How Much Does Pea Gravel Cost?
Part of Landscaping & Aggregate
Quick answer
Pea gravel costs roughly $30–$55 per ton for the material, or about $55–$90 per cubic yard delivered (US national average, as of June 2026). Bagged 0.5 ft³ pea gravel runs $5–$8 a bag, which is far pricier per yard than bulk. A typical 200 ft² patio at 2 inches deep needs about 1.2 cubic yards (≈1.7 tons) — roughly $70–$110 in material, or $200–$600 installed with base and labor.
Pea gravel is sold three ways, and the price per cubic yard rises sharply as the package gets smaller: loose by the ton at a quarry, delivered by the cubic yard, or bagged at a home center. For anything bigger than a small bed, bulk is the only sensible buy.
Pea gravel price by how you buy it
| How you buy it | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk, per ton (picked up) | $30–$55 | Cheapest; one ton ≈ 0.7 yd³ |
| Bulk, per cubic yard (delivered) | $55–$90 | Includes a short haul |
| Bagged (0.5 ft³ bag) | $5–$8 / bag | ≈ $270–$430 per yard — small jobs only |
| Colored / polished pea gravel | $70–$130 / yd³ | Decorative grades cost more |
Delivery and spreading
- Delivery: $50–$150 per load, often waived above a full-truck minimum.
- Dump truck load: a tandem hauls about 10–15 tons (8–12 yd³) for $300–$700 delivered.
- Spreading and grading by hand is easy DIY; hiring it out adds $50–$85 per hour.
- Edging (steel, plastic or paver) is worth budgeting — pea gravel migrates without it.
Cost of a pea gravel patio or path
| Project | Area | Material only | Installed (with base & labor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small path | 100 ft² | $35–$55 | $150–$400 |
| Patio | 200 ft² | $70–$110 | $300–$800 |
| Large patio / play area | 400 ft² | $140–$220 | $600–$1,600 |
To price your own job: get the cubic yards and tons from the pea gravel calculator (area × depth), then multiply by your supplier's per-ton or per-yard rate and add delivery. A 2-inch layer is typical for patios and paths over a compacted base. Source: US national average-cost references. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How much does a ton of pea gravel cost?
About $30–$55 per ton for standard tan or gray pea gravel picked up in bulk. One ton is roughly 0.7 cubic yards and covers about 100 ft² at 2 inches deep. Colored and polished grades cost more.
How much does pea gravel cost per yard?
Roughly $55–$90 per cubic yard delivered. A cubic yard covers about 160 ft² at 2 inches deep or 108 ft² at 3 inches, and weighs around 1.2–1.4 tons.
Is bagged or bulk pea gravel cheaper?
Bulk is far cheaper. Bagged pea gravel works out to roughly $270–$430 per cubic yard once you total the bags, versus $55–$90 delivered in bulk. Bags only make sense for a planter or a repair smaller than about 10 ft².