Types of Gravel: Pea Gravel, Crushed Stone, Crusher Run and More

The common types at a glance

Names and size numbers vary between states and quarries, so describe the job when you call and ask what they stock for it.

Type	What it looks like	Good for	Not good for
Pea gravel	Small, smooth, rounded stones, about 3/8 in, mixed colors	Paths, patios, play areas, around stepping stones	Driveways and slopes, because round stones roll
Crushed stone, such as #57	Angular gray stone, about 3/4 to 1 in, no dust	Drainage, French drains, driveway top layer, under decks and sheds	Walking barefoot; packing a firm base
Crusher run (also road base, dense grade, or local names)	Crushed stone mixed with stone dust	Compacted base under driveways, pavers, patios and sheds	Drainage, because the dust fills the gaps
Large crushed stone, such as #3	Angular stone, about 1.5 to 3 in	Bottom layer of a new driveway on soft ground	The surface; it is hard to walk or drive on
Stone dust or screenings	Fine, sandy crushed stone	Leveling under flagstone, filling joints	Drainage; it packs hard
River rock	Smooth, rounded stones, often 1 to 3 in or bigger	Garden beds, dry creek beds, splash areas under downspouts	Paths and driveways
Decomposed granite	Fine, tan, gritty granite that packs firm	Natural-looking paths and patios, mostly in dry climates	Wet, shady spots; it can wash out and track indoors
Marble chips or white stone	Bright white chips	Decorative beds and borders	Around acid-loving plants, as some white stone can raise soil pH
Lava rock	Light, porous red or black stone	Decorative beds; easy to move because it is light	Paths; it is sharp and crumbles

Angular vs round: the one rule that matters

Crushed stone has sharp edges that lock together when you compact it, so it stays put under feet and tires. Round stone such as pea gravel and river rock never locks, so it shifts, ruts and spreads. Use angular stone wherever something needs to stay firm, and round stone where looks and comfort matter more.

What to use for common jobs

Gravel driveway

A common build is a compacted base of crusher run or larger stone, often 4 to 8 inches, with 2 to 3 inches of angular crushed stone on top. On soft or clay ground, a layer of geotextile fabric under the stone helps stop it sinking. Local soil and traffic matter, so ask your supplier what works in your area.

Patio or walkway with pavers

Compacted crusher run as the base, then about an inch of coarse sand for the pavers to sit in. The paver sand calculator covers the sand layer.

Garden path

Pea gravel is comfortable underfoot and looks soft. Edging helps keep it in place. For a firmer path, use small crushed stone or decomposed granite.

Drainage and French drains

Clean crushed stone with no dust, so water has open gaps to run through. Wrapping it in fabric keeps soil from clogging it over time.

Garden beds

River rock or decorative stone, about 2 to 3 inches deep over landscape fabric. See mulch vs rock to decide between the two.

How much to order

Once you know the type, the gravel calculator works out tons, yards and bags. It has a stone dropdown with typical weights for each type, and the weight chart shows them all side by side.

Common questions

What is the best gravel for a driveway?

A compacted base of crusher run, with a top layer of angular crushed stone such as #57. Angular stone locks together; round stone like pea gravel rolls and ruts.

What gravel goes under pavers?

Crusher run or another dense-graded base, compacted in layers, then about an inch of sand on top for the pavers to sit in.

What is the best gravel for drainage?

Clean crushed stone with no fines, such as #57. Water flows through the gaps. Crusher run packs too tight to drain well.

What does #57 stone mean?

It is a size grade, roughly 3/4 to 1 inch stones. Number names come from a standard sizing system, but sizes and names vary a little between states and quarries.

Types of gravel and what to use them for