6 Types of Gravel for Driveways: Learn Benefits, Cost, Maintenance, and More

An attractive gravel driveway paves the way for a good impression—whether it’s giving curb appeal, hardscape definition, or greetings as you come home. But not every gravel driveway material is made equal. From major price differences to appearance to performance, the best gravel for driveways could depend on your circumstances. So stay tuned to learn all you need to know about the different driveway gravel materials available for your home.

Best Gravel for Driveways

When comparing the best gravel for driveways, you’ll want to factor in the efficacy, gravel cost, appearance, and location. We’ve broken down important features of each type of gravel to help you come to a conclusion.

1. Black Star

A modern home design needs stylish gravel to pull off that final look, and what better way than to use black star gravel? This type of gravel consists of crushed basalt rock, which is a type of volcanic rock that offers high durability, density, and a trademark dark appearance that will be sure to wow visitors or passersby.

The only downsides to this type of gravel are the price and the heat absorption if you live in a hot region. Darker stones absorb heat, making your gravel driveway hotter, so you may want to skip out on this gravel if you experience scorching summers. Black star gravel also has the second-highest price tag of $190 to $250 per cubic yard—you’ll pay for that edgy aesthetic.

Best for: Modern or contemporary homes in cooler regions

2. Caliche 

Caliche is a common material for country roads and rural driveways. This sedimentary rock contains calcium carbonate that can harden and bind with gravel, clay, or sand to form a concrete-like surface. Caliche is abundant in arid climates like the Southwest. Opting for caliche is a popular choice because of its abundance, versatility, and a low starting price of $25 per cubic yard. 

At the same time, caliche can increase in price if you want high-quality gravel for your driveway. Low-quality caliche won’t withstand rainstorms, but high-quality caliche installed by a professional with the skills to correctly bind the materials can make for a solid driveway or road. Building a road on your property costs between $1.25 and $3 per square foot if you opt for affordable caliche gravel.

Best for: Rural driveways, long driveways requiring lots of gravel, temporary driveways for construction or building purposes

3. Crushed Bluestone

Bluestone makes for a stunning patio or paver walkway, so utilizing that same material for your gravel driveway idea is the perfect way to boost your curb appeal. However, it does come at a cost—$30 to $65 to be precise. Still, this medium-dark gray stone air of sophistication can give your contemporary home that extra oomph needed to bring the whole look together and is more affordable than some of the high-end gravel driveway materials. 

Keep in mind, that bluestone is less available than other gravel depending on where you live and may vary in price due to that availability. You’re most likely to find bluestone on the East Coast, so prices may be lower for anyone residing there, while someone living on, say, the West Coast may have to dish out more to have that bluestone driveway.

Best for: Those living on the East Coast

4. Crushed Limestone

Crushed limestone is a tried-and-true gravel for driveways. This durable material comes in a range of colors and may even help offset heat in hotter regions because of its light color.  Because it’s a porous natural stone, limestone can also aid in drainage and water runoff management, making it excellent for permeable driveways.

At the same time, crushed limestone costs between $30 and $115 per cubic yard, making it one of the costliest gravel types for driveways. Another downside is that limestone can shift during freeze and thaw cycles, making it a less ideal driveway material for cold weather. If you live in a cold region, you may want to choose a heated driveway for your home instead.

Best for: Homes in mild or hot regions and homes with high rainfall or drainage issues

5. Marble Chips

If your house is decked out with marble countertops, what better way to use one of your favorite timeless stones than to choose marble chips for your driveway? Marble is a durable stone—we have ancient statues to show for its longevity. It can also handle the heavy weight of vehicle traffic, all while keeping your driveway cooler due to its white hue.

At the same time, marble has the highest cost of all the gravel driveway materials, with prices ranging from $180 to $450 per cubic yard. Marble also shows dirt more easily because of its lighter color.

Best for: Homes in hotter climates or those with a high budget

6. Quarry Process (Crusher Run)

Quarry process, or crusher run, is a combination of different-sized crushed stones derived from granite, limestone, trap rock, or other natural stones. This type of gravel costs around $20 to $25 per cubic yard, making it one of the most cost-friendly gravel options for driveways. Though it has a low cost, quarry process’s light brown and gray appearance lacks the wow factor of other natural stones.

Quarry process contains finer particles, meaning the dust is more likely to shift and blow away initially before it compacts. Once compact, you’ll have a durable, semisolid surface for vehicles, making it a practical material. The downside? Quarry process has poor drainage qualities, so work with a pro to install this material to prevent water runoff from racing toward your home.

Best for: Homeowners looking for a low-cost, semi-solid surface for their driveways

Choosing the Right Gravel for Driveways 

Many factors go into determining which gravel is best for your driveway, making it a little overwhelming if you’ve never worked with gravel before. Since materials are a huge investment and can impact the functionality of your driveway, you’ll want to consider the following before you decide:

• Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, choose an economical option like quarry process, crushed bluestone, or crushed limestone depending on local prices.

• Location: Drainage, high heat, and freeze-thaw cycles can all help you narrow down your options by gravel characteristics. 

• Material availability: If you live in a region that has more availability for certain gravel types, it makes sense to go with a resource near you than import one from across the country.

• Maintenance: Some gravel materials require more maintenance than others. Consider any future driveway repair costs or preventative maintenance measures beforehand. You might want to install edging for looser gravel materials, for example.

• Personal preferences: Aesthetics can influence which gravel you choose, so pick an option that goes with your tastes.

If you’re still unsure of how to make a gravel driveway, talk with a gravel driveway company near you to learn more about local features that could impact your decision.