What Is the Difference Between Bank Run and Crusher Run?
Quick Answer
Crusher run is crushed to a controlled top size with the dust left in so it binds hard. Bank run is whatever the pit produced. Crusher run finishes better; bank run fills cheaper.
One Is Processed, One Is Not
Crusher run is crushed to a controlled top size with the stone dust deliberately retained so the material binds. It packs into a hard surface that sheds rain, which is why it is the standard driveway wearing course.
Bank run is dug out of a gravel bank or pit and sold essentially as-is. Nothing is crushed, nothing is washed, and nothing is graded to a spec. The blend is whatever the deposit holds, so it is looser, more variable, and considerably cheaper.
Which to Buy
Use crusher run for the surface. Use bank run underneath it, or anywhere bulk fill matters more than finish. On a driveway you often want both: bank run for the base, crusher run for the top 2 to 3 inches.
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