Skip to content

title: "Gravel & Crushed Stone: Types, Uses & Buying Guide" description: "Complete guide to choosing the right gravel — pea, crushed stone, #57, pea gravel, and more. Coverage, compaction, cost, and delivery options." pillar: "gravel"

Gravel is one of the most misunderstood materials in residential construction. Walk into a landscaping supply yard without knowing what you need, and you'll face a wall of bins labeled #57, #8, #411, pea gravel, river rock, crusher run, and decomposed granite — each suited for different jobs. Choose wrong and your driveway will rut, your drainage will fail, or your path will sink under foot traffic. This guide breaks down each type, tells you exactly where to use it, and explains how to order and price it correctly.

Use our gravel calculator to convert your dimensions into cubic yards and tonnage before you call the supplier.

How Gravel is Classified

Crushed stone and gravel are sized by a numbering system where smaller numbers mean larger stones:

  • #1 (coarse): 2–4 inch stones — drainage, erosion control
  • #2: 1.5–2.5 inch — drainage aggregate, large-scale fill
  • #3: 1–2 inch — drainage, french drains
  • #57: 3/4–1 inch (most common) — driveways, concrete aggregate, drainage
  • #8: 3/8–1/2 inch — pathways, concrete mix, drainage layer
  • #9 / #10: 3/16–3/8 inch — top dressing, fine-grading
  • Pea gravel: 3/8 inch rounded — decorative, playgrounds, pathways
  • Crusher run (#411): Mixed sizes 0–3/4 inch with fines — compactable base material

The most important practical distinction: angular crushed stone (from quarried rock) vs. rounded gravel (river or pit-sourced). Angular stone interlocks and compacts; rounded stone rolls and shifts. Angular is better for driveways and base layers; rounded is better for drainage and decorative use.

Types of Gravel in Detail

#57 Stone (¾-Inch Crushed Stone)

The workhorse of residential construction. Angular, uniformly sized at 3/4 in, clean (no fines).

  • Density: ~1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,800 lbs/CY)
  • Best uses: Driveway top layer, drainage aggregate under slabs, French drain fill, concrete aggregate, retaining wall backfill
  • Compacts? Minimally — it settles but does not bond. Good for drainage but will not make a firm, locked surface by itself
  • Cost: $35–$55 per ton delivered; $28–$40 per cubic yard at pickup

This is the aggregate used in most bagged concrete mixes and in ready-mix concrete plants.

Pea Gravel (⅜-Inch Rounded)

Small, smooth, rounded stones in natural earth tones. Comfortable to walk on barefoot. Visually appealing.

  • Density: ~1.3 tons per cubic yard (2,600 lbs/CY)
  • Best uses: Playground ground cover (ASTM F1292 requires 6-in depth minimum for fall zones), decorative garden paths, pet areas, fire pit surrounds, exposed aggregate concrete
  • Does NOT compact — rounds roll under foot and wheel traffic. Never use as a driveway base or structural layer
  • Cost: $45–$75 per ton delivered

Pea gravel is popular but high-maintenance: it migrates under traffic, escapes edging, and requires occasional raking to redistribute. Use proper edging restraints to contain it.

Crusher Run (#411 / Dense Grade Aggregate / DGA)

A blend of crushed stone particles from 3/4 in down to dust. The fines fill the voids between larger particles when compacted, creating a locked, semi-rigid surface.

  • Density (loose): ~1.45 tons per cubic yard (2,900 lbs/CY)
  • Density (compacted): ~2.0 tons per cubic yard (4,000 lbs/CY) — accounts for significant volume reduction
  • Best uses: Driveway base layer (first 4–6 in), compacted sub-base under slabs and pavers, roadbed
  • Compacts extremely well — requires a plate compactor or roller; compacts to 85–95% density
  • Cost: $20–$35 per ton; it's the cheapest gravel type because it's the byproduct of crushing larger stone

The standard driveway base is 4–6 in of compacted crusher run (DGA) topped with 2–3 in of #57 as the driving surface.

River Rock (Cobbles and Decorative)

Naturally rounded stones tumbled smooth by water action. Ranges from 1/2 in (pea size) to 4+ in cobbles.

  • Density: ~1.35 tons per cubic yard (2,700 lbs/CY)
  • Best uses: Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, erosion control on slopes, garden borders, rain garden drainage
  • Does NOT compact — decorative use only, not for structural applications
  • Cost: $60–$120 per ton depending on stone color and size; decorative river rock is the most expensive gravel type

River rock is sold by color and origin: tan/brown (limestone-based), gray (granite), white (quartzite), black (basalt). Mix prices vary widely.

Decomposed Granite (DG)

Weathered granite that breaks down to a gravel-grit mix. When compacted, DG forms a firm, permeable surface with a natural appearance.

  • Density (loose): ~1.5 tons per cubic yard (3,000 lbs/CY)
  • Best uses: Garden paths, driveways in dry climates, patio surfaces, dog runs, fire pit areas
  • Compacts well with stabilizer additive — without stabilizer, DG is dusty and loose
  • Stabilized DG: Add 3–5% polymer stabilizer (Poly-Pavement or similar) to bind the fines. Creates a near-asphalt firmness while remaining permeable
  • Cost: $40–$65 per ton; stabilizer adds $5–$10/ton

DG works best in dry climates (Southwest, California). In wet climates, the fines wash out and the surface becomes muddy. Not recommended north of Zone 7 for path applications.

#3 and #2 Stone (Drainage Aggregate)

Large, clean angular stone used where high drainage rate is needed and fines are undesirable.

  • Best uses: French drain fill (perforated pipe surrounded by #3), leach field aggregate, retaining wall drainage layer, steep slope erosion control, dry wells
  • Does NOT compact — specifically chosen for void space and drainage rate
  • Flow rate: #3 stone has a Darcy permeability of approximately 3,000–5,000 cm/hour — roughly 100× more permeable than sand

For French drains, the standard specification is to surround the perforated pipe with a minimum 6-in layer of clean #3 or #57 stone, wrapped in non-woven geotextile fabric to prevent fine soil migration.

Density by Type (Quick Reference)

| Gravel Type | Loose Density (lbs/CY) | Compacted Density (lbs/CY) | Tons per CY (loose) | |----------------------|------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------| | #57 crushed stone | 2,800 | 2,850 | 1.40 | | Pea gravel | 2,600 | 2,650 | 1.30 | | Crusher run (DGA) | 2,900 | 3,800–4,000 | 1.45 | | River rock | 2,700 | 2,750 | 1.35 | | Decomposed granite | 3,000 | 3,400 | 1.50 | | #3 drainage stone | 2,500 | 2,520 | 1.25 |

Note: Crushed stone density varies by rock type (limestone vs. granite vs. trap rock). Values above are averages for limestone-based products.

How to Measure and Order

Step 1: Measure the Area

  • Rectangular area: Length (ft) × Width (ft) = sq ft
  • Irregular area: Break into rectangles and add, or use a digital satellite tool

Step 2: Determine Depth

Standard depths by application:

| Application | Recommended Depth | |-------------------------------|-------------------| | Decorative pathway | 2–3 in | | Pea gravel playground | 6–9 in | | Driveway top layer (#57) | 2–3 in | | Driveway base (crusher run) | 4–6 in | | French drain (around pipe) | 6–12 in | | Under concrete slab | 4 in |

Step 3: Calculate Volume

Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27

Example: 50 ft × 20 ft driveway, 3 in top layer of #57 = (50 × 20 × 0.25 ft) ÷ 27 = 250 ÷ 27 = 9.26 cubic yards

Step 4: Convert to Tons (for Bulk Orders)

Most suppliers sell by the ton (weight). Convert cubic yards to tons:

Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/CY)

Example (9.26 CY of #57 at 1.40 tons/CY): 9.26 × 1.40 = 13.0 tons

Our gravel calculator handles all of this automatically — enter dimensions in feet or meters, pick the material type, and get cubic yards and tons instantly. For metric conversions (cubic meters to cubic yards, kilograms to tons), unitconvertall.com covers every gravel and aggregate unit you'll encounter.

Delivery Options

Pickup (Self-Haul)

Most landscape suppliers let you load gravel into a pickup truck bed or trailer. A full-size pickup (3/4-ton or 1-ton) can carry 1–1.5 cubic yards (roughly 1.5–2 tons) safely within payload limits. Check your truck's payload rating before loading — overloading damages suspension and tires.

  • Pros: Cheapest option; flexible timing; works for small orders (1–3 CY)
  • Cons: Multiple trips for large projects; truck bed damage from sharp stone

Dump Truck Delivery (Bulk)

The standard delivery method for orders above 2–3 cubic yards. A tandem-axle dump truck carries 14–16 cubic yards (20–22 tons) per load. Drivers typically dump the load at the end of the driveway or as close to the site as they can safely maneuver.

  • Pros: Most economical for large quantities; single delivery; any material type available
  • Cons: Access restrictions; material dropped in a pile (you spread it); minimum order often 5–10 CY

Delivery scheduling for large projects: If you're coordinating multiple trucks or have a compressed timeline, Castfleet offers fleet delivery scheduling for construction material logistics — useful when a single order needs multiple loads or precise staging windows.

Super Sacks (Bulk Bags)

1-cubic-yard woven polypropylene bags, palletized and shipped via flatbed. Delivered by a truck with a forklift or crane attachment. Useful in tight access areas, on sloped lots, or for projects where a dump truck can't reach the destination.

  • Pros: Precise placement; easy to store; works in restricted-access areas
  • Cons: Higher per-CY cost than bulk; limited availability in some regions

Bagged (Small Quantities)

50-lb bags available at home centers. One 50-lb bag of pea gravel covers approximately 3 sq ft at 2 in depth. Good for small repairs or accent areas, but dramatically more expensive per ton than bulk.

| Quantity | Best Delivery Option | Approximate Cost Range | |---------------|-------------------------|---------------------------------| | Under 0.5 CY | Bagged from store | $5–$8 per 50-lb bag | | 0.5–3 CY | Pickup (self-haul) | $30–$50 per CY + your time | | 3–14 CY | Dump truck delivery | $35–$65 per CY + $60–$100 delivery | | 14+ CY | Multiple truck loads | Best per-ton price; negotiate |

Best Gravel for Common Projects

| Project | Best Gravel Type | Depth | |------------------------------|---------------------------|------------| | New gravel driveway | 4-6 in crusher run base + 2-3 in #57 top | 6-9 in total | | Driveway top-dress only | #57 crushed stone | 2–3 in | | Garden path | Pea gravel or #8 | 2–3 in | | Under a concrete slab | #57 or clean crushed stone | 4 in | | French drain | #3 or #57 clean stone | Fill trench | | Retaining wall backfill | #57 crushed stone | Full height | | Dry creek bed (drainage) | River rock (2–4 in) | 6–12 in | | Playground safety surface | Pea gravel or engineered wood fiber | 6–9 in | | Exposed aggregate driveway | Pea gravel (decorative top) | 1 in surface |

Related Resources

FAQ

How many cubic yards of gravel do I need to cover 1,000 square feet at 3 inches deep? 1,000 sq ft × 0.25 ft (3 in) ÷ 27 = 9.26 cubic yards. Round up to 10 CY to account for variation in depth and compaction settling. At #57 density, that's approximately 14 tons.

What is the difference between #57 stone and #67 stone? Both are 3/4-in crushed stone, but #67 is slightly smaller (1/2–3/4 in) than #57 (3/4–1 in). In practice, most suppliers and contractors use the terms interchangeably. Confirm exact sizing with your supplier for projects where gradation matters (concrete aggregate, drainage spec).

Does gravel need to be compacted? It depends on the type. Crusher run (DGA) must be compacted with a plate compactor or roller to achieve its design load-bearing capacity. Clean #57 stone and pea gravel do not compact in the traditional sense — they settle under load over time. For anything structural (driveway, slab subbase), always use DGA and compact it.

How do I keep gravel from spreading onto my lawn? Install a permanent edging border: steel or aluminum landscape edging, concrete curbing, or pressure-treated 4×4 timbers. Set edging at least 1 in above the finished gravel surface so stones stay contained. Edge restraints are also essential for pea gravel paths, which migrate aggressively under foot traffic.

What is the best gravel for a wet or drainage-challenged yard? For surface drainage: install a French drain filled with #3 or #57 clean stone around a 4-in perforated pipe. For general low-lying areas: add clean crushed stone fill to raise grade. For permeable driveways: use open-graded #57 stone (no fines) which allows water to infiltrate rather than run off.

How long does gravel last? Gravel itself does not degrade — the stones are permanent. What fails is the gravel bed as a system: fines migrate up from the subgrade (requires a geotextile fabric underliner), stones scatter from traffic (requires edging and periodic top-dressing), and areas develop ruts (requires re-grading). A properly installed gravel driveway with geotextile fabric and periodic top-dressing can last indefinitely.

How much does a dump truck load of gravel cost? A standard tandem-axle dump truck carries approximately 14–16 cubic yards (20–22 tons). At $40–$55/ton for #57 delivered, a full load runs $800–$1,200. Crusher run is cheaper: $25–$35/ton = $550–$770 per truck load. Prices vary significantly by region and haul distance from the quarry.