How to Buy Driveway Gravel

Gravel is an inexpensive way to make your driveway appear more attractive. Gravel can also repel water and prevent puddles from forming in your driveway during the rainy months. There are a couple of ways to buy driveway gravel.

Determine how much gravel you need to buy. Gravel is sold in square yards. Use a tape measure to measure your driveway.

Decide what kind of gravel you want to buy. Crushed gravel driveways are the least expensive and reduce frost heaves in cold climates, but it's also difficult to remove snow and ruts easily. Stone gravel driveways are more elegant and water drains through them like a sieve but it costs more.

Contact a driveway gravel dealer in your area. Many of them have different types of gravel on special if they have a surplus. Inquire about their delivery charge or arrange to pick it up yourself with a truck.

Arrange for delivery of your gravel. Determine when you are going to want them to arrive and where they are to unload it. It will be dumped in one pile in your driveway.

Check on craiglist.com for free gravel. Many people who are re-landscaping advertise their gravel for free if you pick it up and load it yourself. Bring two shovels, a friend and a truck.

Hire a contractor to deliver, unload and spread your driveway gravel if you don't want to do it yourself. It costs a lot more because you're paying for labor but it can be completed in a timely manner without your participation. Visit yellowpages.com and type "gravel" in the search engine to locate gravel dealers in your local area.