Crushed Stone Cost per Yard in 2026: Gravel, Base Rock, and Delivery
Crushed stone cost guide for 2026. Compare crushed stone prices per cubic yard and ton, delivery fees, driveway base costs, and project coverage.
How Much Does Crushed Stone Cost per Yard?
Crushed stone usually costs $30-$90 per cubic yard or $25-$75 per ton in 2026 before delivery. Delivery can add $50-$150 for small homeowner orders. Prices vary by stone size, quarry distance, local demand, and whether you need washed stone or base material.
Use the Concrete Cost Calculator for slab volume planning, then use this guide for gravel base and drainage material estimates.
Crushed Stone Cost by Type
| Material | Cost per Ton | Cost per Cubic Yard | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher run | $25-$60 | $30-$75 | Driveway base |
| 3/4-inch crushed stone | $30-$75 | $40-$90 | Drainage, base layers |
| Washed stone | $40-$90 | $50-$110 | Drainage, clean finish |
| Stone dust | $25-$60 | $30-$75 | Paver base, leveling |
| Riprap | $45-$100+ | $60-$130+ | Erosion control |
Common Project Costs
| Project | Typical Material | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10x20 driveway base | 3-5 cu yd | $150-$600 |
| 20x40 driveway refresh | 10-15 cu yd | $400-$1,500 |
| Patio paver base | 2-4 cu yd | $100-$500 |
| Drainage trench | 1-3 cu yd | $80-$400 |
Ton vs Cubic Yard
Crushed stone is often sold by the ton, but homeowners estimate by cubic yard. One cubic yard of crushed stone often weighs around 1.3-1.6 tons, depending on density and moisture.
Related Guides
- Gravel Driveway Cost per Square Foot
- Concrete Driveway Cost
- Concrete Foundation Cost per Square Foot
- Landscape Rock Cost per Ton
FAQ
Is crushed stone cheaper than concrete?
Yes. Crushed stone is far cheaper upfront, but concrete gives a permanent hard surface with less loose material maintenance.
What is crusher run?
Crusher run is crushed stone mixed with stone dust. It compacts well and is often used as a driveway or patio base.
How much crushed stone do I need?
Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add 5-10% extra for compaction and uneven areas.
Estimate Confidence Check
The fastest way to improve a crushed stone delivery and base material estimate is to define the scope before comparing prices. A low quote and a high quote are often not pricing the same job. Start with the per cubic yard range, then check whether the quote includes the hidden labor, prep, delivery, cleanup, and repair items that usually move the final price.
Use the Concrete Cost Calculator to turn the ranges below into a project-specific estimate before requesting bids.
| Budget level | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Lower-cost scope | small DIY pickup order for a walkway or patch |
| Mid-range scope | delivered crushed stone for driveway base, drainage, or slab prep |
| Higher-cost scope | installed base with excavation, grading, compaction, and haul-off |
Scope Details to Confirm
Before treating any number as a real budget, write down these details:
- stone size
- tons vs cubic yards
- delivery distance
- base depth
- compaction
For homeowner planning, this step matters more than chasing a national average. Two projects with the same headline size can land in different price bands if one needs removal, prep, access work, permits, structural repair, or a higher-grade finish. If your project touches water, roofing, HVAC, foundation, electrical, or structural work, add a larger contingency because hidden conditions often appear after demolition or inspection.
Contractor Quote Checklist
Ask each contractor or supplier to price the same scope. A useful quote should separate:
- material type such as #57 stone or crusher run
- delivery fee
- minimum order
- spreading and compaction
- haul-off for old material
If one bid is much cheaper, do not assume it is automatically the best value. Check whether it excludes delivery, disposal, prep, permits, cleanup, warranty, or finish materials. If one bid is much higher, ask what risk or quality difference is being included. The goal is not to force every contractor to match the lowest number; the goal is to compare equivalent work.
Ways to Control the Budget
Use these levers before cutting important prep or safety steps:
- order by the full truckload when possible
- confirm exact depth before buying
- use base rock where decorative stone is not needed
The safest savings usually come from simplifying scope, choosing practical mid-grade materials, and handling non-technical prep yourself. The riskiest savings come from skipping waterproofing, flashing, drainage, ventilation, structural prep, surface preparation, or proper installation details. Those shortcuts can make the initial invoice smaller while raising repair cost later.
Red Flags Before You Approve the Work
Pause and clarify the bid if you see any of these:
- supplier cannot state stone size
- yard-to-ton conversion ignored
- delivery access not discussed
A good estimate should make the assumptions visible. If the scope is vague, ask for a revised line-item quote before paying a deposit. For larger projects, keep the calculator estimate, contractor quote, material allowances, and contingency in one document so you can tell whether the project is still inside budget as selections change.