The most common gravel types for US homeowners are #57 crushed stone, crusher run (quarry process), pea gravel, and river rock—each suited to a different job. Choosing the wrong one causes drainage failures, ruts, or constant raking. This guide covers the six most important types, what they cost, and where each belongs.
The Six Main Gravel Types
| Type | Size | Angularity | Best Use | Approximate Cost (bulk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher run (#411) | Fines to 1 in | Angular, self-compacting | Driveway base, shed pad, road | $25–$45/ton |
| #57 crushed stone | ~3/4 in | Angular | Driveway surface, drainage, concrete fill | $30–$55/ton |
| #67 crushed stone | ~3/4 in (smaller) | Angular | Concrete aggregate, drainage, driveways | $30–$55/ton |
| Pea gravel | 1/8–3/8 in | Round, smooth | Paths, playgrounds, French drains | $35–$65/ton |
| River rock | 1–5 in | Round | Decorative beds, dry creek beds | $45–$90/ton |
| Decomposed granite | Fine (sand-like) | Sub-angular | Paths, patios, landscape cover | $35–$60/ton |
Prices are rough 2025–2026 bulk estimates and vary by region and distance from the quarry. See current local pricing with the gravel calculator.
Crusher Run (Quarry Process / #411)
Crusher run is a mix of crushed stone and stone dust (fines). The fines fill the voids between larger pieces, and when compacted the material locks together almost like pavement. That self-binding property makes it the standard base layer for driveways, shed pads, and retaining walls. According to the American Concrete Pavement Association, a well-compacted granular base reduces settling and frost heave.
Use it for: driveway bases (4–6 inch layer), gravel pad for a shed, road sub-base.
Do not use it as a surface layer—the fines kick up dust and muddy water runs off the top. Top-coat crusher run driveways with #57 stone.
#57 Crushed Stone
The most versatile aggregate on the list. Angular edges help stones lock together without the fines of crusher run, so water passes through freely. A 4-inch layer of #57 drains roughly 20 gallons per square foot per hour under the ASTM C33 gradation standard.
Use it for: driveway top layer, drainage beds around foundations, fill beneath concrete slabs, French drain channels.
Weight note: #57 crushed limestone weighs roughly 1.5 tons per cubic yard (3,000 lbs). Use the gravel calculator to convert square footage and depth to tons.
Pea Gravel
Small, rounded stones about the size of a pea. The smooth shape means pea gravel does not compact—stones roll underfoot—so it works well for drainage but poorly for driveways that see vehicles. For walkways and playgrounds it provides a soft, attractive surface. A 3-inch depth is standard for play areas, per ASTM F1292 impact attenuation guidelines.
Use it for: French drains, play areas, garden paths, around downspout splash guards, pool surrounds.
Not ideal for: vehicle driveways (shifts constantly), slopes (rolls away).
River Rock
Smooth, large, water-worn stones 1–5 inches across. Used almost entirely for decorative purposes. The round shape makes compaction impossible, so it provides no structural support. Drainage underneath river rock is poor compared to angular stone because the large round pieces sit on each other with minimal void space.
Use it for: dry creek beds, decorative mulch beds, erosion control on gentle slopes.
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Granite that has weathered into a gritty, sand-like material. When compacted it forms a firm, natural-looking surface. It stays in place better than pea gravel on flat ground but erodes on any slope and is not suitable for wet climates without stabilizers. Stabilized DG (mixed with a binder) costs about $1–$2 per square foot more but holds together much better.
Use it for: garden paths, patio underlayment, xeriscape landscapes.
How to Pick the Right Type
Ask three questions:
- Will vehicles drive on it? Use crusher run base + #57 or #67 top coat.
- Does it need to drain quickly? Use angular crushed stone (#57/#67) or pea gravel.
- Is it purely decorative? River rock or DG works, but do not expect structural performance.
For a gravel driveway, the gravel-driveway-depth article explains the three-layer system. For a shed pad, see gravel-base-for-shed.
Ordering Gravel: Tons vs. Cubic Yards
Suppliers sell gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard. The conversion depends on the type:
| Gravel Type | Lbs per Cubic Yard | Tons per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | ~2,700 | ~1.35 |
| #57 crushed limestone | ~3,000 | ~1.50 |
| River rock | ~2,700 | ~1.35 |
| Decomposed granite | ~2,900 | ~1.45 |
| Crusher run | ~2,800 | ~1.40 |
To order correctly: calculate your cubic yards needed, multiply by the factor above, then add 10% for compaction loss and waste. The gravel calculator handles this automatically.
Delivery and Handling
Most suppliers require a minimum order—typically 1 ton or 1 cubic yard—and charge extra for small loads. Delivery trucks need clearance for a 14-foot-high dumping bed. Before delivery:
- Confirm the truck can reach your drop spot without driving over buried utilities. Call 811 at least three business days before any digging or directing heavy vehicles across your yard.
- Have a plan to spread the pile promptly—stone sitting in a pile on a lawn kills grass within a week.
A standard contractor dump truck carries 10–14 tons. Most single-car driveways (10 ft × 50 ft, 4 in deep) need roughly 6–7 tons of material total across all layers.
Regional Name Variations
The same material is sold under different names depending on the quarry and state. When calling a supplier, describing the application (driveway base, shed pad, drain fill) is more reliable than using a grade number.
| What You Want | Eastern US / Mid-Atlantic | Midwest | Southeast | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compactable driveway base | Crusher run, QP (quarry process) | CA6, Grade 8, 21AA | ABC stone (Aggregate Base Course) | Decomposed granite, road base |
| Angular surface/drainage stone | #57 crushed stone | #57, CA7 | #57, M10 | 3/4” minus, Class II base |
| Self-compacting fine base | Quarry dust, 10s | Stone fines | Crusher fines | Decomposed granite |
If you are shopping outside your home region, always describe what the stone needs to do—compact, drain, support load—rather than the ASTM number alone.
Recycled Crushed Concrete (RCA)
Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), also called crushed concrete or rubble, is a cost-effective alternative to virgin crushed stone for many applications. Demolition projects—old sidewalks, foundations, roadways—are crushed and screened into gradations similar to standard stone.
Advantages of RCA:
- Typically 20–40% cheaper than virgin crushed limestone in most markets
- Compacts very hard because residual cement in the material lightly self-cements over time
- Widely available in urban markets and near construction zones
Limitations of RCA:
- pH tends to be high (8.0–10.0) because of residual calcium from the cement—do not use near acid-loving plants or in drainage beds that discharge to sensitive waterways
- May contain rebar fragments, brick, or tile if not well-screened; ask suppliers about contamination levels
- Some municipalities restrict RCA use in driveways and landscape due to leachate concerns—check local codes
For driveway bases and shed pads away from planting areas, RCA crusher run is a solid budget-friendly choice. For drainage channels, French drains, or any application near plants, stick with virgin stone.
Lava Rock
Lava rock (also called volcanic rock or scoria) is a lightweight, porous volcanic stone used almost exclusively for decorative mulch-style landscaping. Its reddish-black color and irregular texture make it popular in xeriscape and desert gardens.
Use it for: decorative ground cover in beds, around cacti and succulents, under mulch-free landscapes. Avoid: structural or drainage applications. Lava rock is too light and porous for compaction; it provides no load-bearing capacity and can float in heavy rain.
Lava rock weighs roughly 1,000–1,500 lbs per cubic yard (half the weight of crushed limestone), so tonnage quotes will be misleading compared to standard stone. Buy by the cubic yard or in bags rather than by weight.