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A long-lasting, sturdy driveway starts with the right stone. Installing a new layer or redoing an old one, the right material offers good drainage and strength to bear weight. A weak or shallow base will lead to settling, rutting, and erosion in the future. With good prep work and the right stone, you'll enjoy a driveway that lasts all year.
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Landscape Barn recommends the following stones to use on driveways:
Excellent for driveway base layers due to its ability to compact while still allowing water to drain.
A sustainable, cost-effective alternative that performs well as a base stone.
A blend of stone dust and crushed stone, ideal for creating a tight, durable sub-base.
Used as a top dressing for finished driveways, especially for aesthetic appeal or smoother traction.
Invest some time to plan the size, shape, and arrangement of your driveway prior to determining stone quantities or scheduling deliveries to help save you time and money.
Measure your driveway's length and width using a measuring wheel or tape measure. If your design is not a perfect rectangle, take each in sections and apart from the others. Round up to the nearest foot to give you more than enough material.
Most driveways require:
Total depth will vary depending on your soil, usage, and budget — but underbuilding the base is a mistake you don’t want to make.
Once your dimensions and desired depth are locked in, it’s time to run the numbers. A bit of simple math will keep your project on track and prevent underordering.
To get your stone volume in cubic yards, use this formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in ÷ 12) = cubic feet, then ÷ 27 = cubic yards.
Most driveway stone weighs around 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Multiply your cubic yards by 1.4 to estimate total tons needed. Your local supplier can help fine-tune this based on the material you choose.
Here are some rough estimates using a 6" base of 3/4" crushed stone:
Installing a stone driveway is not just dumping rocks and raking them level. Your prep work and layering quality will dictate how well your driveway will endure.
You will first want to take out grass, topsoil, and any leftover debris. Afterward, grade the area for water drainage and preventing pool areas. A slight crown in the middle or slight fall to the sides helps with water drainage. Compact the sub-base soil before placing stone.
Spread your base material in 3" layers and compact each thoroughly using a plate compactor or roller. If you’re using a top layer, add it after the base is fully compacted, and spread evenly to a depth of 1–2 inches. Compact again to lock everything in.
Even with precise math, real-world conditions mean you’ll likely use more stone than the raw calculations suggest.
Stone settles under traffic and compaction, and some material will get lost during spreading. We recommend ordering 10% extra to account for settling, irregular terrain, or touch-ups later.
Driveway projects fail when people try to save money in the wrong places or skip key steps.
Avoid pea gravel or round stone—it doesn’t lock together and shifts easily. Skipping compaction leads to an uneven surface and early ruts. Always use angular crushed stone and compact in layers for a solid, stable base.
Your driveway is one of the hardest-working parts of your property. With proper planning, quality stone, and a bit of sweat, you can build a driveway that holds up for decades. If you're ready to start your project, contact Landscape Barn today — we’ll help you choose the right stone and get it delivered to your door, fast and hassle-free.
Take the guesswork out of your next project! Use our Project Calculator to quickly estimate the materials you need for your landscaping plans. Get started here with our Project Calculator.
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rEAD MOREWe’re here to help you bring your outdoor vision to life—reach out with any questions or to start your next project.
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