Gravel in Yelm, WA

Delivered prices vary with gravel type, delivery distance, and supplier demand, but a rough estimate for common driveway and base gravels in West Washington is $40 to $100 per cubic yard. Specialty aggregates (colored decorative rock or washed stone) can cost more. For exact, up-to-date pricing for Yelm (pop. 24,610) request a quote through our website—Hello Gravel shows delivery fees and any minimums during checkout.

For West Washington's wet conditions, clean, crushed stone such as 3/4u0022 crushed rock or #57 stone drains best because it has angular particles and open voids. River rock and pea gravel also drain well but shift more easily. For subdrains and French drains, use washed rock or clean drain rock to avoid fines that clog flow.

To get a concrete-like surface, use a stabilized system: compacted crusher fines or decomposed granite bound with a polymer stabilizer, or resin-bound gravel installed over a proper base. Another option is compacted crushed stone base topped with a small, angular surface stone and then mechanically compacted. These options provide a firm, low-dust surface while retaining a natural aggregate look.

Crushed stone (angular, processed) typically costs more per ton than loose, rounded gravel because of extra crushing and screening. However, crushed stone compacts and locks together better, reducing long-term maintenance and regrading costs. Expect to pay a modest premium up front for crushed stone in exchange for greater stability and less annual upkeep.

A 10-yard load equals 270 cubic feet. At 2u0022 depth (0.1667 ft) it covers about 1,620 sq ft; at 3u0022 depth (0.25 ft) about 1,080 sq ft; and at 4u0022 depth (0.3333 ft) about 810 sq ft. Use these figures to size driveway or landscaping projects before ordering.

A 50 lb bag of gravel is roughly 0.5 cubic feet, so to cover 100 sq ft you need about 34 bags at 2u0022 depth, 50 bags at 3u0022, and 67 bags at 4u0022. Hello Gravel primarily delivers bulk loads (minimum 3 tons), though some local suppliers may offer bag or pallet delivery—check product pages or request bag delivery during checkout for options in Yelm.

No, 2 inches is generally not sufficient for a driveway in Yelm's wet climate and local soils. For a stable residential driveway we recommend 4 to 6 inches of compacted base material (crushed rock) with a 1 to 2 inch surface layer, and 6 to 8 inches for heavy vehicles. Adding a geotextile and proper drainage will greatly improve longevity in rainy conditions.

Pea gravel is a poor choice where stability, wheelchair access, or vehicle traffic matter because it shifts and compacts poorly, especially on slopes and in heavy rain. For walkways and patios in Yelm, recommend crushed stone or crusher fines compacted over a permeable base, decomposed granite with stabilizer, or pavers set in a crushed stone base for a firmer, lower-maintenance surface. These alternatives drain well but hold shape better than loose pea gravel.

Common grades include #1 (large, 2.5u0022 to 4u0022), used for heavy drainage and structural fill; #3 (1u0022 to 2.5u0022), often used for road base; #57 (3/4u0022 clean crushed stone), a common surface for driveways and paths; and crusher fines or u0022DGu0022 (decomposed granite) for compacted walking surfaces. Pea gravel is decorative and drains well but is less stable. Choose based on load, drainage need, and finish preference.

Installation costs vary with excavation, base depth, and labor; expect a small driveway (few hundred sq ft) to cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for materials, delivery, and basic compaction, while larger or heavily excavated projects will be more. Annual maintenance (occasional grading, adding 1-2u0022 of material every few years, and clearing drains) commonly runs from about $100 to several hundred dollars depending on size and use. Local suppliers and haulers in the Yelm area typically offer bulk delivery, and some can coordinate spreading or recommend local contractors for compaction and full installation; tailgate spreading by drivers is possible but done at driver discretion.

Use a well-graded, compactable base (crushed stone), install a geotextile fabric to separate soil from aggregate, provide positive slope and edge restraints, and include drains where water concentrates. Select a top layer appropriate to the use (#57 or crusher fines for driveways, larger drain rock for subdrains). Regular maintenance—regrading low spots and topping up material—keeps surfaces draining and lasting longer.