Compare sizes, uses, costs, and best applications for every type of gravel. Find the right material for your driveway, patio, walkway, drainage, or landscaping project.
Gravel is not a single product. The term covers dozens of stone types that vary in size, shape, color, and function. Choosing the right gravel for your project affects durability, drainage, appearance, and cost. This guide covers the most common types used in residential and commercial landscaping, driveways, and construction.
The two main categories are crushed stone (mechanically broken with angular edges) and natural gravel (weathered with smooth, rounded surfaces). Crushed stone compacts better for structural applications, while natural gravel is preferred for decorative use.
Size: 1/4" to 3/8" | Shape: Rounded, smooth | Cost: $30-50 per ton
Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded stones about the size of a pea. It comes in a mix of earth tones including tan, brown, gray, and white. Its smooth texture makes it comfortable to walk on barefoot, which is why it is popular for patios, garden paths, and play areas.
Best suited for patios, walkways, ground cover around plants, dog runs, and between stepping stones. Pea gravel does not compact well, so it is not recommended for driveways or areas with vehicle traffic. It tends to migrate without proper edging.
Use 2-3 inches of depth for walkways and patios. Always install landscape fabric underneath to prevent weed growth, and use edging to keep the gravel contained.
Size: 3/4" to 1" | Shape: Angular, irregular | Cost: $25-45 per ton
Crushed stone #57 is one of the most versatile and widely used gravel types. The number refers to a stone sizing standard where #57 indicates stones that pass through a 1-inch screen but are retained on a 1/2-inch screen. The angular edges interlock when compacted, providing good stability.
Ideal for driveways (top layer), drainage around foundations, french drains, base material for concrete slabs, and dry creek beds. Its angular shape means it stays in place better than rounded gravel and allows excellent water drainage.
For driveways, use 2-3 inches of #57 stone over a compacted base of crusher run. For drainage applications, 6-12 inches is typical around perforated pipe.
Size: Mix of 3/4" stone and fines | Shape: Angular with dust | Cost: $20-40 per ton
Crushed stone #411 is a blend of #57 stone and stone dust (fine particles). This combination gives it excellent compaction properties because the fine particles fill the gaps between the larger stones. When properly compacted, it forms a hard, stable surface.
Best for base layers under concrete, asphalt, and pavers. Also used as a base course for driveways, parking pads, and shed foundations. It is not typically used as a surface material because the fines create dust and can become muddy when wet.
Apply 4-6 inches and compact in 2-inch lifts using a plate compactor for best results. Water the material lightly before compacting to achieve maximum density.
Size: Dust to 1-1/2" (mixed) | Shape: Angular with fines | Cost: $20-35 per ton
Crusher run (also called dense-grade aggregate or DGA) is the material that comes directly from the stone crusher, containing a full range of particle sizes from fine dust to 1-1/2 inch stones. This gradation makes it the best compacting gravel available.
It is the top choice for driveway base layers, parking areas, shed pads, and any application requiring a stable, load-bearing surface. When compacted, crusher run locks together to form a surface almost as hard as pavement. It also provides excellent drainage when properly graded.
For driveways, apply 4-6 inches of crusher run as the base layer, then optionally top with 2-3 inches of a decorative gravel like #57 stone. Compact thoroughly with a vibrating plate compactor.
Size: 1" to 3" (varies widely) | Shape: Rounded, smooth | Cost: $40-80 per ton
River rock consists of naturally smoothed stones polished by water over thousands of years. They are available in sizes ranging from 1 inch to over 6 inches and come in a variety of natural colors. River rock is one of the most attractive landscaping materials available.
Best for decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, water features, garden borders, around trees and shrubs, and as ground cover in xeriscape designs. Larger river rock (3-6 inches) works well for erosion control along slopes and drainage swales.
River rock does not compact and is not suitable for driveways or walkways. The rounded shape causes stones to roll underfoot and shift under tire weight. Use 2-3 inches of depth for landscaping beds.
Size: Various (3/8" to 2") | Shape: Angular when crushed | Cost: $25-50 per ton
Crushed limestone is a dense, durable gravel with a clean white to gray appearance. It is one of the heaviest common gravel types at about 3,000 lbs per cubic yard. Limestone is pH-neutral, which makes it a good choice near gardens and planted areas where acidic materials might harm plants.
Commonly used for driveways, walkways, road base, and as a decorative ground cover. Crushed limestone compacts well due to its angular shape and creates a firm, attractive surface. It is especially popular in regions where limestone is quarried locally, keeping costs lower.
Use 4-6 inches for driveways and 2-3 inches for walkways and landscape areas.
Size: 6" to 24" | Shape: Angular, large | Cost: $35-65 per ton
Rip rap consists of large, heavy stones used primarily for erosion control. The large size and angular shape resist being moved by flowing water, making rip rap essential along shorelines, stream banks, culverts, and steep slopes where water runoff causes erosion.
It is also used around bridge abutments, retaining walls, and drainage outfalls. Rip rap is functional rather than decorative, though it can look attractive when placed thoughtfully along water features and pond edges.
Rip rap is typically placed 12-24 inches thick, depending on the expected water velocity and slope angle. A filter fabric or gravel base layer is usually installed underneath to prevent soil from washing through the gaps between stones.
Size: Fine, 1/4" and smaller | Shape: Granular, gritty | Cost: $25-50 per ton
Decomposed granite (DG) is granite rock that has weathered and broken down into a fine, sandy mixture. It has a natural, earthy appearance and comes in gold, tan, brown, and reddish tones. DG compacts into a firm surface that is comfortable for walking.
Excellent for pathways, patios, and garden areas where a natural look is desired. When mixed with a stabilizer resin, decomposed granite creates a nearly solid surface that resists erosion and weed growth while still allowing water to percolate through.
Apply 2-3 inches of decomposed granite over a prepared base. Compact with a hand tamper or plate compactor. Unstabilized DG may need periodic replenishment as it erodes in heavy rain.
Use this side-by-side comparison to choose the right gravel type for your project based on size, best use, compaction ability, drainage, and typical price range.
| Type | Size | Best For | Compaction | Drainage | Price / Ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 3/8" | Patios, walkways | Poor | Good | $30-50 |
| Crushed Stone #57 | 3/4" | Driveways, drainage | Moderate | Excellent | $25-45 |
| Crushed Stone #411 | 3/4" + fines | Base layers | Excellent | Moderate | $20-40 |
| Crusher Run | Dust-1.5" | Driveways, bases | Excellent | Moderate | $20-35 |
| River Rock | 1-3" | Landscaping | None | Excellent | $40-80 |
| Limestone | 3/8-2" | Driveways, walks | Good | Good | $25-50 |
| Rip Rap | 6-24" | Erosion control | None | Excellent | $35-65 |
| Decomposed Granite | <1/4" | Paths, patios | Good | Good | $25-50 |
Selecting the right gravel starts with understanding what your project demands. Here are recommendations by project type:
Use crusher run or crushed stone #411 for the base layer (4-6 inches), topped with 2-3 inches of #57 crushed stone or limestone. The base layer provides stability, and the top layer provides a clean appearance. Avoid pea gravel and river rock, which shift under tires. Use the driveway calculator for exact quantities.
Pea gravel and decomposed granite are ideal for walkways and patios. Both are comfortable to walk on and create an attractive, natural surface. Use 2-3 inches of depth over compacted soil or a thin base layer. Install edging to keep material in place.
Crushed stone #57 is the standard choice for drainage applications and french drains. Its angular shape creates consistent void space for water to flow through. Use 8-12 inches of depth around perforated drain pipe, wrapped in filter fabric to prevent soil infiltration.
River rock provides the most visual impact for decorative landscaping. Choose sizes and colors that complement your home and garden. Pea gravel also works well as ground cover. Use 2-3 inches of depth over weed barrier fabric.
Rip rap (6-24 inch stones) is the standard for erosion control along waterways, slopes, and drainage channels. Size the stone based on the expected water velocity. Install over filter fabric to prevent underlying soil from washing through.
Select your gravel type, enter your dimensions, and get instant results for cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost.
Calculate How Much You Need →Crusher run (also called #411 or dense-grade aggregate) is the best gravel for driveways. It contains a mix of crushed stone and fine particles that compact tightly to form a stable, hard surface. Crushed stone #57 is also a good option for the top layer. Use 4-6 inches of total depth for vehicle traffic.
Road base and crusher run are typically the cheapest gravel options at $15-30 per ton. Crushed concrete is also very affordable at $15-25 per ton. Plain crushed stone #57 runs $25-45 per ton. Decorative options like pea gravel and river rock cost more at $30-60+ per ton. Prices vary by region and availability.
Pea gravel (3/8 inch) and small crushed stone (1/2 to 3/4 inch) are the best sizes for walkways. Pea gravel is comfortable to walk on with its smooth, rounded shape. Decomposed granite is another excellent choice that compacts into a firm, stable walking surface. Use 2-3 inches of depth and install edging to keep the material contained.
Crushed stone is mechanically broken rock with angular edges and rough surfaces, while gravel refers to naturally weathered, rounded stones. Crushed stone compacts better and interlocks for stability, making it ideal for bases and driveways. Natural gravel is smoother and better for decorative uses like garden beds and walkways where comfort underfoot matters.