How Much Does Gravel Cost?2026 Price Guide
A complete breakdown of gravel prices by type, project, and region across the UK. Covers crushed stone, pea gravel, MOT Type 1, decomposed granite, and river pebbles with delivery costs, minimum orders, and tips to save money.
Quick Answer
Gravel costs £15 to £40 per tonne or £25 to £60 per cubic metre in 2026, depending on the type and your location. MOT Type 1 and crushed stone are the cheapest at £15–£25 per tonne. Pea gravel costs £25–£45 per tonne. Decorative stone like river pebbles costs £40–£120 per tonne. Delivery adds £50–£150 per load for distances up to 30 km, and most suppliers require a minimum order of 5 to 10 tonnes.
Gravel Types & Pricing
Not all gravel is the same. Each type has different weight, compaction characteristics, and pricing. Here are the most common types and their 2026 UK pricing:
| Gravel Type | Cost per Tonne | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone (10–20 mm) | £15 – £30 | Driveways, drainage, sub-base. Angular edges lock together for stability. |
| Pea Gravel (8–16 mm) | £25 – £45 | Paths, patios, decorative beds. Smooth and rounded. |
| MOT Type 1 (0/40 mm) | £12 – £22 | Driveways, car parks. Contains fines that compact into a hard surface. |
| Decomposed Granite | £25 – £50 | Paths, garden areas, natural look. Compacts well. |
| River Pebbles (30–80 mm) | £40 – £120 | Landscaping, dry river beds, decoration. Does not compact. |
| White Marble Chips | £60 – £160 | Decorative landscaping, borders, accent areas. Premium pricing. |
Gravel Cost by Project Type
What you pay depends on project size, depth, and gravel type. Here are typical 2026 costs for common residential projects in the UK:
| Project | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel Driveway (3.5×15 m) | £400 – £1,200 | 8–12 tonnes of crushed stone at 150 mm depth. Professional laying extra. |
| Patio Area (4×4 m) | £150 – £400 | 2–3 tonnes of pea gravel at 80–100 mm depth. Edging extra. |
| Garden Path (1×10 m) | £60 – £180 | 0.5–1.5 tonnes at 80 mm. Pea gravel or decomposed granite. |
| French Drain (15 m) | £100 – £300 | 2–4 tonnes of 10/20 stone. Geotextile separate. |
| Planting Bed (3×6 m) | £150 – £500 | 2–3 tonnes of decorative stone at 80 mm. |
| Shed Base (3×4 m) | £100 – £300 | 2–3 tonnes at 100–150 mm. Crushed stone with compaction. |
| Parking Bay (3×6 m) | £200 – £600 | 4–6 tonnes at 150 mm. MOT Type 1 recommended. |
Delivery Costs & Minimum Orders
Delivery is a significant part of gravel cost, especially for smaller orders. Understanding delivery fees and minimums helps with budgeting.
Most builders’ merchants and quarries charge £50 to £150 per delivery for distances up to 30 km. Beyond 30 km, expect an additional £2–£4 per mile. A standard tipper lorry carries 10–15 tonnes. Many suppliers offer half-load options, though the delivery charge remains the same regardless of quantity.
Minimum order requirements vary but typically range from 5 to 10 tonnes for delivery. Some merchants offer 1–2 tonne minimums with a surcharge (£20–£50 extra). For very small quantities under 1 tonne, collecting gravel yourself with a trailer is the most economical option — most quarries and builders’ merchants allow self-loading.
To save on delivery: combine orders with neighbours, time your purchase for autumn or winter when demand is low, or collect it yourself. A car trailer (750 kg payload) holds about 0.4 m³ per trip. A larger trailer (2 tonnes) manages 1.2 m³. Hiring a tipper trailer (£50–£100/day) lets you haul 2–3 m³ per trip.
How to Calculate the Amount You Need
Getting the right amount prevents costly extra deliveries or leftover material. Follow these steps:
- Measure your area: Multiply length by width in metres for the area in m². For irregular shapes, break into rectangles and add them together.
- Determine the depth: Standard depths are 50–80 mm for paths and beds, 100 mm for patios, 150–200 mm for driveways. Convert mm to metres by dividing by 1,000.
- Calculate cubic metres: Length × width × depth (all in metres) = m³.
- Convert to tonnes: Multiply m³ by the weight factor — 1.8 for crushed stone, 1.7 for pea gravel, 2.0 for MOT Type 1, 1.9 for decomposed granite.
- Add 10% wastage: Multiply by 1.1 for compaction, spillage, and uneven ground.
- Example: A driveway 3.5 × 15 m at 150 mm depth = 3.5 × 15 × 0.15 = 7.9 m³ × 1.8 = 14.2 tonnes. With 10% wastage: order 15.6 tonnes.
Tip: Use our free Gravel Calculator to skip the maths. Enter your dimensions and get instant cubic metre, tonnage, and cost estimates.
How to Save Money on Gravel
Gravel is already one of the cheapest hardscaping materials, but these tips can help you save even more:
- Buy in bulk: The per-tonne cost drops significantly for larger orders. Ordering 15+ tonnes often unlocks bulk pricing that is 10–20% cheaper.
- Choose local stone: Gravel from nearby quarries costs far less than stone transported from other regions. Transport is the second-biggest factor in pricing.
- Order off-season: Autumn and winter are the quietest months. Many suppliers offer 10–15% discounts during these periods.
- Collect it yourself: With a trailer, you eliminate the £50–£150 delivery charge. For small projects, this can save 20–30% of the total cost.
- Use MOT Type 1 instead of decorative stone: MOT costs £12–£22/tonne versus £40–£120 for decorative options. For driveways and utility areas, it performs better and costs a fraction of the price.
- Compare multiple suppliers: Prices can vary by 30–50% between suppliers in the same area. Get at least 3 quotes before ordering.
Calculate Your Gravel Needs
Use our free gravel calculators to estimate the exact amount and cost for your project.