How Much Does Gravel Cost?2026 Canadian Price Guide
A complete breakdown of gravel prices by type, project, and region across Canada. Covers crushed stone, pea gravel, road base (Granular A/B), limestone screenings, and river rock with delivery costs, minimum orders, and tips to save money.
Quick Answer
Gravel costs $25 to $60 CAD per tonne or $35 to $85 CAD per cubic metre in 2026, depending on the type and your province. Granular A/B and crushed stone are the cheapest at $25–$40 CAD per tonne. Pea gravel costs $35–$55 CAD per tonne. Decorative stone like river rock costs $60–$150 CAD per tonne. Delivery adds $75–$200 CAD 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 Canadian pricing:
| Gravel Type | Cost per Tonne (CAD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone (19 mm) | $30 – $55 CAD | Driveways, drainage, sub-base. Angular edges lock together for stability. |
| Pea Gravel (10 mm) | $35 – $55 CAD | Walkways, patios, decorative beds. Smooth and rounded. |
| Granular A (0/19 mm) | $25 – $40 CAD | Driveways, parking pads. Contains fines for compaction. MTO-spec road base. |
| Limestone Screenings | $25 – $45 CAD | Paths, patio base, levelling. Fine material that packs hard. |
| River Rock (25–75 mm) | $60 – $150 CAD | Landscaping, dry creek beds, decoration. Does not compact. |
| White Marble Chips | $80 – $200 CAD | Decorative landscaping, borders, accent areas. Premium pricing. |
Gravel Cost by Project Type
What you pay depends on project size, depth, and gravel type. Typical 2026 costs for common residential projects in Canada:
| Project | Typical Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel Driveway (3.5×15 m) | $600 – $1,800 CAD | 8–12 tonnes of Granular A at 150 mm depth. Pro install extra. |
| Patio Area (4×4 m) | $200 – $500 CAD | 2–3 tonnes of pea gravel at 80–100 mm. Edging extra. |
| Walkway (1×10 m) | $80 – $250 CAD | 0.5–1.5 tonnes at 80 mm. Limestone screenings or pea gravel. |
| French Drain (15 m) | $150 – $400 CAD | 2–4 tonnes of 19 mm clear stone. Geotextile separate. |
| Garden Bed (3×6 m) | $200 – $600 CAD | 2–3 tonnes of decorative stone at 80 mm. |
| Shed Pad (3×4 m) | $150 – $400 CAD | 2–3 tonnes at 100–150 mm. Granular A with compaction. |
| Parking Pad (3×6 m) | $300 – $800 CAD | 4–6 tonnes at 150 mm. Granular A 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 landscape supply yards and aggregate dealers charge $75 to $200 CAD per delivery for distances up to 30 km. Beyond that, expect $3–$5 CAD per km. A standard tandem dump truck carries 12–16 tonnes. Many suppliers offer half-load options, though the delivery fee stays the same.
Minimum order requirements vary but typically range from 5 to 10 tonnes for delivery. Some dealers offer 1–2 tonne minimums with a surcharge ($25–$50 CAD extra). For very small quantities, picking up gravel yourself in a truck or trailer is the most economical option. Most landscape supply yards allow self-loading.
To save on delivery: combine orders with neighbours, buy in spring before the rush (or late fall), or pick up yourself. A half-ton pickup can carry about 0.5 m³ (700 kg) per load. A 3/4-ton truck handles a full cubic metre (1,400 kg). Renting a dump trailer ($100–$175 CAD/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 m². For irregular shapes, break into rectangles.
- Determine depth: Standard depths are 50–80 mm for walkways 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 Granular A, 1.9 for limestone screenings.
- Add 10% waste: Multiply by 1.1 for compaction, spillage, and uneven ground.
- Example: A driveway 3.5 × 15 m at 150 mm = 3.5 × 15 × 0.15 = 7.9 m³ × 1.8 = 14.2 tonnes. With 10%: order 15.6 tonnes.
Tip: Use our free Gravel Calculator to skip the math. Enter your dimensions and get instant cubic metre, tonnage, and cost estimates.
How to Save Money on Gravel
Gravel is already one of the most affordable hardscaping materials, but these tips can help you save even more:
- Buy in bulk: The per-tonne cost drops for larger orders. 15+ tonnes often unlocks 10–20% bulk discounts.
- Choose local aggregate: Gravel from nearby pits and quarries costs much less. Transportation is the second-biggest price factor.
- Order off-season: Late fall and early spring often have lower demand. Some suppliers discount 10–15%.
- Pick up yourself: With a truck or trailer, you eliminate the $75–$200 CAD delivery fee. For small projects, this saves 20–30%.
- Use Granular A instead of decorative stone: Granular A costs $25–$40 CAD/tonne vs $60–$150 for decorative. For driveways and utility pads, it performs better at a fraction of the cost.
- Compare suppliers: Prices vary 30–50% between dealers in the same area. Get at least 3 quotes.
Calculate Your Gravel Needs
Use our free gravel calculators to estimate the exact amount and cost for your project.