Earthmoving
Gravel Driveways and Rock Installation in Northeast Kansas
New gravel driveways, resurfacing, crowning, and rock for lanes and pads. Try our gravel calculator.
Gravel driveways and rock installation is what keeps a rural lane passable through a Kansas spring. A good gravel drive is built on a shaped base with a crown that sheds water, a layer of base rock that locks together, and a top of smaller rock that packs into a smooth driving surface. A bad one is a flat layer of rock on raw ground that turns into ruts and mud the first wet week.
Building a new gravel drive starts with the base. We cut and shape the subgrade, crown it so water runs to the sides, and set the ditches so the water has somewhere to go. Then we lay a base of larger rock — usually a clean crushed limestone — that locks together under the weight of a truck. On top of that goes a surface course of smaller rock that packs into a firm, smooth top. The crown stays the whole way through so water never runs down the middle.
Resurfacing an existing drive is different from building new. If the base is still good and the drive just needs a lift, we grade the existing rock, re-crown it, and lay a new surface course on top. If the base has failed — ruts down to mud, rock pushed off the edges, the drive holding water — we have to cut it out and rebuild from the subgrade up. We look at what's there before we quote either one.
The rock matters as much as the shape. We use clean crushed limestone that locks together; round river rock stays loose and rolls under a tire, so we don't use it for a driving surface. Base rock is bigger and sits under the surface, surface rock is smaller and packs on top. The depth of each layer depends on the ground and the traffic — a drive for a car is different from a lane for a loaded semi or a feed truck.
What runs up the cost is the length, the width, the depth of rock you need, how much base work the drive needs, and how far the rock has to be hauled. Rock is sold by the ton and hauled by the truckload, so a long drive far from the quarry adds up fast. We tell you how many tons it takes and where the cost sits. Try our gravel driveway calculator on this page for a rough idea of the volume before you call.
A gravel drive isn't a one-and-done surface. It needs a refresh every few years — a re-grade and a new surface course to bring the crown back and fill the ruts. We can set the drive up right the first time and come back to maintain it. Tell us the length and the width and whether it's new or a resurface, and we'll give you a straight answer on what it takes.
What affects the cost
We don't quote a number without seeing the ground. These are the things that change what a job takes — call us and we'll give you a real answer for your place.
- Length and width of the drive
- Whether it's a new build or a resurface of an existing drive
- Depth of base rock and surface rock required
- Condition of the existing base on a resurface
- How far the rock has to be hauled from the quarry
What to have ready before you call
- The length and width of the drive (try the calculator on this page)
- Whether it's a new drive or a resurface of an existing one
- The ground it sits on — soft, rocky, wet, or firm
- What kind of traffic uses it — cars, trucks, or heavy loads
- Whether ditches and drainage are already in place
What happens on the day
For a new drive we cut and shape the subgrade, crown it, and set the ditches. We lay the base rock and spread it to depth, then the surface rock on top, and crown the whole drive so water sheds to the sides. For a resurface we grade the existing rock, re-shape the crown, and lay a new surface course. We compact the surface and clean up the edges. You can drive on it right away.
Gravel driveway calculator
Get a rough idea of how much rock your drive takes before you call.
Gravel driveway calculator
Enter your driveway's length, width, and the depth of rock you want. The answer shows right away — no name, phone, or email needed.
Enter your driveway size above to see the cubic yards and tons of rock you'll need.
Base rock vs. surface rock
Base rock is larger crushed limestone that locks together and carries the load. Surface rock is smaller and packs into a smooth top you drive on. A new driveway needs both — the calculator gives the total volume for a full-depth fill.
Why a driveway needs a crown
A crown is a slight rise down the center so water runs off both sides into the ditches. Without it, water runs down the middle and cuts ruts. The crown is built into the shape when the drive is graded — the rock volume stays the same.
Why it's an estimate
The real tonnage changes with how compacted the base is, how much the rock settles, the exact width on the ground, and whether the drive is built up or cut in. Use this to get a rough idea — then call us for a real number.
Common driveway sizes and tonnage
A quick reference for typical gravel driveway sizes in Northeast Kansas and the approximate tons of rock each takes.
| Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Depth (in) | Type | Approx. tons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 10 | 6 | New driveway | ≈ 23 tons |
| 200 | 10 | 6 | New driveway | ≈ 46 tons |
| 300 | 12 | 6 | New driveway | ≈ 83 tons |
| 500 | 12 | 8 | New long lane | ≈ 184 tons |
| 100 | 10 | 3 | Resurface (2–3 in) | ≈ 12 tons |
| 200 | 10 | 3 | Resurface (2–3 in) | ≈ 23 tons |
| 300 | 12 | 3 | Resurface (2–3 in) | ≈ 41 tons |
Gravel driveway calculator questions
How is the tonnage calculated?
We convert your driveway's length, width, and depth into cubic yards, then multiply by a standard weight of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for compacted limestone. The result is an estimate — the real number changes with how compacted the base is and how the rock settles.
What's the difference between base rock and surface rock?
Base rock is larger crushed limestone that locks together and sits under the surface — it carries the load. Surface rock is smaller and packs into a smooth top you drive on. A new driveway needs both, so the calculator assumes a full-depth fill. A resurface only adds surface rock on top of an existing base.
Why does my driveway need a crown?
A crown is a slight rise down the center of the drive so water runs off both sides into the ditches. Without it, water runs down the middle and cuts ruts. The calculator gives you the rock volume; the crown is built into the shape when the drive is graded.
Is the calculator's number exact?
No — it's an estimate. The real tonnage changes with how compacted the base is, how much the rock settles, the exact width on the ground, and whether the drive is built up or cut in. Use it to get a rough idea, then call us for a real number based on your actual drive.
Should I order extra rock?
Most driveways benefit from a little extra — rock compacts and settles, and you'll want material to bring the crown back over time. Ordering a bit over the estimate is normal. We'll tell you the right amount when we look at the drive.
Gravel Driveways and Rock Installation — questions
The things folks ask us about gravel driveways and rock installation in Northeast Kansas.
Related services
Where we work
Based in Mayetta, Kansas, we travel to the customer across eight counties in Northeast Kansas. This map is centered on our service area — pan and zoom to see how far your property is from us. We come to you.
Get a Straight Answer on Your Job
Tell us what you need done and where. We'll call you back with a real answer.