Types of Gravel
Ten common materials, what each one is actually for, and what it costs. The single most useful distinction is whether the stone is angular or rounded — that decides whether it compacts.
| Material | Size | Tons/yd³ | Price/ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher Run / #411 (base) | 0 – 3/4" with fines | 1.5 | $22–$40 |
| #57 Crushed Stone (3/4") | 3/4" | 1.4 | $30–$55 |
| #8 Crushed Stone (3/8") | 3/8" | 1.4 | $32–$58 |
| #4 Crushed Stone (1.5") | 1.5" – 2.5" | 1.35 | $30–$52 |
| Pea Gravel (3/8" rounded) | 3/8" rounded | 1.35 | $35–$70 |
| River Rock (1" – 2") | 1" – 2" rounded | 1.35 | $55–$130 |
| Decomposed Granite | 1/4" and fines | 1.4 | $40–$85 |
| Crushed Limestone | 3/4" with fines | 1.45 | $28–$50 |
| Marble Chips | 1/2" – 1" | 1.35 | $90–$200 |
| Coarse / Bedding Sand | Fine | 1.35 | $25–$45 |
Each material in detail
Crusher Run / #411 (base)
Angular stone mixed with stone dust. Compacts into a hard, locking base — the standard sub-base under driveways, patios, and sheds.
Size: 0 – 3/4" with fines · Density: 1.5 tons/yd³ · Price: $22–$40 per ton delivered
#57 Crushed Stone (3/4")
Washed angular stone with no fines. Drains freely, so it is the default choice for French drains, and a common driveway top layer.
Size: 3/4" · Density: 1.4 tons/yd³ · Price: $30–$55 per ton delivered
#8 Crushed Stone (3/8")
Smaller angular chips. Used as a paver setting bed and as a smooth, walkable driveway topping.
Size: 3/8" · Density: 1.4 tons/yd³ · Price: $32–$58 per ton delivered
#4 Crushed Stone (1.5")
Large angular stone used as the bottom layer of a deep driveway build, or for erosion control on slopes.
Size: 1.5" – 2.5" · Density: 1.35 tons/yd³ · Price: $30–$52 per ton delivered
Pea Gravel (3/8" rounded)
Smooth rounded pebbles. Comfortable underfoot and attractive, but it migrates — it needs edging and does not compact.
Size: 3/8" rounded · Density: 1.35 tons/yd³ · Price: $35–$70 per ton delivered
River Rock (1" – 2")
Decorative rounded stone for beds and dry creek features. The most expensive common option per ton.
Size: 1" – 2" rounded · Density: 1.35 tons/yd³ · Price: $55–$130 per ton delivered
Decomposed Granite
Fine granite grit that compacts into a firm, natural-looking path surface. Popular in dry climates and xeriscaping.
Size: 1/4" and fines · Density: 1.4 tons/yd³ · Price: $40–$85 per ton delivered
Crushed Limestone
Compacts hard and sheds water well. Widely available in the Midwest and South as an economical driveway material.
Size: 3/4" with fines · Density: 1.45 tons/yd³ · Price: $28–$50 per ton delivered
Marble Chips
Bright white decorative stone for accent beds. Premium priced; usually bought by the bag rather than by the ton.
Size: 1/2" – 1" · Density: 1.35 tons/yd³ · Price: $90–$200 per ton delivered
Coarse / Bedding Sand
Used as a leveling course under pavers, and as backfill bedding around pipe.
Size: Fine · Density: 1.35 tons/yd³ · Price: $25–$45 per ton delivered
Angular versus rounded
This is the distinction that matters most. Angular stone — anything crushed — interlocks under compaction and carries load. Rounded stone — pea gravel, river rock — rolls past itself and stays loose no matter what you do to it.
Angular for structure, rounded for comfort and looks. Read more in pea gravel vs crushed stone.
Fines or no fines
The second distinction. Stone with fines (crusher run, #411, decomposed granite) compacts into a hard base but drains poorly. Stone without fines (#57, #8) drains freely but never firms up.
Using washed stone in a driveway base, or crusher run in a French drain, are the two classic and expensive mistakes.
Which to pick
| Job | Material |
|---|---|
| Driveway base | #4 stone, then crusher run |
| Driveway surface | #57 or #411 |
| Patio base | Crusher run |
| Patio surface | Decomposed granite or #8 |
| French drain | #57 washed |
| Walkway | Decomposed granite or pea gravel |
| Play area | Pea gravel |
| Decorative bed | River rock or marble chips |
| Shed pad | Crusher run |
| Paver bedding | Coarse sand over crusher run |
For grade numbers and regional trade names, see the gravel size chart. To price a specific quantity, use the gravel cost calculator.
Tools for handling gravel
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FANTIAN 10 lbs Pea Gravel for Landscaping, 3/8 Inch Pebble Stone, Colorful
$29.99
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33ft. Galvanized Steel Landscape Edging (10-Pack) – 40" Metal Edging for Landscaping with 11 Stakes, Hammer-in Metal Landscaping Edging for Yard Pathway & Flower Beds – Lawn Edge for Garden Design
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HongWay 500 Pack 6 Inch Landscape Staples, Garden Staples Pins Galvanized 11 Gauge Ground Stakes Yard Lawn Staples for Turf Landscaping Fabric Fence Tent Irrigation Tube Outdoor Decorations
$37.99
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TICONN 4.80/4.00-8 Tire, 14.5" Flat Free Wheelbarrow Tire and Wheel
$34.95
View on Amazon →Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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