If you’re planning a gravel driveway in the North East, you’ve already got one thing right: the type of driveway you’re laying.
Why? Because gravel is one of the most cost-effective, low-maintenance surfaces available, and when it’s laid correctly (and with the right materials), it looks great and lasts for years.
The thing to nail here is knowing what you actually need before you order, so you’re not caught short on site or overspending on bags you ultimately don’t need.
Whether you’re doing the groundwork yourself or just want to understand what your contractor should be ordering, this guide covers everything, from bulk bag pricing and coverage rates to sub-base requirements.
20mm Gravel Bulk Bag Pricing
In the North East, the price of a bulk bag of 20mm decorative gravel is typically around £180 to £250. Golden gravel and pea gravel sit at the lower end. Going for white chippings costs a little bit more.
Joseph Parr Middlesbrough stock bulk bags that are competitively priced, and we offer both local collection and fast delivery throughout the North East, covering Teeside, Tyneside, Wearside, and Durham. We keep popular aggregates stocked up.
Coverage and Pricing Table
Gauging the best aggregate can depend on various factors; namely these are appearance, cost, and aesthetics:
| Gravel Type | Coverage per Bulk Bag | Average Cost | Best For |
| 20mm Golden Gravel | 14 to 16m² at 50mm depth | £185 to £215 | Decorative driveways and paths |
| 22mm White Spar | 14 to 16m² at 50mm depth | £210 to £245 | High contrast feature driveways |
| 20mm Grey Slate Chips | 13 to 15m² at 50mm depth | £195 to £230 | Contemporary and modern driveways |
| 10mm Pea Gravel | 16 to 18m² at 40mm depth | £165 to £195 | Paths, borders, drainage areas |
| Crusher Run (Sub-base) | 10 to 12m² at 100mm depth | £120 to £145 | Driveway foundation layer |
How Many Bags for a 30m² Driveway?
For a standard 30m² driveway where 20mm gravel is being deployed at 50mm depth, go for two or three bulk bags of decorative gravel for a surface layer.
However, the job isn’t complete here.
Sub-Base Requirements and the Necessity of Crusher Run
A gravel driveway without a proper sub-base will sink, shift, and look run down within just a season or two. For those working with a 30m² driveway, you’ll need a 100mm compacted layer of crusher run beneath the decorative gravel.
At 100mm depth, crusher run covers roughly 10 to 12m² per bulk bag, which means you’ll need three bulk bags of crusher run for a 30m² driveway.
We stock crusher run (also known as MOT Type 1), so you can order surface gravel and sub-base materials together without having to source everything you need from multiple suppliers.
Typical Cost for a 30m² Driveway
Materials estimate (supply only):
3 x bulk bags crusher run at £135 per bag = £405
3 x bulk bags 20mm decorative gravel at £200 per bag = £600
- Total estimated material cost = between £1005 and £1100.
Why Cheaper Gravel Can Cost You More
There are two problems with going with the cheapest gravel option.
Inconsistent grading: Low quality 20mm gravel frequently contains fines; dust and small particles that compact into the stone and prevent proper drainage. In turn, this causes the water to pool and a surface that locks up like tarmac over time.
Colour fade and contamination: Cheap important stone often discolours within 12 to 18 months, particularly white or light-coloured aggregates that are porous or dye-treated rather than naturally white.
Buying from a North East supplier with a reputation for quality ensures you get exactly what’s on the label, which is graded properly.
Source Decorative Gravel Online
For driveway projects across Middlesbrough, Newcastle, and the North East, we offer:
Competitive bulk bag pricing
Reliable Stock
Local knowledge on what to choose based on North East Ground conditions
Order online or contact us to find out more about decorative gravel in the North East.