Gravel in Duval, FL

Delivered gravel in Duval typically ranges from about $20 to $50 per ton depending on material type (crushed stone, pea gravel, crushed shell) and haul distance. When you add installation tasks like grading, base preparation, and compaction, total installed costs commonly range from roughly $30 to $80 per ton. Local supplier quotes and your project access or storm prep needs will affect final pricing, so get a detailed estimate before ordering.

For driveways in Duval, crushed stone (3/4u0022 or 3/4u0022 minus) is the most stable and compacts well for vehicle use. Pea gravel and river rock are good for decorative paths and beds but can shift under traffic, while crushed shell gives a coastal look and is permeable but tends to wash and require more maintenance. Choose material based on use: crushed stone for driveways, pea/river rock for accents, and crushed shell for coastal aesthetics with a plan for erosion control.

Sandy subsoils in Duval can drain well but may shift under load unless a proper base and geotextile are used. Heavy rains and storm surge during hurricane season increase the risk of washout and rutting, so good slope design, swales, and edge restraints are important. Expect to do maintenance after major storms and design drainage to move water away from gravel areas.

Typical estimates (using about 1.35 tons per cubic yard) are: 1-car driveway (10'x20') - 2u0022 = ~1.7 tons, 3u0022 = ~2.5 tons, 4u0022 = ~3.3 tons; 2-car driveway (20'x20') - 2u0022 = ~3.3 tons, 3u0022 = ~5.0 tons, 4u0022 = ~6.6 tons. Walkway (3'x40') at 2u0022 = ~1.0 ton and a 12'x12' patio at 2u0022 = ~1.2 tons. Note Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons in many areas, so small projects may require buying the minimum.

Rules vary by location and HOA. Duval County and City of Jacksonville may require permits for driveway aprons, curb cuts, or work affecting stormwater; your HOA may have material or curb-appeal restrictions. Always check with your local building department and HOA covenants before ordering or installing gravel.

Light maintenance like raking, spot refilling, and regrading is commonly needed every 1 to 3 years, with more frequent attention after heavy rains or hurricanes. With proper drainage and periodic topping, gravel driveways often last 5 to 10 years before a significant refresh is needed; high-traffic areas may require earlier work. Regular maintenance keeps costs lower over time compared with full replacements.

Use a permeable geotextile fabric under the gravel to separate the sandy subsoil and reduce mixing and washout. Add sturdy edging (steel, concrete, or heavy-duty plastic), design drainage swales or French drains to divert runoff, and consider small retaining features or check-dams on slopes. For coastal areas, plan for greater runoff during storms and use multiple controls rather than relying on gravel alone.

Yes. Hello Gravel’s network sources local materials so common types like crushed stone, pea gravel, crushed shell, and river rock are often available in Duval. Minimum orders are typically 3 tons and deliveries are made by contracted dump truck fleets; standard delivery is 2+ business days with a next-day option for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee.

Crushed stone or “crusher run” with fines (3/4u0022 minus) compacts well and resists washout better than smooth river rock or loose pea gravel. A compacted base of larger stone topped with a finer wearing course and geotextile fabric underneath provides the best long-term stability. For high water-flow areas, combine edging and swales to reduce direct runoff over the gravel.

Crushed shell offers a coastal aesthetic and drains well, but it tends to be softer and can wash out or grind down under heavy vehicle traffic. It is a good choice for low-traffic areas, walkways, or decorative beds, but for a primary driveway you may prefer crushed stone for durability. If you choose shell, plan for periodic regrading and stronger erosion controls.

Gravel has the lowest upfront cost but higher ongoing maintenance and lower perceived curb appeal. Asphalt is mid-range in cost and offers a smoother, longer-lasting surface with moderate maintenance, while pavers are most expensive upfront but provide high curb appeal and durability. For resale in Duval, asphalt or pavers are often viewed as higher-value than gravel, but local neighborhood standards and HOA rules can influence buyer expectations.

DIY is feasible for small projects if you have the tools and experience with grading and compaction, but contractors bring equipment and local expertise that speed installation and improve results. Hiring pros reduces risk of drainage mistakes and may cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars more depending on project size and prep work; get multiple local quotes and check references. If you go DIY, plan for site prep, geotextile, compaction equipment rental, and the minimum material order.

Clear vegetation, remove topsoil where needed, and establish a stable subgrade with the correct slope to shed water. Install geotextile fabric, edge restraints, and any swales or drains before the truck arrives, and plan for compaction after spreading. If you want tailgate spreading, request it at checkout but note drivers perform it at their discretion.