#57 Gravel vs Crushed Limestone

#57 Gravel

Crushed stone approximately 3/4 to 1 inch in size. One of the most versatile and commonly used gravel sizes in both residential and commercial construction. #57 stone is the go-to aggregate for drainage, driveways, and concrete production.

Crushed Limestone

Crushed sedimentary rock with a pale gray to white color. Compacts well and provides good drainage. Limestone is a popular choice in the Midwest and South where it's quarried locally, keeping costs low.

#57 Gravel

• ✓ Driveways
• ✓ Drainage
• ✓ Concrete mix
• ✓ Pipe bedding
• ✓ Backfill
• ✓ Parking areas

Crushed Limestone

• ✓ Driveways
• ✓ Pathways
• ✓ Base material
• ✓ Garden beds
• ✓ Parking pads
• ✓ Erosion control

#57 Gravel

• + Extremely versatile — works for many applications
• + Excellent drainage characteristics
• + Good compaction when combined with fines
• + Widely available nationwide
• + Cost-effective

• − Too coarse for comfortable walking
• − Angular edges
• − Shifts under foot traffic without stabilization
• − Requires a finer top layer for driveways
• − Not decorative

Crushed Limestone

• + Compacts into a firm, stable surface
• + Light color brightens landscapes
• + Good drainage properties
• + Affordable in limestone-rich regions
• + Natural weed suppression when compacted

• − Can become muddy when wet (stone dust)
• − Limited color options
• − May raise soil pH over time
• − Dusty in dry conditions
• − Not available everywhere

#57 Gravel

#57 gravel consists of angular crushed stone pieces ranging from 3/4" to 1" in diameter. Color depends on the quarry source — typically gray, blue-gray, or brown. The stones are angular and irregular, which helps them interlock.

Crushed Limestone

Available from fine limestone screenings up to 3-inch chunks. Most common sizes are 3/4" and 1.5". Color ranges from pale gray to off-white, sometimes with a slight yellow tint. Compacted limestone screenings create a smooth, almost concrete-like surface.