to rutting and sinking under traffic, especially after heavy rain. To prevent problems, you need proper subgrade prep, a well-compacted stone base, good surface slope/crown for runoff, and reliable edge restraints so gravel doesn't wash away in storms.

Rules vary by neighborhood and HOA; some Houston-area HOAs prohibit front-yard rock or require specific materials and colors, while the City of Houston generally does not ban residential gravel driveways outright. Always check your deed restrictions, HOA covenants, and city or county permitting office before installing gravel in front yards or visible areas.

For driveways and RV pads in the Houston area, a compactable crushed stone or crusher-run (3/4u0022 minus or 3/4u0022 crushed limestone with fines) is usually best because angular particles lock together and compact. Avoid loose round pea gravel for high-traffic or RV use; combine a compacted base layer (4u0022-6u0022) with a 1u0022-2u0022 surface of smaller crushed stone for durability and drainage.

A 20x20 ft area is 400 sq ft, which is about 3.7 cubic yards at 3u0022 depth and about 4.9 cubic yards at 4u0022 depth. Using a typical conversion (~1.4 tons per cubic yard), expect roughly 5.2 tons for 3u0022 depth and about 6.9 tons for 4u0022 depth; remember Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum delivery.

Contractors typically remove topsoil, grade and compact the clay subgrade, place a separation fabric (nonwoven geotextile) to limit mixing, then add and compact a 4u0022-6u0022 layer of base rock before the surface stone. Proper edge restraints, a slight crown to shed water, and good compaction at each layer are common local practices to prevent sinking and migration.

A well-built gravel driveway can perform for many years, but the surface material commonly needs topping or spot repairs every 1-3 years depending on traffic and storms. Expect routine upkeep like raking, regrading low spots after heavy rains, and adding 1/2u0022 to 1u0022 of new surface stone every few years to maintain shape and drainage.

Gravel is typically cheaper upfront, drains much better, and absorbs less heat than concrete or asphalt, making it good for managing stormwater and reducing surface temperature. The tradeoffs are higher routine maintenance and potential for rutting without a proper base, whereas concrete and asphalt cost more but usually require less frequent surface upkeep and offer smoother, longer-lasting driving surfaces.

Large commercial projects like parking lots, major driveway replacements, or changes affecting stormwater commonly require permits, site plans, and stormwater control review from the City of Houston or Harris County and possibly TXDOT for state-road work. For small residential deliveries and driveway resurfacing you often won't need a permit, but always check local permitting requirements before starting work.