What’s the Difference Between Gravel and Crushed Stone?

When you're tackling a project, you need the right materials. We are going to look at one of the more common questions we get today. That question is, What’s the difference between gravel and crushed stone?

What is Gravel?

Gravel is a naturally occurring material. It’s found in riverbeds, streams, and ancient geological formations. It’s rounded, smooth, and often comes in a mix of earthy tones depending on where it's sourced. Because it’s been weathered and shaped by nature, it has softer edges.

When to use it:

• Landscaping projects

• Decorative walkways

• Drainage systems

• Areas where aesthetics matter

Gravel is a solid choice when you want a natural look and good drainage. But it’s not always the most stable option for heavy-duty projects.

What is Crushed Stone?

Crushed stone is exactly what it sounds like. It's stone that’s been mechanically crushed in a quarry. It’s sharp, angular, and consistent in size. Because of its shape, it locks into place better, making it ideal for foundational work.

When to use it:

• Driveways and road bases

• Construction foundations

• Concrete mixes

• Any surface that needs load-bearing strength

Crushed stone is all about structure. If you’re building something that needs to last, crushed stone gives you a solid, compactable base.

The Differences

Gravel	Crushed Stone
Naturally rounded	Mechanically crushed and angular
Softer appearance	Sharp, jagged edges
Good for aesthetics and drainage	Great for structure and stability
Varies in color and texture	Uniform and consistent in size

Which One Do You Need?

That depends on the job. If you’re sprucing up a garden path, go with gravel. If you’re pouring a driveway or prepping a foundation, you want crushed stone. Not sure? That’s where we come in.

We don’t expect you to be a materials expert. One call, and we’ll walk you through it.