Types of Gravel Explained: #57, Crusher Run, Pea Gravel and More
What each common landscape stone is, what it is good and bad at, and which one to use for bases, paths, driveways and drainage.
“Gravel” covers dozens of products, and using the wrong one is a common reason projects fail. The main question is whether you want stone that locks together (for a solid base) or stone that lets water through (for drainage and looks).
The common types at a glance
| Stone | Approx. weight | Compacts? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (⅜") | 1.4 tons / cu yd | No | Paths, patios, play areas, between stepping stones |
| #57 crushed stone (¾") | 1.4 tons / cu yd | A little | Shed bases, drainage, under concrete, French drains |
| Crusher run / road base | 1.5 tons / cu yd | Yes, firmly | Compacted bases, driveway surfaces, under pavers |
| #3 crushed stone (1½–2") | 1.35 tons / cu yd | A little | Bottom layer of driveways on soft ground |
| River rock (1–3") | 1.35 tons / cu yd | No | Decorative beds, dry creek beds, around downspouts |
| Decomposed granite | 1.3 tons / cu yd | Yes, firmly | Natural-looking paths and patios, compacted |
| Sand | 1.35 tons / cu yd | A little | Bedding layer under pavers, leveling |
| Lava rock | 0.6 tons / cu yd | No | Decorative beds where weight matters |
Crushed stone with fines (crusher run, road base)
This is crushed rock from about ¾” down to dust. When it’s dampened and compacted, the dust fills the gaps between the larger pieces and the whole layer sets almost like a weak concrete. That makes it the standard choice for:
- the base under pavers and patios,
- the top surface of many driveways,
- leveling pads under retaining walls.
The same fines that make it solid also slow drainage, so don’t use it in a French drain or behind a retaining wall.
Clean crushed stone (#57, #3)
“Clean” means washed, with no fines. The number is a size grade: #57 is mostly ¾” pieces; #3 is roughly 1½–2”. Because the gaps stay open, water flows straight through.
Use #57 for drainage, shed pads, and under concrete slabs. Use #3 as the bottom layer of a driveway on soft ground, where the big angular stones spread the load. Clean stone doesn’t lock together as firmly as crusher run, so on its own it can shift under car tires; that’s why driveways usually cap it with a finer layer. See Gravel Driveway Layers.
Pea gravel
Small, rounded stones, usually about ⅜”. Pleasant to walk on, good-looking and inexpensive, but the round shape means it never locks. It moves underfoot, spreads into lawns and is hard to push a wheelbarrow through. Contain it with solid edging and lay it over a compacted base of crusher run, about 2” deep, not more.
River rock
Rounded stones from about 1” to 3” and larger, mostly decorative. Good for dry creek beds, around downspouts and in planting beds. Like pea gravel, it doesn’t compact, and it’s uncomfortable to walk on.
Decomposed granite (DG)
Granite that has weathered into small particles and fines. It compacts into a firm, natural-looking surface for paths and patios, especially in dry climates. Stabilized DG has a binder added to keep it from washing out. It can track indoors and get soft when very wet.
Lava rock
Very light, porous volcanic rock used in landscape beds. About half the weight of other gravel, so a ton covers far more area. It’s sharp and doesn’t stay put on slopes.
Choosing quickly
- Needs to hold weight and stay flat? Crushed stone with fines, compacted.
- Needs to drain? Clean crushed stone such as #57.
- Needs to look good and be walked on? Pea gravel or DG over a compacted base, with edging.
- Just decorative? River rock or lava rock over landscape fabric (see Do You Need Landscape Fabric Under Gravel?).
- A cheap patio? See How to Build a Gravel Patio.
The Gravel & Stone Planner handles up to three layers, so you can price a base and a top layer together.