Drainage Gravel Suppliers

There are several benefits of using gravel for your drainage. Aside from keeping the water away from your home or building foundation, the use of gravel adds an aesthetic value to your driveway, pathway or yard. Gravel can also be used to direct any water towards ditches since gravel does not compact or degrade with time. Gravel is designed to remain firm and stable without maintenance.

It is always recommended to ask the advice of experts and professionals before you decide to buy drainage gravel. Drainage gravel comes in different shapes and sizes which can affect the stability and effectiveness of your project. For example, areas that regularly experience a heavy flow of water should use large drainage gravel.

The idea here is to prevent the drainage gravel from being compacted to keep the debris on the top layer. This will allow the water to drain and flow through the spaces between the gravel.

You can check iseekplant’s list of available drainage gravel suppliers in your area. Look for drainage gravel for sale and choose a supplier with competitive quotes.

Drainage gravel sizes vary depending on your project. For example, french drains require gravel with sizes of 1-inch to 1-and-a-half inches. Generally, it is best to aim for a gravel size from half-an-inch to at least 1-inch for your drains. However, this may change depending on the size of the project. Larger stones are usually placed as the base and coarser sand as the top layer and filler. This sand does not clump or log, making it an ideal top layer.

Drainage gravel prices range from approximately $25 to $77. However, prices can still change depending on the size of the drain, location, gravel supplier and delivery fee.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of exceptional drainage gravel suppliers operating in all capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer drainage gravel solutions in all major towns and cities from Townsville to Toowoomba and the Gold Coast down to Newcastle, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong.

Looking at drainage gravel for sale? The easiest way to find gravel suppliers in your location is to use iseekplant’s get a quote tool. Simply tell us where and when you need drainage gravel, and we’ll get you the best quotes available! You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Drainage gravel is used to manage water flow and improve drainage in various landscaping and construction projects. It is typically placed in areas where water tends to accumulate to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion. By creating a permeable layer, drainage gravel allows water to pass through easily, reducing the risk of water damage and maintaining soil stability. Common applications include use around foundations, in French drains, and under driveways and pathways.

Adding gravel helps with drainage by creating a permeable layer that allows water to flow through it easily. This prevents water from pooling on the surface and helps to redirect it away from structures, reducing the risk of water damage and erosion. Gravel also aids in soil aeration, which can improve root growth for plants and prevent soil compaction. By facilitating better water movement, gravel enhances the overall health of landscaped areas and prevents flooding.

The best gravel for drainage is typically clean, washed gravel that is free from fines and debris. Common choices include crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock, with sizes ranging from 10mm to 40mm. Crushed stone is highly effective due to its angular shape, which creates spaces for water to flow through. Pea gravel and river rock are also popular because they are smooth and round, allowing for excellent drainage and ease of installation.

Both 10mm and 20mm gravel can be effective for drainage, but 20mm gravel is generally better for larger drainage projects. The larger size of 20mm gravel allows for greater water flow and less likelihood of clogging, making it ideal for applications such as French drains and around foundations. However, 10mm gravel can be suitable for smaller-scale drainage tasks, such as under pavers or in garden beds, where finer gravel is needed for stability and aesthetics.

Yes, digging a hole and filling it with gravel can be an effective method for improving drainage. This technique, often referred to as a dry well or soakaway, helps to collect and disperse excess water. The gravel-filled hole allows water to percolate down into the ground rather than pooling on the surface. It is essential to ensure that the hole is deep enough and filled with clean, washed gravel to maximise its drainage capabilities.

The thickness of gravel needed for effective drainage depends on the specific application. Generally, a layer of gravel should be at least 100mm to 200mm thick for most drainage purposes. For French drains and around foundations, a thicker layer, up to 300mm, may be required to handle larger volumes of water. It is crucial to compact the gravel properly and ensure it is evenly spread to create a stable and effective drainage system.

Drainage gravel prices in Australia can vary depending on size, source, and supplier. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs plus some real‑world examples:

Typical Cost of Drainage Gravel per Tonne

Bottom line: Expect to pay around A$60 to A$100 per tonne for typical drainage gravel, depending on the grade and supplier.

The quantity of drainage gravel required depends on the area to be covered and the depth of the gravel layer. A typical drainage layer is usually 100–150 mm deep for residential applications. You can calculate the volume using the formula:

Volume (m³) = Area (m²) × Depth (m)

Tip: Always order 5–10% extra to allow for compaction, settling, and uneven surfaces.

Yes, drainage gravel is commonly used around houses to manage water flow and prevent pooling near foundations. It helps direct rainwater away from walls, reduces soil erosion, and can be combined with drainage pipes or French drains to protect the structure from water damage.

Tip: Combine drainage gravel with geotextile fabric to stop soil from mixing with gravel and maintain long-term drainage efficiency.

Drainage gravel and blue metal are both used in construction and landscaping, but they differ in composition, purpose, and performance. Drainage gravel is designed with angular particles and specific sizes to allow water to flow freely, making it ideal for drainage systems. Blue metal, also called crushed basalt or hard rock, is stronger and more durable, typically used as a road base, sub-base, or high-load surface, though it can also assist with drainage when graded properly.

Tip: Use drainage gravel for water management and blue metal for structural or load-bearing applications, or combine them for dual benefits.