What does crushed gravel base cost per cubic yard in Ottawa?

Crushed gravel base materials in Ottawa typically cost $25 to $40 per cubic yard delivered, depending on the specific aggregate type and delivery distance.

The most common base materials for Ottawa driveways are Granular A (25mm to 0mm crushed stone) at $30 to $40 per cubic yard delivered, and Granular B (100mm to 0mm coarser crushed rock) at $25 to $35 per cubic yard delivered. These prices reflect 2024-2025 Ottawa market rates and include delivery within the city limits — expect an additional $50 to $100 delivery charge for rural areas like Kemptville, Arnprior, or Carleton Place.

Why Ottawa needs more base material than southern Ontario: Ottawa's frost line extends 1.2 to 1.5 metres deep, significantly deeper than Toronto's 1.0 metre frost line. This means Ottawa driveways require substantially more granular base to prevent frost heaving. A typical Ottawa driveway needs a minimum 300mm (12 inches) of compacted Granular B sub-base plus 150mm (6 inches) of compacted Granular A base — that's 450mm total compared to 300mm that might suffice in milder climates.

For a standard Ottawa driveway of 50 square metres (about 540 square feet), you'll need approximately 7 to 8 cubic yards of Granular B and 3 to 4 cubic yards of Granular A, totaling $400 to $600 in base materials alone. On Ottawa's prevalent clay soils — common in Barrhaven, Orleans, Gloucester, and Riverside South — you may need geotextile fabric at an additional $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot to prevent clay migration into the base layer.

Seasonal pricing considerations: Aggregate prices tend to be lowest in late fall and winter when demand drops, but delivery can be challenging during snow season. Spring pricing (April to May) reflects peak demand as the paving season begins. Many Ottawa contractors purchase base materials in bulk during off-season to control costs.

When to hire a professional: While homeowners can purchase granular materials directly from Ottawa-area aggregate suppliers, proper base installation requires excavation to the correct depth, placement in compacted lifts using a plate compactor or vibratory roller, and precise grading for drainage. Inadequate base preparation is the leading cause of premature driveway failure in Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate — a driveway with insufficient base depth will heave and crack within 2 to 3 winters, requiring expensive tear-out and replacement.

Need help finding a driveway contractor for proper base installation? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local paving professionals who understand Ottawa's specific base requirements and frost depth considerations.