Gravel in Austin, TX

Use this formula: cubic yards = (area in sq ft x depth in inches) / 324. Example: a 1,000 sq ft area at 2" depth needs about 6.17 cubic yards. To convert to tons, multiply cubic yards by the material weight (roughly 2,400-3,000 lb per cubic yard) and divide by 2,000. For precise numbers, enter your address and dimensions on Hello Gravel for an instant quote and exact coverage by material type.

Prices vary by material, quantity, and delivery. Typical Austin ranges (material + delivery) are about $40 - $100 per cubic yard, or about $20 - $60 per ton. Recycled or local caliche/crushed limestone tends to be on the low end; decorative river rock or washed stone is higher. Always request a Hello Gravel quote for current local pricing.

Crushed limestone and caliche are very common and usually the most affordable in Central Texas because of local availability. Recycled concrete is another economical option. If you need drainage or a decorative finish, crushed granite or river rock may be recommended but usually cost more.

A layered approach works best - a compacted base of crushed stone (3/4" minus or similar) 4-6" deep for support, topped with 1.5-3" of smaller crushed rock or crusher-run for surface and traction. Crushed limestone and decomposed granite blends are popular in Austin for look and compaction. Use geotextile fabric on soft subgrades.

Standard recommendation: 4-6" compacted base of crushed stone for load-bearing, plus a 1.5-3" topcoat of smaller gravel. If you have poor or clay subgrade (common in parts of Austin), increase base depth and use geotextile fabric to prevent rutting and mixing with native soil.

About 54 bags of 50 lb gravel will equal roughly one cubic yard (27 cubic feet). Bag counts vary slightly by product density and how tightly the bags are packed.

Most full-size pickup beds will carry about 1/2 to 1.5 cubic yards depending on bed size and whether you load above the bed rails. Weight is the limiting factor - a cubic yard can weigh 2,400-3,000 lb, which may exceed the truck's payload. Always check your vehicle's payload rating before hauling gravel.

Dump truck capacities vary: small contractor trucks often carry 6-10 cubic yards, standard single-axle dump trucks 4-6 yards, and larger tandem or semi end-dumps 12-16+ yards. Confirm truck size when ordering to ensure the delivery fits your site access in Austin.

Yes - check City of Austin requirements for driveway approaches, right-of-way work, and stormwater rules. Some neighborhoods or HOAs have design or material restrictions. If you are changing the driveway connection to a public street or impacting drainage, you may need permits. When in doubt, contact the City of Austin or your HOA before work.

Buy in bulk (cubic yards instead of bags), choose locally sourced materials (crushed limestone or caliche), order consolidated loads to reduce multiple deliveries, and schedule deliveries during off-peak times. Using Hello Gravel often shows local suppliers and delivery options so you can compare prices quickly.

Hello Gravel provides free local delivery in many service areas and for many projects, but availability depends on supplier, material, and delivery distance. Enter your Austin address on Hello Gravel to see whether free delivery applies to your order.

1) Check permits and HOA rules, 2) Excavate to required depth and grade, 3) Install geotextile fabric if subgrade is soft, 4) Place and compact a 4-6" crushed stone base, 5) Add 1.5-3" of surface gravel and compact, 6) Install edging to contain material, 7) Maintain by regrading and adding material as needed. Expect significant manual labor and compaction equipment for best results.

Typical residential gravel driveways need light maintenance yearly - regrading ruts and adding 1/2 to 1 inch of new topcoat every 1-3 years depending on traffic and drainage. Heavy-traffic driveways may need more frequent replenishing. Good drainage and edging reduce maintenance needs.

Austin gets heavy storms; design slopes to move water away from structures, use proper grading and swales, and consider permeable base construction or a stabilizing grid on slopes. Avoid placing loose gravel where runoff will wash it into storm drains - that can violate local ordinances.

You can sometimes find free or low-cost fill from local construction sites, material exchanges, or municipal recycling programs, but quality and cleanliness vary. Recycled concrete can be economical and effective for base layers, but for surface finish or drainage-sensitive uses, new crushed stone is usually preferable. Always confirm source and suitability before using reclaimed material.

Lead times depend on supplier inventory and truck availability - many orders can be delivered within 1-5 business days and some projects qualify for same-day delivery. Enter your address and desired material on Hello Gravel to see real-time availability and delivery windows.

Smaller crushed stone, decomposed granite, and pea gravel are commonly used for paths and patios. Decomposed granite offers a compacted, natural look; pea gravel is decorative but less stable for walking. Choose particle size, color, and compaction needs to match the intended use and maintenance level.

Use Hello Gravel to compare local suppliers, read product descriptions and photos, and check customer reviews. Before installation, inspect a small delivery pile for correct color, size, and cleanliness - if it differs from the quote, contact Hello Gravel and the supplier immediately for resolution.