1.5″ Gravel
1.5″ nominal gravel
Large, angular 1.5″ gravel for drainage, landscape rock, utility work, and projects that call for a more substantial aggregate than standard 3/4″ gravel.
Where it shines
- ✓French drains, curtain drains, and foundation drainage
- ✓Utility trench drainage and pipe surround when the plans allow
- ✓Retaining-wall drainage zones and drainage swales
- ✓Landscape beds, property edges, and dry creek beds
- ✓Heavy-duty site areas that need a larger, free-draining stone
Not the right choice for
- ✕Compacted driveways, pads, or structural base
- ✕Paver bedding, concrete mix, or fine grading
- ✕Smooth walking surfaces or areas where smaller gravel is preferred
What is 1.5″ gravel?
1.5″ gravel is large, angular crushed stone—roughly twice the top size of standard 3/4″ gravel. Because the pieces are too large to lock together like road base, the material stays open and lets water move through it.
That makes it a strong choice where drainage and a larger finished stone matter more than compaction. The photo above shows a recent Alpine delivery and gives a good sense of the material’s scale on a real property.
Where 1.5″ gravel shines
1.5″ gravel is commonly used around French drains, footing drains, curtain drains, drainage swales, retaining walls, and utility work. The larger stone leaves room for water to move through the layer instead of trapping it like a compacted base.
It also works well as landscape rock in larger beds, along property edges, and in dry creek beds where smaller gravel would look too fine. For heavy-duty site work, it can provide a durable, free-draining surface where the project calls for larger stone.
Where it is the wrong choice
Don’t use 1.5″ gravel where the job needs a tight, compacted surface. Driveways, parking pads, shed foundations, and paver bases usually start with 3/4″ road base, which includes fines that compact into a firm layer.
It is also too large for paver bedding, concrete mixes, fine grading, and most smooth walking surfaces. If you are working from plans or an engineer’s specification, send the material designation with the quote request so we can match the load to the job.
Ordering tips
- Think in layers. Tell us the coverage area and planned depth so we can help convert the job into tons or yards.
- Plan the placement. Large gravel is difficult to move by hand after it is dumped, so decide where the truck needs to place the load before delivery.
- Keep drainage paths clear. Do not bury drain outlets or place stone where it will direct water toward a structure.
- Tell us about access. Gates, slopes, soft ground, overhead lines, and staging space all affect the truck and placement plan.
Use the calculator for a starting quantity, then request a quote so the material and trucking plan can be matched to the actual job.
Coverage
One ton of 1.5″ gravel covers roughly 100 sq ft at 2″ depth. Use the calculator for a starting quantity, then send the project dimensions and delivery details for a custom quote.
Material Calculator — 1.5″ Gravel
Estimate only — add 10–20% for compaction loss on structural material. Ask us for a firm quote before ordering.
Request a Quote for 3.5 Tons →Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1.5″ gravel used for?+
1.5″ gravel is commonly used for drainage, utility work, landscape rock, dry creek beds, retaining-wall drainage, and other projects that need a larger aggregate than standard 3/4″ gravel.
Does 1.5″ gravel work for drainage?+
Yes. The open spaces between the larger stones let water move through the layer, which is why this type of gravel is commonly used around drains, utility work, and drainage features.
Is 1.5″ gravel the same as road base?+
No. Road base includes fines so it can compact into a firm layer. 1.5″ gravel is larger and more open, so it is better suited to drainage and finish applications than a compacted base.
Can Ironside deliver 1.5″ gravel to Alpine?+
Yes. Ironside has delivered 1.5″ gravel in Alpine. Send the quantity, jobsite address, access details, placement plan, and delivery schedule for a project-specific quote.
Get a quote for 1.5″ Gravel
Tell us the material and the project — we'll get back to you fast with pricing and delivery.