The Cost of DIY Gravel Driveway Construction

A gravel driveway is a great way for a homeowner to be able to do their own work while keeping their costs relatively low. A gravel driveway is one where there is a gravel base with a different sized top layer that is either crushed gravel, crushed rock, or some other type of aggregate covering. Unlike an asphalt or cement driveway, a homeowner can install their own gravel driveway without the use of heavy equipment.

Do-It-Yourself Friendly

A gravel driveway is a project that a homeowner can successfully do on their own. Basic hand tools can be used for a smaller driveway, but for anything that is over 300 square feet, a garden tractor, or some type of rented equipment will make the job much easier. As with any type of do-it-yourself project, the homeowner that is looking at installing their own gravel driveway must make sure that they take into consideration all of the supplies and equipment they will need. Along with this, is the actual cost of the gravel driveway.

Material Costs

For the homeowner who wants to install their own gravel driveway, they must think about the amount of material they need and the cost at which they can be bought. Most gravel driveways require three different levels. There is a base level that is has a larger stone which forms a solid foundation. On top of this is a smaller aggregate that is compacted and smoothed. On top of this is either a crushed rock, some sort of decorative stone, or just a finely sifted gravel set to a certain size stone.

The base gravel can range from $1 to $3 per square foot. The second layer of aggregate can be $3 to $4 per square foot. From here the cost will begin to climb depending on the type of finish material that is chosen. Decorative rock can be $7 and up, while a sifted 1-inch gravel stone can be $4 to $6 per square foot. The larger the actual driveway, the more it is going to cost.

Equipment Costs

Smaller driveways are not going to need to have large pieces of heavy equipment to push around the dirt and level things out. Anyone with some basic hand tools like shovels, rakes, hoes, straight lumber to level off the gravel, and a hand stamper can create a very nice gravel driveway. However, for driveways over 300 square feet, you will want to use power tools and even a tractor of some sort. Rental equipment is the best way to go, but does carry some cost. Renting a compactor can be $65 per day and a roller attachment for a tractor can start at $100 per day.

Continued Costs

A gravel driveway is a cheaper alternative for a homeowner in both its installation and long term care. Once the driveway is completed, the homeowner will need to do some yearly maintenance. Fixing of potholes from the rain, keeping it level, and removing, or compacting, stones that have moved to the surface are all parts of owning a gravel driveway. If using equipment already owned, the only cost is in time.