Gravel in Los Angeles, CA

Prices vary by type and supplier, but expect approximate retail ranges in Los Angeles: crushed rock $35 to $65 per ton, pea gravel $40 to $70 per ton, and decomposed granite $30 to $60 per ton. Local color, source, and whether the material is screened or washed affect price. Always request a delivered price for your zip code since delivery and minimums change the final cost.

Many suppliers servicing Los Angeles have a 3-ton minimum (this is also Hello Gravel's minimum). Delivery fees range from free on larger orders to $0 to $150+ on small orders depending on distance, site access, and whether the truck needs to perform a difficult drop. You can see delivery options and add tailgate spreading at checkout, but spreading is done at the driver's discretion.

For driveways, angular crushed stone (crushed rock or crushed basalt) is best because it compacts and resists rutting while allowing drainage. Decomposed granite (DG) with a stabilizer can work well for low-traffic driveways and paths and fits the dry aesthetic, but it may need more maintenance after heavy rain. Pea gravel and rounded river rock are attractive for landscaping but can shift and wash in heavy storms, so use them where containment and drainage are controlled.

A typical 2-car driveway is about 18 to 20 feet wide by 18 to 20 feet long (roughly 360 to 400 sq ft). If you plan a compacted base and top layer totaling 4 to 6 inches, a good rule of thumb is: tons = area (sq ft) x depth (inches) x 0.005. For a 360 sq ft driveway at 5 inches compacted depth you would need about 9 tons, so most homeowners order 8 to 12 tons depending on design and compaction.

Routine maintenance includes periodic raking and leveling after storms, adding 1 to 2 inches of new material every 2 to 5 years depending on traffic, and regrading low spots to keep water moving off the surface. With proper base prep and drainage, a gravel driveway can last 10 to 25 years before a major rebuild is needed; poorly drained installations can deteriorate much faster, especially after heavy rains.

Gravel usually has the lowest upfront material and installation cost, but requires more frequent maintenance (regrading and topping up) than asphalt or pavers. Asphalt has higher initial cost but less frequent upkeep; permeable pavers are the most expensive to install but can reduce runoff and may meet stormwater rules in sensitive areas. Consider initial budget, maintenance willingness, and stormwater/permit implications when choosing between them.

Yes. Many Los Angeles neighborhoods and HOAs have rules about driveway materials, curb cuts, and front-yard hardscaping; the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County also have grading and stormwater regulations that can apply to larger projects. For major grading, impermeable surface changes, or projects that affect runoff, check with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, your local public works office, and your HOA before ordering material.

Contractor charges vary by scope: simple delivery and minor spreading might be a few hundred dollars, while full installation including demolition, grading, compacted base, edge restraints, and top gravel often ranges from $1,500 to $6,000 for a standard 2-car driveway in the Los Angeles area. Larger or difficult-access sites, drainage work, permit costs, and erosion control will increase the price. Ask for itemized quotes and references before hiring.

Regional producers and landscape yards across the LA basin commonly stock decomposed granite, river rock, and crushed basalt; larger aggregates often come from regional quarries operated by national companies and local producers in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, and Santa Clarita corridors. Typical lead times are 2 to 7 business days for common materials, but specialty colors, large volumes, or high demand seasons can push lead times longer. Check local stock and ask for a delivered ETA when you order.

Best practices include installing a compacted crushed-rock base (usually 3 to 6 inches), using geotextile fabric to separate soil from aggregate on soft subgrades, creating a crown or 1 to 2 percent slope for surface drainage, and adding edge restraints to contain material. For sites prone to runoff or concentrated flows, contractors add French drains, swales, or permeable subdrain systems to direct water away and prevent erosion.

Yes. Hello Gravel offers online calculators and an aggregate quiz to help you estimate amounts, and you can enter your delivery zip code to see local pricing and availability. For complex projects or unusual site access, contact the Hello Gravel sales team at 855-241-8884 or text 844-407-3734 for guidance and a tailored quote.