Gravel in Portland, ME

Typical delivered gravel prices in Portland, ME run about $35 to $75 per cubic yard, or roughly $30 to $60 per ton, depending on the stone type and season. Delivery can be free in some areas or add $0 to $150+ depending on distance, minimum order, and truck access; Hello Gravel requires a 3-ton minimum and will show delivery fees or waivers at checkout.

A standard tri-axle dump truck that Hello Gravel commonly uses in the region usually carries about 10 to 14 cubic yards, which equates to roughly 12 to 20 tons depending on the aggregate density. Smaller single-axle trucks carry about 6 to 8 cubic yards (8 to 12 tons); densities vary by material so always confirm the expected yards and tons when you get a quote.

A 20x20 driveway is 400 sq ft. At 2 inches deep you need about 2.5 cubic yards (≈3.0 to 4.0 tons); at 4 inches you need about 5 cubic yards (≈6.0 to 7.5 tons). Using typical Portland delivered prices ($35-$75/yd3) expect material plus delivery roughly $100-$400 for 2 inches, $200-$800 for 4 inches; add $150-$500 or more if you hire someone to professionally spread and compact the material (tailgate spreading by the driver may be possible but is not guaranteed).

In Portland's freeze-thaw climate, 2 inches is not enough for a driveway. For good performance you should build a 4 to 6 inch compacted crushed-stone base and then add a 1 to 2 inch finish layer of smaller stone. That combination improves drainage, resists rutting, and lasts through wet winters.

For the base use a crushed stone such as 3/4u0022 crushed stone, crusher run, or 'Class 5' that compacts well and sheds water. For the finish layer choose a smaller crushed gravel like 3/8u0022 to 1/2u0022 crushed stone, crushed pea gravel, or 3/8u0022-3/4u0022 decorative stone depending on the look you want; regional mixes vary, so ask your Hello Gravel quote which local product matches your project.

Bulk delivery is usually the most cost-effective choice for driveways and yard projects when you need several cubic yards; Hello Gravel's platform negotiates local rates and handles delivery for you. Pickup from a local yard can save money if you have a suitable truck and time, while 50-lb bags are convenient for tiny jobs but usually much more expensive per ton and impractical for larger projects.

Quick rule: cubic yards needed = (area in sq ft * depth in inches) / 324. One cubic yard is roughly 1.2 to 1.5 tons depending on material. Example: a 400 sq ft area at 4 inches needs about 4.9 yd3, which is roughly 6 to 7.5 tons or about 240 to 300 fifty-pound bags (not recommended). Always round up and allow 5-10% for compaction and settling.

Putting finish gravel directly on untreated dirt usually leads to mixing, rutting, and poor drainage—that is especially likely in Portland's wetter, freeze-prone soils. We recommend at minimum a geotextile fabric and a compacted crushed-stone base (4-6 inches) for driveways; for light paths you might get away with less, but fabric plus base gives the best long-term performance.

Hello Gravel requires a 3-ton minimum order on its platform, and many local pits or haulers also have minimums tied to a full truckload. Discounts for multiple truckloads, larger tonnage, or repeat business are common but vary by supplier and season, so request a quote through Hello Gravel to see current volume pricing and any available savings.

A single truckload (tri-axle) delivered in Portland typically costs between $400 and $1,200 depending on yards/tons, stone type, and distance from the pit. Expect potential extra fees like fuel surcharges, offload or tight-site fees, spreading or tailgate service fees (if offered), and local taxes; Hello Gravel will show applicable fees in your quote and can explain any line items.