Free Gravel & Aggregate Estimator – Tonnes, Bulk Bags & Cost. Updated 2026 Prices.
Enter your area dimensions and required depth below to calculate exactly how many tonnes, bulk bags, or 25kg bags of gravel or aggregate you need for your project. Results include a 10% wastage allowance and 2026 UK price estimates for popular gravel types.
Calculating the correct quantity of gravel, shingle, or aggregate for a UK garden, driveway, or landscaping project is straightforward once you understand the key variables: the area to be covered, the depth of the layer required, and the bulk density of the particular gravel type you are using. Gravel is sold in the UK by weight (tonnes) rather than volume — but it is easier to calculate the volume you need first (area × depth), then convert to weight using the bulk density of your chosen material. The gravel calculator above does this automatically.
The most important decision after calculating the quantity is choosing the right gravel type and the correct layer depth for your application. A decorative garden border needs only 50mm of gravel to suppress weeds and look attractive; a gravel driveway needs a minimum of 75mm of surface gravel over a compacted sub-base to function properly and resist wheel-rutting; a drainage layer or French drain needs 150–200mm of clean single-size aggregate to provide adequate permeability. Getting the depth wrong — particularly under-specifying on a driveway — is the most common cause of gravel project failures in the UK.
In 2026, gravel and aggregate prices in the UK range from approximately £30–£45 per tonne for basic MOT Type 1 crushed limestone (loose tipped delivery), up to £80–£150+ per tonne for premium decorative gravels such as Cotswold stone, slate chippings, and marble chippings. Pea gravel and general garden shingle typically costs £45–£75 per tonne. Bulk bags (approximately 850kg) are typically priced at £60–£180 per bag depending on gravel type, while 25kg bags from builders merchants or garden centres cost £4–£15 per bag — significantly more expensive per tonne than bulk bags or loose delivery for larger projects.
Using the correct depth of gravel is as important as choosing the right type. Too shallow and the gravel fails to suppress weeds, migrates too easily, or (on driveways) allows vehicles to create ruts in the sub-base below. The standard recommended depths for common UK gravel applications in 2026 are:
Gravel and aggregate resources UK 2026: Checkatrade – Find a Landscaper | Planning Portal – Driveway Guidance | TrustATrader | GOV.UK Building Regulations
A gravel driveway remains one of the most popular and cost-effective driveway options for UK homeowners in 2026, offering good drainage, low installation cost, easy maintenance, and a natural appearance. However, a poorly constructed gravel driveway — with insufficient sub-base preparation or too shallow a gravel layer — quickly becomes rutted, weedy, and unsightly. The key to a successful gravel driveway in 2026 is a properly prepared foundation:
A properly constructed gravel driveway to this specification can last 15–25+ years before requiring significant remedial work, beyond periodic top-ups of surface gravel (typically every 3–5 years) and occasional raking and levelling.
The table below shows how many tonnes and bulk bags of gravel are needed per m² at standard depths, and the approximate coverage per tonne at those depths. Use this as a quick reference alongside the gravel calculator above.
| Depth | Volume per m² | Tonnes per m² (pea gravel / shingle – 1,500 kg/m³) | Tonnes per m² (golden gravel / chippings – 1,700 kg/m³) | Coverage per tonne (m²) at this depth | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25mm | 0.025 m³/m² | 0.038 t/m² | 0.043 t/m² | 26–40 m²/tonne | Light top-up / decorative only |
| 40mm | 0.040 m³/m² | 0.060 t/m² | 0.068 t/m² | 15–17 m²/tonne | Light garden border top-up |
| 50mm | 0.050 m³/m² | 0.075 t/m² | 0.085 t/m² | 12–13 m²/tonne | Standard garden path / border |
| 75mm | 0.075 m³/m² | 0.113 t/m² | 0.128 t/m² | 8–9 m²/tonne | Driveway surface / deep path |
| 100mm | 0.100 m³/m² | 0.150 t/m² | 0.170 t/m² | 6–7 m²/tonne | Heavy driveway / drainage layer |
| 150mm | 0.150 m³/m² | 0.225 t/m² | 0.255 t/m² | 4–4.5 m²/tonne | Deep drainage / French drain / sub-base |
| 200mm | 0.200 m³/m² | 0.300 t/m² | 0.340 t/m² | 3–3.3 m²/tonne | Deep sub-base / fill layer |
| Gravel Type | Bulk Density (kg/m³) | Price per Tonne (loose, delivered) | Price per Bulk Bag (~850kg) | Price per 25kg Bag | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOT Type 1 Crushed Limestone | ~2,100 | £30–£45 | £55–£80 | £4–£7 | Sub-base for driveways, paths, patios |
| Pea Gravel / Pea Shingle (6–10mm) | ~1,500 | £45–£75 | £65–£110 | £5–£9 | Paths, borders, decorative garden |
| Golden Gravel / Cotswold Stone (10–20mm) | ~1,700 | £55–£90 | £75–£130 | £6–£10 | Driveways, paths, garden borders – most popular |
| Slate Chippings (20mm blue/grey) | ~1,400 | £60–£100 | £80–£140 | £7–£12 | Contemporary garden designs, borders |
| Granite Chippings (20mm grey) | ~1,650 | £55–£85 | £75–£120 | £6–£11 | Paths, borders, drainage aggregate |
| Limestone Chippings (20mm cream) | ~1,600 | £50–£80 | £70–£115 | £6–£10 | Formal gardens, borders, drainage |
| Flint Gravel / Thames Shingle (20mm) | ~1,550 | £45–£70 | £65–£100 | £5–£9 | Traditional English garden, paths, borders |
| Recycled Aggregate (crushed concrete) | ~1,350 | £18–£35 | £30–£55 | £3–£6 | Sub-base, fill, temporary access roads |
| Ballast / All-in Aggregate | ~1,750 | £28–£45 | £45–£70 | £4–£7 | Concrete making, general fill |
| Decorative White / Marble Chippings | ~1,600 | £90–£180 | £110–£200 | £8–£18 | Premium decorative borders, feature areas |
All prices are indicative 2026 South East England estimates, supply only. Loose tipped delivery prices include delivery within approximately 20 miles of the supplier's yard; additional haulage charges apply for longer distances. Deduct approximately 8–15% for North England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Add approximately 10–20% for Greater London. Always obtain at least two quotes from local aggregate suppliers before ordering.
The following additional costs are commonly encountered on UK gravel driveway, path, and garden projects in 2026 and should be budgeted for in addition to the gravel material cost.
| Item | Typical Cost Range (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel delivery (loose tipped, within 20 miles) | £40–£100 per load | Often included in tonne price from local suppliers; confirm when quoting |
| Bulk bag delivery (per pallet / per bag) | £30–£80 per delivery | Bags can be placed precisely; useful where vehicle access is limited |
| Geotextile weed membrane (per m²) | £0.80–£2.50/m² | Heavy-duty woven geotextile (100gsm minimum); essential under driveways, recommended for paths and borders |
| Steel or aluminium driveway edging (per metre) | £6–£18/m | Flexible metal edging to contain gravel and prevent spread; essential for driveways and paths |
| Timber edging / sleeper edging (per metre) | £8–£25/m | Treated softwood or hardwood railway sleeper edging; popular for rustic and country garden styles |
| Plastic border / patio edging (per metre) | £2–£6/m | Economy option for garden borders; less durable than steel or timber edging |
| MOT Type 1 sub-base for driveway (per tonne) | £30–£45/tonne delivered | 100–150mm compacted layer essential under all vehicle-trafficked gravel surfaces |
| Excavation / ground clearance (per m²) | £8–£20/m² | Removing existing vegetation, topsoil, and soft material; spoil removal charged separately |
| Spoil removal / skip hire | £180–£380 per skip (6–8 yard) | For excavated material; mini digger recommended for larger areas |
| Mini digger hire (per day) | £200–£400/day | 1.5–3 tonne machine; for driveway excavation and sub-base laying |
| Plate compactor / wacker plate hire (per day) | £40–£70/day | Essential for compacting MOT sub-base to achieve a stable driveway foundation |
| Gravel grid / cell confinement system (per m²) | £5–£15/m² | Plastic honeycomb cells filled with gravel; prevents migration and rutting; popular for driveways |
| Labour – driveway installation (per m²) | £15–£35/m² | Excavation, sub-base, membrane, edging, and gravel laying; excludes material costs |
| Planning permission (if required) | £258–£528 (England application fee) | Front garden driveways over 5 m² using non-permeable surfacing require planning permission; gravel is permeable so usually exempt |
At the standard 50mm depth for garden paths and borders, you need approximately 0.075–0.085 tonnes per m² (75–85 kg/m²) for most common UK gravels. At 75mm (recommended for driveways), you need approximately 0.113–0.128 tonnes per m². One tonne of gravel covers approximately 8–13 m² depending on depth and gravel type.
Bulk bags (approximately 850kg each) are ideal for projects requiring 1–5 tonnes and where precise placement matters or vehicle access is limited. Loose tipped delivery is more economical for orders above 3–5 tonnes. For very small projects (under 500kg), 25kg bags from a builders merchant are most practical, though significantly more expensive per tonne.
In England, paving over a front garden with a permeable surface (including gravel) does not require planning permission, regardless of the area. Paving with an impermeable surface (concrete, tarmac, some block paving) over 5 m² in a front garden does require permission. Gravel is inherently permeable, making it a planning-friendly driveway option. Always check with your Local Planning Authority if in doubt.
A properly constructed gravel driveway with a compacted MOT sub-base, geotextile membrane, and adequate surface depth can last 15–25 years before major remediation is needed. The surface gravel will need topping up every 3–5 years as some material migrates or is displaced. Raking periodically to redistribute displaced gravel and remove weeds significantly extends the time between top-ups.
A gravel driveway typically costs £15–£35/m² installed versus £60–£120/m² for block paving. Gravel is permeable (planning-friendly), lower maintenance, and easy to top up. Block paving provides a neater, more formal appearance, is easier to sweep clean, and is less prone to vehicle ruts. For most domestic driveways where cost and drainage are priorities, gravel offers better value in 2026.
A heavy-duty woven geotextile membrane (minimum 100gsm) laid under gravel is the most effective weed control method. Avoid using polythene or non-porous membranes under gravel — they prevent drainage and cause waterlogging. Biodegradable membranes break down within 3–5 years. Woven polypropylene geotextiles are the gold standard — they suppress 95%+ of weed growth for 10–20 years.
Loose gravel produces a distinctive crunching noise underfoot, providing a natural security benefit — intruders cannot approach a gravel driveway or path silently. Studies suggest gravel driveways can deter opportunistic burglars. Pea gravel (small round stones) produces the loudest noise; larger angular chippings are slightly quieter but still provide good acoustic warning.
The weight of gravel per m³ varies significantly by type. MOT Type 1 (angular crushed rock): approximately 2,100 kg/m³. Pea gravel / shingle: approximately 1,400–1,600 kg/m³. Golden gravel / chippings: approximately 1,600–1,800 kg/m³. Slate chippings: approximately 1,300–1,500 kg/m³. Using the wrong bulk density when ordering can result in receiving significantly more or less material than needed.
Plastic gravel grids (also called geocells or cell confinement systems) are increasingly popular for UK driveways in 2026. The plastic honeycomb structure is filled with gravel and holds it in place, preventing migration and rutting under vehicle loading. They allow thinner gravel layers (40–50mm in cells vs 75–100mm loose) and can be driven on without the gravel shifting. Cost approximately £5–£15/m² for the grid system.
Some decorative gravels fade or change colour over time when exposed to weather. Slate chippings tend to grey and fade from their initial blue-purple colour. Golden gravel and limestone chippings retain their colour well. Red granite and sandstone chippings may lighten over time. Wet gravels always look darker and more vivid than dry — view samples both wet and dry before purchasing to assess the settled colour.
Always order at least 10% more gravel than your calculated quantity. This covers compaction (gravel settles 5–10% after spreading and trafficking), irregular edges and wastage, and the inevitable areas where depth is slightly greater than planned. For driveways with multiple curves and edges, a 15% allowance is recommended. It is always cheaper to order slightly more on the initial delivery than to arrange a second delivery later.
Gravel and aggregate prices vary significantly by region — largely reflecting haulage distances from quarries. In general, limestone products are cheapest in the Midlands and North (close to Derbyshire and Yorkshire quarries), while flint and shingle are cheapest in the South East (close to Thames and coastal sources). London attracts a significant premium of 15–25% due to congestion charges and inner-city delivery costs.
| Project | Planning Permission Required? | Building Regulations Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel front garden driveway (any size) | No – gravel is permeable; exempt from the 5 m² rule | No | Gravel is inherently permeable; no planning permission required regardless of area |
| Impermeable front garden paving over 5 m² | Yes – planning permission required | No | Concrete, tarmac, and some block paving without adequate drainage requires planning permission |
| Rear garden gravel path or patio | No – permitted development | No | Rear garden landscaping is generally permitted development for domestic properties |
| Gravel driveway with new vehicle crossover (dropped kerb) | No (for driveway) but Yes – highway authority permission required for dropped kerb | No | A new dropped kerb / vehicle crossover onto a public highway requires permission from the highways authority |
| Gravel in Conservation Area or Listed Building curtilage | May be required – check with LPA | No | Article 4 directions in Conservation Areas may restrict front garden works; check with LPA |
| Gravel drainage / French drain affecting highway drainage | No (usually) | No (usually) | Works affecting public sewers or highway drainage may require consent from the relevant authority |
| Gravel or aggregate path in commercial property | Depends on development – check with LPA | May be required for accessible routes | Commercial properties have different PD rights; gravel may not meet accessibility requirements under Part M |
Planning rules above apply to England only and are correct for 2026. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have different rules. Always confirm with your Local Planning Authority before undertaking significant driveway works. For new vehicle access onto a public highway, contact your local highways authority before commencing any works.
The amount of gravel needed per m² depends on the depth of the layer and the bulk density of the gravel type. At the standard 50mm depth for garden paths and borders, you need approximately 0.075–0.085 tonnes (75–85 kg) per m² for typical garden gravels (pea gravel, golden gravel, chippings). At 75mm for a driveway surface, you need approximately 0.113–0.128 tonnes (113–128 kg) per m². One tonne of average garden gravel covers approximately 8–13 m² at 50–75mm depth. Use the gravel calculator above to calculate the exact quantity for your dimensions and chosen gravel type.
To calculate the tonnes of gravel for a driveway, you need to know the area and the layer depth. For a typical single car driveway (approximately 3m × 6m = 18 m²) with a 75mm gravel surface layer, you need approximately 2.0–2.3 tonnes of surface gravel, plus approximately 5–6 tonnes of MOT Type 1 sub-base (at 150mm compacted depth) underneath. A double driveway (approximately 5m × 6m = 30 m²) would need approximately 3.4–3.8 tonnes of surface gravel and 8–9 tonnes of sub-base. Always add a 10% wastage allowance. Use the calculator above to get exact figures for your driveway dimensions.
The most popular gravel for UK driveways in 2026 is golden gravel / Cotswold stone (10–20mm) — its angular particles interlock to resist vehicle displacement, its warm golden colour suits a wide range of property styles, and it provides excellent drainage. For a more contemporary look, slate chippings (20mm) offer a striking blue-grey appearance that suits modern homes. Pea gravel, while attractive, is generally less suitable for driveways as its round particles roll underfoot and are easily displaced by tyres. For all driveways, a 75–100mm layer of surface gravel over a properly compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base with a geotextile membrane is the correct specification.
The surface gravel layer on a driveway should be a minimum of 75mm deep, and ideally 100mm for areas subject to regular vehicle use. Below this minimum, vehicles create ruts that expose the sub-base, and the gravel is insufficient to prevent weed growth through the membrane. The total construction depth of a properly specified gravel driveway is typically 250–300mm below finished surface level: 150mm compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base + geotextile membrane + 75–100mm surface gravel. On weak or poorly drained ground, a deeper sub-base of 200mm is recommended.
Gravel prices in the UK in 2026 vary significantly by type, quantity, and region. As a guide: MOT Type 1 sub-base material costs approximately £30–£45/tonne loose delivered. Pea gravel and basic garden shingle costs approximately £45–£75/tonne loose or £65–£110 per bulk bag. Golden gravel / Cotswold stone costs approximately £55–£90/tonne or £75–£130 per bulk bag. Slate chippings cost approximately £60–£100/tonne. Premium decorative gravels (white marble, pink quartz) can cost £90–£180/tonne. These prices are for South East England; deduct 10–15% for North England and Scotland, add 15–20% for London.
A standard UK bulk bag (also called a jumbo bag or tonne bag) contains approximately 850kg of gravel (though some suppliers' bags are 800kg or 1,000kg — always check). To calculate the number of bulk bags needed: calculate your total weight requirement in kg using the gravel calculator above, then divide by your supplier's bag weight. As a rule of thumb, one standard 850kg bulk bag of garden gravel covers approximately 7–10 m² at 50mm depth or 5–6 m² at 75mm depth. Always round up to whole bags and add a 10% wastage allowance.
In England, no planning permission is required for a gravel driveway in a front garden, regardless of the size of the area being surfaced. This is because gravel is a permeable surface — it allows rainwater to drain through to the ground below, which is what the planning rules are designed to encourage. The planning rules introduced in 2008 require planning permission for impermeable paving (concrete, tarmac, solid block paving without adequate drainage) over 5 m² in a front garden — but gravel is explicitly exempt from this requirement. However, if you need a new dropped kerb to access the driveway, you will need permission from your local highways authority separately.
In UK usage, gravel and shingle are often used interchangeably to describe loose aggregates used in gardens and driveways, but there is a technical distinction. Shingle specifically refers to naturally rounded, water-worn pebbles from river or sea sources — the smooth, rounded pebbles found on beaches or river beds. Gravel is a broader term that includes both naturally rounded materials and angular crushed stone (chippings). For practical purposes, both terms describe similar loose aggregate products available from builders merchants and landscaping suppliers in the UK, and the distinction matters less than the particle size, colour, and angularity of the specific product you are choosing.
Gravel migration is the most common complaint about gravel driveways and paths, and it is almost entirely preventable with correct installation. The key measures are: install robust edge restraints (steel, aluminium, or treated timber edging) around all boundaries of the gravel area; use angular chippings (golden gravel, slate, granite) rather than round pea gravel — angular particles interlock and resist movement; ensure the gravel layer is at least 75mm deep; consider using a plastic gravel grid system (geocells) for driveways, which physically confines the gravel and prevents it moving under vehicle loads; and avoid over-spec'ing the gravel particle size — very large stones (40mm+) are more prone to kicking than 10–20mm chippings.
Yes — a woven geotextile membrane is strongly recommended under virtually all gravel installations in the UK. The membrane serves two purposes: it suppresses weed growth from below (the primary reason for most domestic installations), and in driveways it acts as a separator between the sub-base and the surface gravel, preventing the finer sub-base material from mixing upwards into the gravel layer (which eventually reduces drainage and causes the surface to sink). Use a heavy-duty woven polypropylene geotextile of at least 100gsm for driveways and 70gsm for paths and borders. Avoid thin non-woven garden fleece — it deteriorates quickly and provides minimal weed suppression.
Yes — laying gravel on top of an existing hard surface is possible and sometimes practical as a temporary or low-budget solution. However, it is generally not recommended for long-term use for several reasons: the existing hard surface may be uneven, preventing the gravel from distributing evenly; drainage may be poor if the existing surface is impermeable; and the gravel will migrate more easily without a sub-base to bind to. A geotextile membrane should still be laid between the existing surface and the gravel to prevent migration. For a permanent installation, it is always better to remove the existing surface and construct the gravel area correctly from scratch with a compacted sub-base.
Maintaining a gravel driveway is straightforward and low-cost compared with paving or tarmac. Key maintenance tasks include: raking periodically (every few months) to redistribute displaced gravel and restore an even surface; removing weeds manually or with a suitable weedkiller (contact weedkillers are effective and do not affect gravel or membrane); topping up the gravel layer every 3–5 years as material is displaced or lost — typically 0.5–1 tonne per 20 m² is sufficient for a top-up; and clearing leaves and debris promptly to prevent a damp layer forming that encourages weed growth and moss. Avoid using a pressure washer on gravel — it blows the stones around and can damage the membrane below.
Additional gravel and driveway resources UK 2026: Checkatrade – Find a Landscaper or Driveway Contractor | Planning Portal – Driveway & Hardstanding Guidance | TrustATrader | GOV.UK Building Regulations