Gravel Material Guide
Crushed Stone vs Gravel
Compare crushed stone and gravel for driveways, patios, drainage, landscaping, walkways, and concrete base layers. Learn how the materials differ and when each one makes sense.
Crushed stone
Crushed stone is rock that has been mechanically broken into angular pieces. It usually compacts well because the sharp edges lock together.
- • Angular edges
- • Good compaction
- • Common for base layers
- • Useful for driveways and concrete bases
- • Often sold by size or grade
Gravel
Gravel is often naturally rounded or weathered stone, though suppliers may use the word gravel broadly for different aggregate products.
- • Often rounded or mixed aggregate
- • Common for landscaping
- • Can work for driveways
- • Useful for drainage depending on type
- • May shift more than angular stone
Crushed stone vs gravel: quick comparison
Which material should you use?
The right material depends on the project. Crushed stone is often useful where compaction and stability matter. Gravel is often chosen for decorative landscaping, drainage, or general coverage depending on the stone type and local supplier options.
Driveways
Crushed stone or well-graded gravel can work. Angular crushed stone often performs well as a compacted base.
Concrete base layers
A compacted crushed stone or gravel base can help support slabs and improve drainage.
Drainage
Clean stone with open space between particles is useful for drainage trenches and French drains.
Landscaping
Decorative gravel or crushed stone can both work, depending on color, shape, and appearance.
Common depth guide
How to estimate crushed stone or gravel
Use the same basic method for either material: measure length, width, and depth, calculate volume, convert to cubic yards, then estimate tons using the material density. Supplier density can vary, so confirm the final tons with your local supplier.
Volume
Length × Width × Depth
Cubic yards
Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Estimated tons
Cubic Yards × Tons Per Cubic Yard
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Crushed stone vs gravel FAQ
What is the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is mechanically crushed rock with angular edges. Gravel is often naturally rounded or weathered stone, though suppliers may use the word gravel broadly for several aggregate products.
Is crushed stone or gravel better for a driveway?
Crushed stone is often preferred for driveway base layers because angular edges compact and lock together well. Gravel can also work when it is properly graded and compacted.
Is crushed stone good for drainage?
Clean crushed stone or washed gravel can be useful for drainage because open spaces between stones allow water to move through.
Can I use gravel under concrete?
Yes. Many concrete slabs use a compacted gravel or crushed stone base layer for support and drainage.