Gravel in Seatac, WA

Expect a wide range: material-only prices commonly run about $15 to $60 per ton depending on type (pea gravel is cheaper, specialty basalt or decorative rock is pricier). Delivered bulk orders typically land around $25 to $60 per ton for standard loads, while small orders under local minimums can push the total to $50 to $160 per ton once delivery and small-load fees are included. Exact pricing depends on material type, distance from supplier, access difficulty, and seasonal demand.

Common local choices include crushed rock (angular, good for driveways), pea gravel (rounded, decorative), decomposed granite (fines that compact well), basalt (dark, durable PNW-sourced rock), and river rock (smooth decorative stones). Availability and color vary by supplier and local geology, so check photos or request notes at checkout if color matters.

Hello Gravel's minimum order is 3 tons, and many local suppliers also set 3 to 5 ton minimums; smaller loads may incur a small-load fee. Standard delivery is 2+ business days, and next-day delivery is available for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee. Always double-check the delivery window at checkout and contact our team if you need a quicker or special arrangement.

Seatac sits in a wet marine climate with clayey and silty soils in many spots, so poor drainage and washouts are common if installations are not prepared properly. Use a well-graded crushed-rock base, geotextile fabric where soils are soft, edge restraints, and provide positive surface drainage or swales to move water away. Proper compaction and a layered approach reduce rutting and migration during heavy rains.

Plan on light annual maintenance (raking, filling ruts) and regrading plus adding a 1 to 2 inch top dressing every 2 to 5 years depending on traffic and erosion. With good base preparation, drainage, and regular maintenance, a gravel driveway in Seatac can function well for 10 to 25 years before a significant rebuild is needed. High-traffic areas or poor drainage will shorten that lifespan and increase repair frequency.

City rules vary by location and lot use; the City of SeaTac’s building and planning departments may have driveway, setback, stormwater, and impervious-surface rules that apply to new installations. Some HOAs prohibit gravel or require specific materials and edging, so check your HOA rules and call SeaTac planning before starting work. When in doubt, contact our team and your local permitting office for guidance.

Common recommendations: driveways use a compacted base of 4 to 6 inches of crushed rock (plus a 1 to 2 inch surface layer if desired), walkways use 2 to 3 inches, and drainage basins often need 6 to 12 inches depending on function. Use this quick calculation: cubic yards = (area in sq ft * depth in inches) / 324, and a typical conversion of 1.3 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone. For example, 100 sq ft at 4 inches requires about 1.6 tons, and at 2 inches about 0.8 tons.

Typical all-in contractor pricing in the Seatac area ranges roughly $3 to $8 per square foot for a compacted crushed gravel driveway, depending on access, site prep, excavation, and edge restraints. DIY installs can be lower, often $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for materials and rental equipment if you already have good site access and minimal excavation. Complex sites, drainage work, or tight access that requires manual spreading will increase labor costs.

Check truck access before ordering: tell us about narrow lanes, low overhead wires, steep driveways, or gated entries in Order Notes and upload site photos if possible. Dump trucks need room to maneuver and a safe dump zone; if access is limited, suppliers may charge extra or require a smaller offload location. You can request tailgate spreading at checkout but note drivers perform it at their discretion and it is not guaranteed.

For drainage use angular crushed rock (3/4 inch minus or similar) because the sharp edges lock together and allow water to flow without excessive migration. For decorative areas and pathways, pea gravel or river rock gives a finished look but does not compact well for vehicle traffic. Decomposed granite compacts into a firmer walking surface for patios and paths, while basalt gives a durable, local aesthetic; match the material to expected traffic, slope, and appearance preferences.