Thinking of having a new driveway, garden path, drainage bed or embarking on a bigger landscaping or construction project in Perth? One of the first questions you'll have will be; how much is gravel? Truthfully the answer can be quite complicated as there are many variables; gravel type, quantity required, delivery and your location in Perth. Here are the facts.
Average Gravel Prices in Perth
We can say roughly the range for all types of gravel in Perth would be $40 - $120 per tonne. However, the common crushed rock or road base is at the lower end of this spectrum, while on the other side the decorative or niche gravels like coloured pebbles, exposed aggregate or washed screenings are at the higher end. Smaller residential works are generally sold by the cubic metre, with a rate of around $50 - $150 per cube before delivery.
These numbers are purely a guideline. Quarry prices, fuel surcharges and demand all fluctuate throughout the year so it is always advisable to get an up-to-date quote from a local supplier before finalising your budget.
What Affects the Cost of Gravel in Perth?
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Type of Gravel
Different types of gravel vary in price. Crushed limestone and road base are relatively cheap and are widely used for driveways or as a sub-base. Blue metal, granite chips and scoria are slightly more costly as they require additional processing and are sourced from farther away. Gravel with decorative purposes in mind, for example river pebbles or coloured aggregates, are the most expensive.
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Quantity Required
As with most bulk products, the more you purchase, the cheaper the cost per tonne. A small bag or trailer load from your local landscape supplies yard will be more expensive per unit than a full lorry load delivered on-site, if you're unsure of the quantities needed, measuring out the surface area (length x width x depth) and telling the suppliers how many tons you'd like will help you get the right order.
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Delivery Distance and Access
Perth is a large metro area, and some jobs may be more expensive to deliver if the gravel has to be taken a long way from the quarry or supply yard. This can be the case if the site is in an outer suburban area, semi rural, or difficult to get truck access to. This can include narrow driveways, steep slopes or power lines overhead etc.
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Site Preparation and Additional Services
Consider labour as well as material costs if you require the gravel to be spread, compacted or laid over a prepared surface. Many transport and earthmoving firms now offer combined delivery and spreading services which may be cheaper than ordering the material and labour separately.
Gravel Delivery Methods: Bulk vs Bagged
When doing minor garden repairs, bagged gravel purchased from a local hardware store will be handily available, though very costly per tonne. If you are doing more than a few square metres; such as a driveway, large garden beds or business grounds, large quantities purchased by way of a tipper truck delivery is significantly cheaper. Choose a dependable delivery service that will tip the material precisely where you require it to be, which will minimize both your strenuous labor and precious time.
Common Uses for Gravel in Perth Properties
- Driveways & parking areas - crushed limestone or road base as a hard wearing, well-drained surface.
- Paths and edging in the garden - decorative stones and top screenings to finish the job.
- Drainage solutions - cleaned aggregate for soakwells, French drains and under-ground drainage.
- Under-slab/sub-base - road base compacted for construction projects.
- Erosion control / landscaping- large rock and rubble for retaining and ground stabilising.
Tips to Get the Best Gravel Price in Perth
- Order in larger quantities, if feasible, to get a reduced rate per tonne.
- Get quotes from a handful of local vendors for comparison. Prices can swing all over the metro.
- Inquire about packaging together and spreading services in order to avoid paying two separate labour charges.
- Agree access requirements in advance to prevent delays and additional charges on the day.
- Calculate the right amount in advance to make sure you don't end up buying 30 yards of fabric only to find you have 10 yards remaining after the last stitch.
Why Choose a Local Perth Transport Provider?
Partnering with a reliable local transport and earthmoving business guarantees your gravel is recced, baled and delivered on the pick up to be tipped in the spot where you want it. A reputable provider who is familiar with the Perth suburbs, quarry network and road limitations will also be able to advise you on which type of gravel suits your soil and purpose.
At Formula Transport we offer dependable gravel and bulk material deliveries throughout the Perth area with years of local experience and a complete range of equipment that can cover any project from one trailer load to a complete truck load for larger projects.
Final Thoughts
With regards to the best gravel prices in Perth there is a range that can be expected of anything from $40-$150 per tonne or cubic metre. Price will vary depending on the quality of gravel required, quantity and delivery location and it is best to obtain a free quote from a reputable local supplier.
If you're starting a project requiring delivery of the correct type of gravel for your site and location, call Formula Transport for a quote. We deliver anywhere in Perth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tonne of gravel cost in Perth?
The cost of 1 tonne of gravel in Perth usually varies from $40.00 to $120.00. It all depends on the type and quality of gravel you require. It is as relatively cheap as $40.00 for normal gravel, though decorative or specialty gravels are relatively more expensive.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel in bulk?
Yes, buying a large quantity of gravel is generally cheaper than individual smaller bags. A bag of gravel from a hardware store will be far more expensive than a whole tipper truckload.
Does delivery affect the total cost of gravel?
Yep, delivery distance and site access both play a part. Extra delivery or handling charges are added for sites in the outer suburbs or semi-rural sites or those with difficult truck access.
What type of gravel is cheapest for a driveway?
Crushed limestone and road base are the cheapest of all the driveway choices in Perth. They are both very strong and drain well and are cheaper than decorative pebbles or blue metal.
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Measure the area's length, width, and depth you wish to cover and convert to cubic metres or Tonnes (Most suppliers, such as Formula Transport, will do this for you).
Can gravel delivery include spreading and compaction?
Various Perth transport and earthmoving companies run combined delivery and spreading packages. This is generally cheaper than sourcing materials and labour from different sources.
