Gravel in Mobile, AL

Prices vary by product and distance, but expect a tri-axle dump truck (roughly 10-12 tons) to cost approximately $300 to $1,200 delivered in the Mobile area. Crushed stone and crusher run are at the lower end (often $30-$60 per ton delivered), while decorative river rock can be $75-$120 per ton or more. Optional tailgate spreading, when available, is typically an extra fee of $30-$150 and is performed at the driver’s discretion. For an exact price, check your zip code and get a quote through our site.

For Mobile’s wet, coastal climate and often sandy or clayey soils, crusher run or a well-graded crushed stone mix is usually best because the fines help the material lock together and resist rutting. River rock and rounded pea gravel look nice but do not interlock, so they shift under vehicle traffic and are less suitable for driveways. Use a compacted rock base under the top layer and consider geotextile if your subgrade is soft or poorly drained.

Choose based on use, traffic, slope, and drainage: heavy vehicle traffic needs a compacted rock base plus a top layer of 3/4u0022 crushed stone or crusher run, while walkways can use smaller, decorative gravels. Measure the area and pick a depth (driveways typically 4u0022 to 8u0022 compacted), then use a material calculator or ask us to estimate tons. Also factor in Mobile’s rain: prioritize good drainage, proper base prep, and erosion control on slopes.

Coverage varies by rock type and compaction, but a practical rule of thumb is: at 2u0022 depth one ton covers about 80-100 sq ft, at 4u0022 about 40-50 sq ft, and at 6u0022 about 26-33 sq ft. Decorative rounded rock and heavier stone may cover slightly less, and loose, uncompacted material settles after delivery. Use these estimates for planning, and get a precise quote with your exact product and area.

No, 2u0022 is generally not enough for a permanent residential driveway in Mobile’s climate and soil conditions. For a durable driveway you should aim for at least 4u0022 of compacted top gravel over a 4u0022 to 6u0022 compacted rock base, especially if you have clayey subgrade or frequent heavy vehicles. A thin layer may work as a temporary fix or decorative top dressing, but it will rut and wash out in heavy rain.

Costs depend on width, depth, site prep, and material choice, but for a typical one-car driveway (about 20' long by 10' wide) expect total costs roughly from $600 to $2,500. Materials alone for a 4u0022 top layer over a proper base often run $200 to $600, while professional site prep, grading, compaction, and labor add $400 to $2,000 depending on how much base work is needed. Get a site-specific estimate because drainage, driveway slope, and access can change prices in the Mobile area.

You can place gravel directly over dirt for temporary use, but for a lasting driveway in Mobile you should prepare a compacted base and consider geotextile fabric. The coastal soils and heavy rains common to Mobile increase the risk of sinking and washout without proper subgrade prep and a compacted rock base. Geotextile helps separate the soil and aggregate, reduce mixing, and improve longevity on soft sites.

Gravel won’t harden like poured concrete, but certain mixes perform much better: crusher run, 3/4u0022 minus, or a compacted rock base with fines will interlock and form a firm surface. There are also stabilized gravel products and polymer- or resin-bound options sold by some suppliers if you want a harder, lower-dust surface. For Mobile’s wet climate, the best approach is a compacted rock base, good crown and drainage, and a top course of interlocking crushed stone or stabilized mix.

Recycled asphalt millings and crushed concrete are often cheaper and perform well, because they compact into a sturdy surface and resist washout. Local shell or crushed oyster products may also be economical in coastal Alabama, but they can be messy and may change with weather. Asphalt and concrete cost more up front but require less frequent maintenance; choose based on budget, desired look, and how much maintenance you are willing to do in Mobile’s climate.

These local labels refer to size and gradation: 'No. 1' usually means larger, coarser stone, while 'B' can be a local mix of sizes or a base material; names vary by supplier. For driveways in Mobile, contractors commonly specify a compactable base (often called 'road base' or 'crusher run') under a 3/4u0022 crushed stone top layer. Ask your supplier to recommend 'crusher run' or '3/4u0022 minus' for the top course and a coarser base product for subbase, and confirm local names when you order.

Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons, and standard delivery is typically 2+ business days from order confirmation in most areas. Next-day delivery may be available for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee, and drivers may offer tailgate spreading at their discretion if requested at checkout. For exact availability and timing in Mobile, check your zip code and request a quote on our site.