Gravel in Burien, WA

Delivered prices vary by material and season, but in Burien you can generally expect approximate ranges: crushed rock/road base $30 to $65 per ton, pea gravel $35 to $75 per ton, and decorative washed gravel $40 to $90 per ton. Per cubic yard, expect roughly $40 to $120 depending on material and density (1 cubic yard of gravel is about 1.2 to 1.6 tons). Prices change with local supply and demand, so use these as ballpark figures and check our quote tool for current rates to your zip code.

Hello Gravel connects you with local quarries and haulers serving Burien and the greater West Washington area; individual suppliers vary by zip code. Typical minimums are around 3 tons (our platform minimum), deliveries are usually by tri-axle dump truck, and many suppliers offer free delivery above a certain tonnage while small orders or tight access sites may incur a delivery fee. Use our checkout to see exact supplier options, minimums, and any delivery fees for your address.

For Burien’s wet, maritime climate and often clayey soils, angular crushed rock (for example 3/4u0022 crushed or road base) performs best because the broken edges lock together and resist rutting. Use a compacted road base or crushed aggregate for the structural layer and a coarser crushed wearing surface (3/8u0022 to 3/4u0022 crushed) on top; avoid loose rounded pea gravel as a primary driveway surface because it shifts easily in wet conditions. Adding geotextile fabric and good subgrade drainage will help keep the driveway stable through West Washington rains.

For a light-duty residential driveway in Burien, plan on a compacted structural base of 4 to 6 inches of road base plus a 2 to 3 inch compacted wearing layer of crushed gravel. For clay soils or heavier vehicles, increase the base to 6 to 8 inches and consider a total gravel depth of 8 to 12 inches. Compact each layer in 2- to 3-inch lifts with a plate compactor or roller and slope the driveway slightly (1 to 2 percent) for drainage to avoid washout in rainy weather.

Use this quick guide for Burien projects: a 12x20 ft area (240 sq ft) requires about 2.2 cubic yards at 3u0022 (roughly 3 to 3.5 tons) and about 4.4 cubic yards at 6u0022 (roughly 6 to 6.5 tons). A 20x30 ft area (600 sq ft) needs about 5.6 cubic yards at 3u0022 (around 7.5 to 8.5 tons) and about 11.1 cubic yards at 6u0022 (about 15 to 16 tons). Remember 1 cubic yard of gravel in local materials is roughly 1.2 to 1.6 tons depending on rock type and moisture; round up for waste and compaction and note our minimum order is 3 tons.

Upfront, gravel is usually the lowest-cost surface for Burien driveways — material and basic installation are often substantially cheaper than asphalt or pavers. Long-term maintenance is higher with gravel (periodic regrading and topping every 1 to 5 years depending on rainfall and traffic) while asphalt and pavers need less frequent but sometimes higher-cost repairs. For many Burien homeowners the lower initial outlay and easier drainage make gravel a practical choice, but plan for ongoing upkeep in the wet climate.

In the West Washington climate expect to regrade and add material more often than in dry areas: light maintenance like raking and filling low spots should be done annually, while heavier regrading, re-compaction, and topping (1 to 2 inches) may be needed every 2 to 5 years depending on traffic. After heavy winter storms or prolonged wet periods check for ruts and washouts and address them quickly to prevent bigger repairs. Budget for occasional deliveries (minimums may apply) when you need to replenish material.

Permit and HOA rules vary: small residential driveways often do not require a building permit in Burien, but a larger project, changes to driveway location, or significant grading may trigger permits or stormwater rules with the city. Many HOAs have covenants about front-yard surfacing or material appearance, so check your HOA guidelines before converting lawns to gravel. When in doubt, contact Burien city planning or your HOA and consult Hello Gravel for material recommendations that meet local rules.

For paths and drainage in Burien, use a crushed rock base (3/4u0022 minus or road base) with a top layer of 3/8u0022 crushed gravel or decomposed granite stabilized mix for a firmer walking surface. Install a geotextile fabric under the base to reduce mixing with compacted soil and consider sub-surface drains or perforated pipe where water pools. These choices let water pass through while keeping the path stable in the region’s frequent rain.

Yes, many local contractors offer full gravel driveway packages that include grading, subgrade prep, base placement, compaction, and edging; Hello Gravel can connect you with suppliers and installers in the area. Labor and equipment costs vary with site access, excavation needed, and driveway size; expect small residential installs to commonly range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in labor and equipment, while more complex jobs (significant grading, drainage work) can be higher. Get written quotes from contractors and use our materials calculator to isolate material costs when comparing bids.