Gravel in Pittsburgh, PA

Prices vary by material, supplier, and delivery distance, but expect roughly $15 - $45 per ton for common gravels in the Pittsburgh area. A single small dump-truck delivery (about 10 - 14 cubic yards) typically runs in the low hundreds to low thousands of dollars delivered - for example, a 10 - 14 cubic yard load often weighs 12 - 20 tons and can cost approximately $200 - $900 delivered. These are estimates - check exact, up-to-date pricing on Hello Gravel for precise quotes and any free-delivery promotions in Pittsburgh.

Measure the area in feet (length x width) and the desired depth in inches. Use this formula: cubic yards = (area in sq ft x depth in inches) / 324. Then convert cubic yards to tons by multiplying by about 1.3 - 1.5 (density depends on gravel type). Example: a 10 x 10 area (100 sq ft) at 2" depth: cubic yards = 100 x 2 / 324 = 0.62 yd3, which is roughly 0.8 - 0.9 tons.

For typical passenger vehicles use a 4 - 6 inch compacted thickness of gravel. Recommended build-up: 3 - 4 inches of compactable crushed stone or crusher-run as the base, compacted, then 1 - 2 inches of a smaller surface stone (stone dust, 3/8" or #8) for a smoother finish. For heavy trucks or poorly draining soils increase base depth to 6 - 8 inches. Pittsburghs freeze-thaw cycles and wet conditions benefit from a well-compacted base and good drainage.

Crushed stone products with angular edges lock together and resist washout - common good choices are 3/4" crushed stone (for base, often called #57) and crusher-run (aka dense grade or DG) for a compactable base. For top surface consider 3/8" stone, crushed limestone fines, or #8 for a smoother finish. Avoid round river rock as a surface in driveways - it moves easily under traffic.

Dump truck sizes vary. Common local delivery options: small dump (6 - 8 yd3), standard (10 - 14 yd3), and large (16 - 20+ yd3). A cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.3 - 1.5 tons depending on type - so a 10 yd3 load can weigh about 13 - 15 tons, and a 14 yd3 load about 18 - 21 tons. Confirm truck size and tonnage with your supplier when ordering.

Coverage depends on depth. Example using 1.4 tons per cubic yard: - 5 tons ~ 3.6 yd3. At 2" depth that covers about 178 sq ft; at 4" it covers about 89 sq ft. - 10 tons ~ 7.2 yd3. At 2" it covers ~356 sq ft; at 4" ~178 sq ft. - 20 tons ~ 14.4 yd3. At 2" it covers ~713 sq ft; at 4" ~356 sq ft. Use the cubic yard formula (area x depth / 324) and multiply by 1.3 - 1.5 to convert to tons for accurate planning.

Buy in bulk (larger loads) to lower per-ton delivery costs, choose a common local material (crusher-run or #57) which is usually cheaper than specialty decorative gravels, and order during regular work seasons when supply is plentiful. Compare Hello Gravel supplier quotes to find the best price and check for free local delivery promotions. If you have equipment and local access, picking up material yourself from a quarry or supplier may save money but factor in truck rental and time.

Most driveway and private property deliveries do not require a permit. However, if a delivery truck will need to block a public street, use a city right-of-way, or deposit material on a sloped or environmentally sensitive area, you may need permits or neighbor notification. For curb-to-curb deliveries check local Pittsburgh or Allegheny County rules. Ask your supplier or Hello Gravel if any local restrictions or permit requirements apply.

Clear vegetation and debris, mark property lines and the desired dump location, provide a stable turning radius and access for a dump truck, move vehicles out of the way, and ensure there is no overhead obstruction (low wires, branches). If the dump spot is on a slope or soft ground, consider placing plywood or mats to protect the lawn and prevent truck rutting. Communicate exact drop location with the driver before delivery.

Start by spreading and grading from high to low points to create proper drainage. Use a plate compactor or roller on the base (crusher-run) layer, then add the surface stone and compact again. Rake to distribute surface stone evenly and compact. Re-check elevations and crown the driveway center slightly to shed water. In wet seasons, wait for drier days to compact if possible to get better compaction.

Occasionally municipalities or landscaping projects offer leftover fill or recycled materials at low or no cost, but availability is unpredictable. Hello Gravel aggregates and local suppliers sometimes offer clearance or recycled products at reduced prices. Free materials often require pickup and may not be quality-controlled - inspect for contaminants. For predictable schedules and quality, buying delivered material through Hello Gravel is the safer option.

Suppliers quote by weight (ton) or volume (cubic yard) depending on local practice. Because gravel density varies, make sure you convert between units correctly: use cubic yards for excavation/volume needs and tons for weight-based pricing. Use the cubic yard formula (area x depth / 324) and then multiply by your supplier's tons-per-cubic-yard factor (often 1.3 - 1.5) to compare quotes correctly.

Common, locally abundant materials like crushed limestone, quarry-run (crusher-run), and #57 crushed stone are usually the least expensive because they are produced in high volumes and require less processing than decorative gravels (colored stone, river rock). Transportation distance also strongly affects cost - locally quarried materials in the Pittsburgh region will typically be less expensive than specialty stone shipped from far away.

Spring and fall are busy seasons - prices can rise and delivery lead times extend. Winter deliveries may be limited by weather and frozen ground but can be cheaper if suppliers have lower demand. Rainy periods increase the chance of ruts and tracking on site - schedule deliveries on dry days where possible. Always confirm delivery windows and staging areas with your supplier in advance.