Gravel Calculator for Driveways and Paths

Gravel Calculator

Estimate the amount of gravel needed to cover an area based on density and desired depth

Calculate gravel volume, mass, and cost for driveways, pathways, drainage, and landscaping projects. Enter your area dimensions, select gravel type, and specify depth for accurate estimates.

Area to Cover

Enter the dimensions of the area

Length

Width

Unit

Depth of Gravel

Typical depth: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) for most applications

Depth

Unit

Depth Guidelines:

• Pathways: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
• Driveways: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
• Drainage: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)

Gravel Type & Density

Select the type of gravel for accurate density calculations

Gravel Type

Density:1440 kg/m³

Smooth, rounded stones perfect for drainage and decoration

Common Uses:

Drainage

Landscaping

Aquariums

Playgrounds

Price (Optional)

Enter price to calculate total cost

Price

Per

Volume Needed

Enter dimensions to calculate

Total Weight

Enter dimensions to calculate

Quick Reference

Driveways: Use 4-6" depth with crushed stone

Pathways: Use 2-3" depth with pea gravel

Drainage: Use 3-4" depth with coarse gravel

Landscaping: Use 2-3" depth with river rock

About Gravel and This Calculator

Gravel is a loose mixture of rock fragments formed as a result of erosion. Along with other types of rock fragments such as sand and crushed stone, gravel is commonly used for construction purposes, though it has many other uses as well. This calculator helps estimate the amount of gravel needed to cover an area based on the density and desired depth of the gravel, and also estimates the cost of purchasing a given amount of gravel.

Rock fragments are typically classified based on the size of the individual pieces that make up the aggregate. For example, sand is made up of rock fragments smaller than those in gravel, while gravel is smaller than cobbles, and cobbles are smaller than boulders. Size classifications of rock fragments (and gravel) can vary between different standards and geological classifications.

Gravel Size Classifications

Two commonly used standards for gravel classification are the Udden-Wentworth scale (commonly used by geologists in the US) and the international standard, ISO 14688.

Udden-Wentworth Scale

Granular Gravel:2-4 mm (0.079-0.157 in) diameter
Pebble Gravel:4-64 mm (0.2-2.5 in) diameter

ISO 14688-1:2002

Fine Gravel:2.0-6.3 mm
Medium Gravel:6.3-20 mm
Coarse Gravel:20-63 mm

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

The amount of gravel required for a given project depends on what the project is. The calculator above can be used to estimate the amount of gravel necessary given several factors. Note that the price estimate provided by the calculator is solely an estimate based on the cost of materials. Any other costs associated with a project (labor, delivery of materials, etc.) are not included in the estimate.

Calculation Method

Determine the volume: The gravel must cover a specific area. Find the area by multiplying length × width, then multiply by the desired depth to get the volume.
Choose ideal depth: The ideal depth of gravel varies depending on the application, but a minimum of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of gravel is a workable baseline for most projects.
Calculate mass: Once the volume is known, use the known density of the given type of gravel to calculate the mass (weight) of gravel needed to complete the project.

Pro Tip: Always order 5-10% extra gravel to account for settling, compaction, and uneven surfaces. This ensures you have enough material to complete your project without running short.

Comprehensive Guide to Gravel Applications and Uses

Gravel represents one of the most versatile and economically significant natural resources in modern civilization, serving as an indispensable component in construction, infrastructure, landscaping, and environmental management applications. Globally, the aggregate industry—which includes gravel, sand, and crushed stone—produces approximately 50 billion metric tons annually, making it the second most-consumed natural resource on Earth after water. This staggering production volume reflects gravel's critical role in building the physical foundation of contemporary society, from residential driveways and garden pathways to interstate highways and commercial skyscrapers. Understanding the diverse applications of gravel helps homeowners, landscapers, contractors, and engineers select appropriate gravel types and calculate quantities accurately for projects ranging from small residential improvements to large-scale civil engineering endeavors.

Why Gravel? Unique Material Properties

Gravel's widespread use stems from a combination of advantageous physical and economic characteristics:

Drainage Capacity: Void spaces between particles allow water percolation, preventing puddling and soil saturation

Load-Bearing Strength: Interlocking angular particles distribute weight effectively, creating stable foundations

Freeze-Thaw Resistance: Non-porous stone resists damage from water expansion during freezing cycles

Permeability: Allows groundwater recharge while controlling surface runoff—crucial for sustainable development

Cost-Effectiveness: Abundantly available in most regions; transportation costs typically exceed material costs

Longevity: Inorganic material that doesn't decompose, rot, or require frequent replacement like organic alternatives

Construction and Infrastructure - The Foundation of Modern Development

The construction industry represents gravel's largest consumer, utilizing approximately 1.4 billion tons annually in the United States alone—roughly 70-75% of total aggregate production. This massive consumption reflects gravel's irreplaceable role as the structural skeleton of concrete, the foundation layer for transportation networks, and the drainage solution for building systems. Modern infrastructure literally cannot exist without gravel: every mile of interstate highway contains 38,000 tons; an average single-family home requires 400 tons; a typical hospital uses 40,000 tons. Understanding construction gravel applications helps project managers estimate material needs, budget accurately, and select appropriate gravel grades for specific structural requirements.

Concrete Aggregate - 48% of U.S. Gravel Production

Critical Structural Role: Gravel constitutes 60-75% of concrete's volume, providing the load-bearing framework while cement paste acts as binder. Without coarse aggregate, pure cement would shrink excessively (10-15% vs. 0.05% with aggregate), crack extensively, generate excessive heat during curing, and cost 300-400% more per cubic yard.

Mechanical Benefits: Interlocking gravel particles resist compressive forces (concrete's primary load type), achieving strengths of 3,000-8,000 psi for residential/commercial applications, up to 20,000+ psi for specialized high-performance concrete.

Dimensional Stability: Aggregate's low shrinkage dramatically reduces cracking. Gravel-rich mixes shrink only 0.04-0.08%, compared to 0.50-1.00% for high-cement formulations.

Thermal Mass: Gravel moderates hydration heat in mass concrete (dams, foundations), preventing thermal cracking that would compromise structural integrity.

Economic Impact: Substituting gravel for cement saves $18-30 per cubic yard while improving performance. U.S. concrete industry consumes 850+ million tons of gravel aggregate annually, valued at $7+ billion.

Sizing Standards: #57 stone (3/4-1 inch) most common for structural concrete; #67 (3/4 inch and smaller) for residential; #4 (1-1.5 inch) for mass concrete applications.

Quality Requirements: ASTM C33 specifications mandate maximum 5% deleterious substances, LA abrasion loss below 50%, and specific gradation curves ensuring optimal particle distribution.

Road Construction and Pavement Systems

Transportation Infrastructure Backbone: The U.S. maintains 4.2 million miles of paved roads containing an estimated 3+ billion tons of gravel aggregate in base courses, sub-bases, and asphalt concrete. Each lane-mile of interstate highway requires 38,000 tons of aggregate—predominantly gravel and crushed stone.

Aggregate Base Course (ABC): 4-12 inch compacted gravel layer forms the load-distributing foundation beneath asphalt or concrete pavements. Proper base construction accounts for 70-80% of pavement performance. Typical specification: AASHTO #57 or dense-graded aggregate compacted to 95-98% maximum density, achieving California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values of 80-100.

Sub-Base Layer: 6-12 inch gravel sub-base beneath base course prevents pumping of fine subgrade soils, provides capillary break (moisture barrier), and offers frost protection in freeze-thaw climates. Interstate highways typically feature 8-10 inch sub-base; rural roads 4-6 inches.

Hot-Mix Asphalt Aggregate: Gravel and crushed stone comprise 93-97% of asphalt pavement by weight (only 3-7% asphalt binder). Standard 2-inch asphalt overlay requires 0.22 tons per square yard; full-depth 6-inch pavement requires 0.66 tons per square yard.

Drainage Layers: Open-graded permeable bases using uniform 3/4-1 inch gravel rapidly drain water infiltration, extending pavement life 50-100% by preventing frost heave, pumping failures, and stripping (asphalt-aggregate bond loss).

Foundation Drainage and Moisture Control

Perimeter Drainage (French Drains): 4-6 inch gravel envelope surrounding perforated drain pipes channels groundwater away from building foundations. Prevents 85-95% of basement moisture issues when properly installed. Typical residential application uses 3/4-1.5 inch clean (washed) gravel with less than 3% fines passing #200 sieve.

Under-Slab Vapor Barriers: 4-6 inch compacted gravel layer beneath basement and slab-on-grade foundations creates capillary break, preventing moisture wicking from soil into concrete. Reduces slab moisture transmission by 80-90%, preventing flooring adhesive failures, mold growth, and interior humidity issues.

Retaining Wall Backfill: Free-draining gravel behind walls eliminates hydrostatic pressure—the primary cause of retaining wall failure. Hydrostatic pressure can exert 4,000+ pounds per linear foot on tall walls; proper gravel drainage reduces this to near-zero, extending wall life indefinitely. Use 3/4 inch clean angular stone, minimum 12 inches wide from wall face to filter fabric.

Railroad Ballast

Crushed stone (typically 1.5-2.5 inch granite) supports 140,000+ miles of U.S. freight rail. Ballast distributes locomotive loads (30+ tons per axle), provides drainage, allows track geometry adjustment, and absorbs vibration. Typical mainline track uses 12-18 inches of ballast depth, requiring 2,500-3,800 tons per track-mile. U.S. railroads consume 25-30 million tons of ballast annually for maintenance.

Septic System Leach Fields

Residential septic drain fields require 6-12 inches of 3/4-1.5 inch washed gravel surrounding perforated distribution pipes. Gravel provides void space (30-40% porosity) for effluent distribution and aerobic treatment. Standard 3-bedroom home leach field (600-900 sq ft) requires 10-18 cubic yards (15-27 tons) of gravel. Proper gravel specification critical—fines content above 5% clogs pore spaces, causing system failure.

Landscaping, Decorative, and Residential Applications

Decorative and landscaping gravel represents a rapidly growing $2+ billion annual market in North America, driven by homeowners' desire for low-maintenance, water-conserving, aesthetically distinctive outdoor spaces. Unlike construction-grade gravel prioritizing structural performance, landscaping gravel emphasizes visual appeal—color variety (white, tan, red, black, multicolor blends), texture (smooth river-polished vs. angular crushed), and size consistency—while maintaining functional benefits. The shift from organic mulches to gravel reflects multiple advantages: 10+ year lifespan vs. 1-2 years for bark mulch, fire resistance in wildfire-prone regions (critical in Western U.S. where defensible space regulations mandate non-combustible materials), and water conservation (reduces evaporation by 50-70%, critical during drought conditions).

Garden Beds, Mulch Alternative, and Planting Areas

Superior Long-Term Mulch Solution: Gravel mulch provides permanent weed suppression, soil temperature moderation, and moisture conservation without the decomposition, nutrient depletion, and annual replacement required by organic mulches. Increasingly popular in xeriscape and water-wise landscaping designs.

Weed Suppression: 2-3 inch gravel layer blocks 95%+ of weed germination by preventing light penetration. Combined with landscape fabric underlayment, achieves virtually complete weed elimination. Saves 15-25 hours annual weeding per 1,000 sq ft compared to bare soil.

Moisture Conservation: Gravel mulch reduces soil evaporation 50-70% compared to unmulched soil, 20-30% better than organic mulches (which absorb and release moisture). Particularly valuable in arid climates and during drought restrictions—can reduce irrigation needs by 30-50%.

Temperature Regulation: Moderates soil temperature fluctuations by 8-12°F daily—keeps roots cooler in summer heat, warmer during cold nights. Extends growing season for temperature-sensitive species.

Recommended Types: Pea gravel (1/4-3/8 inch) for easy plant access; crushed granite or decomposed granite for Southwest aesthetics; river rock (1-2 inch) for succulent and cactus gardens; lava rock for heat-loving Mediterranean plants.

Application Guidelines: 2-3 inch depth for weed control; 3-4 inch for maximum moisture retention. Pull gravel back 2-3 inches from plant stems to prevent moisture retention against bark (rot risk). Cost: $0.75-2.50 per sq ft installed, but lasts 10-15+ years vs. annual mulch at $0.40-1.00 per sq ft.

Driveways, Parking Areas, and Access Roads

Cost-Effective Alternative to Paved Surfaces: Gravel driveways cost $1.25-3.00 per sq ft installed, compared to $4-8 for asphalt and $8-18 for concrete. For typical double-car driveway (18'×40' = 720 sq ft), gravel costs $900-2,200 vs. $2,900-5,800 for asphalt—60-75% savings. Properly constructed gravel driveways support daily vehicular traffic for 5-10 years before requiring top dressing.

Proper Construction Method: (1) Excavate 8-10 inches; (2) Grade for 2-3% cross-slope drainage; (3) Install geotextile fabric preventing subgrade mixing; (4) Place 4-5 inch base layer of 1.5-2.5 inch crushed stone; (5) Compact to 95% density with plate compactor or roller; (6) Add 2-3 inch wearing course of 3/8-5/8 inch crushed gravel; (7) Final compaction. Total depth: 6-8 inches compacted.

Gravel Type Selection: Angular crushed stone (not rounded river rock) essential—interlocks under compaction creating stable surface. Best performers: crushed limestone, crushed granite, recycled concrete. Avoid smooth pea gravel or river rock—shifts under traffic, forms ruts.

Drainage and Permeable Benefits: Gravel driveways are 100% permeable, eliminating stormwater runoff issues and meeting Low Impact Development (LID) requirements in many jurisdictions. EPA credits gravel surfaces as reducing property runoff by 80-95%. Prevents ice formation— water drains through rather than freezing on surface.

Maintenance Requirements: Annual raking/grading to redistribute gravel and fill low spots (1-2 hours per 1,000 sq ft); top dressing every 3-5 years adding 1-2 tons per 1,000 sq ft; edge maintenance to prevent spreading into lawn areas; weed control via fabric underlayment or pre-emergent herbicides.

Material Quantities: Typical 18'×40' driveway requires 13-18 cubic yards (19-27 tons) for 6-8 inch depth including base and wearing course. Use this calculator to determine precise quantities based on your driveway dimensions.

Walkways, Garden Paths, and Patio Areas

Design Flexibility and Aesthetics: Gravel pathways offer unlimited design freedom impossible with rigid pavers—curved layouts following garden contours, varying widths emphasizing garden rooms, integration with stepping stones or flagstone, easy modification as landscape matures. Popular in Mediterranean, cottage, Japanese, and contemporary garden styles.

Pathway Construction: For foot traffic only, 3-4 inch depth sufficient. Excavate 5 inches, install landscape fabric, add 1-2 inch base of 3/4 inch crushed stone (optional but improves stability), top with 2-3 inches of decorative gravel. Edge with steel, aluminum, or treated lumber to contain materials.

Surface Material Selection: Crushed stone fines (1/4 inch minus), decomposed granite, or crushed granite compact to create firm, stable surface suitable for all ages. Pea gravel (rounded) provides softer aesthetic but shifts underfoot—not recommended for elderly, mobility-impaired, or wheelchair users. River rock (1-2 inch) decorative but difficult to walk on.

Gravel Patio Applications: Outdoor living spaces using gravel cost 70-85% less than paver or flagstone patios while providing excellent drainage. Create defined spaces by excavating 5-6 inches, installing compacted 3-4 inch gravel base, edging with substantial borders (pressure-treated timbers, steel landscape edging, mortared stone), topping with 2-3 inch layer of attractive river rock or pea gravel. Add furniture and container plants for finished space at $2.50-5.00 per sq ft vs. $12-25 for pavers.

Water Features and Pond Edges

River Rock Applications: Smooth, polished river rock (2-8 inch) creates naturalistic pond edges, stream beds, and waterfall features. Non-toxic for fish; doesn't alter water chemistry; surfaces resist algae accumulation better than porous stone. Typical koi pond (8'×10') requires 0.5-1.0 ton for perimeter edge; stream bed (3'×20') uses 1-2 tons depending on depth and desired coverage.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Entertainment

Heat-Resistant Surfacing: Lava rock (1-3 inch) and crushed granite provide non-combustible, heat-resistant surfaces around fire pits. Lava rock weighs 40-50% less than traditional gravel (easier installation), insulates underlying soil, and won't pop or explode when heated (unlike river rock containing moisture). Typical fire pit (8' diameter circle) requires 1-1.5 tons for 4-inch deep surround.

Water Treatment, Filtration, and Agricultural Applications

Municipal and Industrial Water Filtration Systems

Essential Infrastructure Component: Gravel filtration technology, dating back over 4,000 years to ancient civilizations, remains fundamental in modern water treatment facilities serving 280+ million Americans. Gravel's chemical inertness, high porosity (30-40% void space), and mechanical stability make it the ideal support medium for sand filters and standalone filtration systems treating billions of gallons daily.

Rapid Sand Filter Support Beds: Municipal treatment plants use precisely graded gravel layers (1/8 inch to 3 inches) as underdrain support beneath sand filter media. The graded layering—finest at top, coarsest at bottom—prevents sand migration into collection pipes while maintaining water flow rates of 2-5 gallons per minute per square foot. Standard filter configuration: 18-30 inches of multi-layer gravel support beneath 24-36 inches of filter sand. Large metropolitan plants contain thousands of tons of gravel in filter beds treating 50-500 million gallons daily.

Slow Sand Filtration: Developing regions rely on slow sand filters with gravel support layers achieving 90-99% pathogen removal through biological treatment. Operating at 0.1-0.2 gpm/sq ft, these simple systems require only gravity flow and periodic surface cleaning—no chemicals, electricity, or operator expertise. Gravel support (12-18 inches of graded 1/4 to 2 inch) enables even water distribution while preventing sand loss. WHO promotes slow sand filtration for rural communities: construction cost $15-40 per capita vs. $100-300 for conventional treatment.

Residential Well Gravel Packing: Drilled water wells use 50-400 pounds of specifically graded silica gravel (typically #2 or #3 well pack: 1/8-1/4 inch) surrounding well screens. This gravel envelope prevents sand and fine sediment entry while allowing maximum water yield. Proper well packing increases pump life 200-300% (from 5-7 years to 15-20 years), maintains water clarity, and prevents screen slot clogging. Selection formula: gravel size should be 4-6 times larger than native aquifer material to create stable filter pack.

Stormwater Bioretention and Rain Gardens: Urban Low Impact Development (LID) systems use 6-18 inch gravel drainage layers beneath engineered soil media, collecting and filtering stormwater before infiltration or discharge. Performance data shows 85-95% suspended solids removal, 65-85% phosphorus reduction, 40-70% nitrogen removal, and 70-95% heavy metal capture. Typical bioretention cell (200 sq ft) requires 2-4 cubic yards of 1/2-1 inch clean washed stone.

Critical Limitation: Gravel filtration removes suspended particulates (turbidity, sediment, larger microorganisms) through mechanical straining, but does NOT remove dissolved chemicals (pesticides, heavy metals in solution, nitrates), viruses, or guarantee pathogen elimination. Gravel filtration is one component of multi-barrier treatment requiring disinfection (chlorination, UV, ozone) for potable water safety. Never rely on gravel filtration alone for drinking water purification.

Agricultural, Horticultural, and Livestock Applications

Agricultural Lime (Aglime) Production

Primary Soil Amendment: Limestone gravel (calcium carbonate: CaCO₃) and dolomitic limestone (calcium-magnesium carbonate) pulverized to 100-200 mesh powder creates agricultural lime—the cornerstone of soil pH management. U.S. agriculture applies 25-32 million tons annually across 30-40 million acres, representing a $450-600 million market. Aglime is the most cost-effective method to raise soil pH, typically $25-45 per ton delivered vs. $200-400 per ton for hydrated lime or $8-15 per gallon for liquid lime.

• pH Correction Mechanism: CaCO₃ reacts with soil acids, neutralizing hydrogen ions and aluminum toxicity while releasing calcium. Typical application raises pH 0.5-1.2 units per ton per acre depending on soil buffering capacity and lime quality (effective calcium carbonate equivalent: ECCE).

• Nutrient Availability Optimization: Most crops require pH 6.0-7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake. Below pH 6.0, aluminum and manganese become toxic; phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium availability drops 40-60%. Above pH 7.5, iron, manganese, zinc, and boron deficiencies emerge. Proper liming increases crop yields 15-40% on acidic soils.

• Calcium and Magnesium Supplementation: Beyond pH adjustment, aglime provides essential macronutrients—calcium (strengthens cell walls, prevents blossom end rot, improves fruit quality) and magnesium in dolomitic lime (chlorophyll production, enzyme activation).

• Application Rates and Longevity: Typical rates: 1-5 tons per acre based on soil test recommendations and target pH. Effects persist 3-7 years before reapplication needed—faster depletion in high-rainfall areas, sandy soils, or intensive cropping systems leaching calcium.

Poultry Grit Supplement

Essential Digestive Aid: Granite, quartz, or flint gravel crushed to 2-5mm provides "insoluble grit" for chickens, turkeys, ducks, and gamebirds lacking teeth for mechanical grinding. Poultry retain grit in muscular gizzard (ventriculus) where contractions press gravel against feed, physically pulverizing whole grains, seeds, fibrous vegetation, and insects into digestible particles. The U.S. poultry industry (9.2 billion broilers, 380 million layers, 240 million turkeys annually) consumes 45,000-60,000 tons of grit products valued at $8-12 million yearly.

• Digestive Efficiency Impact: Grit-aided mechanical grinding improves feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 12-22%, particularly for whole grain diets. Birds without adequate grit experience crop impaction (potentially fatal blockage), reduced nutrient absorption, poor feather quality, and 8-15% lower egg production in layers.

• Grit Types: Insoluble grit (granite, flint) retained for weeks/months, provides permanent grinding action; Soluble grit (oyster shell, limestone) dissolves within days, primarily serving as calcium source rather than mechanical grinding agent.

• Sizing by Age: Chicks (1-8 weeks): #4 chick grit (1-2mm); Growers (8-16 weeks): #3 grower grit (2-3mm); Layers/Breeders (16+ weeks): #2 layer grit (3-5mm). Proper sizing critical—oversized grit cannot be swallowed; undersized grit passes through too quickly.

• Free-Choice Feeding: Provide grit free-choice in separate hopper. Birds self-regulate intake at 0.5-1% of body weight weekly. Commercial layers require 50-80 grams per bird annually; meat birds 40-60 grams from hatch to processing.

Greenhouse and Container Horticulture

• Perlite (Expanded Volcanic Gravel): Heated volcanic glass (obsidian, pumice) expanded at 1,600°F creates lightweight, sterile perlite (only 5-8 lbs per cubic foot vs. 90-110 for sand). Added to potting mixes at 10-50% by volume, perlite improves aeration (prevents compaction), enhances drainage (prevents root rot), and increases water-holding capacity 200-300% vs. soil alone. U.S. horticulture industry consumes 650,000+ cubic yards annually; global production exceeds 4 million tons.

• Expanded Clay Aggregate (Hydroton, LECA): Clay pellets fired at 2,000°F create lightweight (25-30 lbs per cubic foot), porous, pH-neutral growing media for hydroponic systems. Reusable for 5-10+ years with proper cleaning. Provides excellent root oxygenation, stable support structure, and capillary moisture distribution. Commercial hydroponic operations use 1,000-5,000 cubic feet per acre of greenhouse production.

• Lava Rock and Pumice: Volcanic gravel (1/8-1/2 inch) used in succulent/cactus mixes (30-70% by volume) provides superior drainage preventing rot. Also popular in aquaponics (biological filtration surface area) and orchid culture (excellent aeration, stable pH). Lava rock weighs 40-50% less than comparable gravel, easing shipping and handling costs.

Types of Gravel

There are many different types of gravel. Generally, gravel is categorized based on the size of the individual rock fragments that make up the gravel, as well as how the gravel is procured or produced. In some cases, gravel is distinguished from other types of rock fragments based on whether rock fragments are mechanically crushed or a result of natural erosion.

Gravel formed as a result of natural erosion tends to be smoother and rounder, while crushed stone will have rougher edges and be less smooth. This distinction is important because different types of rock fragments or gravel have advantages and disadvantages depending on their intended use.

Bank Gravel

Also referred to as bank run or river run, this is a type of gravel found next to rivers and streams. It's comprised of a mixture of large and small rock fragments, sand, and clay. Bank gravel has high water draining capacity, helping prevent soil erosion while allowing plants to take root and grow. Typically used for filling in gaps in the landscape and as a foundation for concrete.

River Stone (River Rock)

One of the largest types of gravel. River, creek, and beach stones are all the same form of naturally eroded stone. They tend to be used for decorative purposes due to their smooth surfaces and the variety of colors available. Commonly used in landscaping or for lining water fixtures, creeks, and ponds due to their high draining capacity.

Pea Gravel

One of the smaller types of gravel that gets its name from its size (similar to garden peas). It's also one of the most inexpensive types of gravel, making it useful for many applications. Commonly used as part of an aggregate for building roads and driveways, as well as for making concrete. Popular in landscaping because it offers color and texture, being made up of a combination of chipped and rounded rock fragments. Has high draining capacity and may be used around plants or in aquariums.

Crushed Stone

A type of medium-sized gravel formed by mechanically crushing stone. Most commonly, limestone, dolomite, or granite is crushed to form crushed stone. In certain definitions, crushed stone is not considered gravel since it's a processed rather than naturally-occurring rock fragment. One key difference is that crushed stone has a rougher surface and sharper edges, while naturally eroded gravel tends to be smooth and rounded.

Most often used as part of concrete aggregate. It can have different colors and textures based on the type of stone crushed. Typically used for surfacing roads and driveways. While it may be used for landscaping, its sharper edges can be less visually appealing and more difficult to walk on compared to smoother gravel types.

Pay Gravel (Pay Dirt)

A type of gravel that can be made up of more or less any type of rock. The distinguishing characteristic is that it contains significant concentrations of precious metals, such as gold. It's rarely used for purposes other than gold panning since it contains valuable precious metals.