#8 Gravel vs Bank Run Gravel
Side-by-side comparison of #8 Gravel and Bank Run Gravel to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Small crushed stone approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch in size. Good for walkways and as a top dressing for driveways. #8 gravel bridges the gap between coarse aggregates and fine pea gravel, offering a balance of comfort and stability.
Bank run gravel is a naturally occurring mix of sand, gravel, and small stones excavated directly from pits or riverbanks. Unlike crusher run, it is not mechanically crushed or screened, resulting in inconsistent sizing.
Common Uses
#8 Gravel
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Between pavers
- ✓ Asphalt mix
- ✓ Top dressing
- ✓ Drainage backfill
Bank Run Gravel
- ✓ Rural driveways
- ✓ Base fill
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Construction fill
Pros & Cons
#8 Gravel
- + Smaller size is more comfortable to walk on
- + Compacts better than larger stone
- + Good for filling gaps between pavers
- + Excellent drainage
- + Smooth driveway top-dressing
- − Can migrate without edging
- − Not as stable as larger crushed stone
- − May be tracked by shoes
- − Less commonly stocked than #57
- − Dusty when dry
Bank Run Gravel
- + Low cost
- + Minimal processing
- + Good general fill material
- − Inconsistent size
- − Poor compaction compared to crusher run
- − Can contain excess sand
Cost Comparison
| Measure | #8 Gravel | Bank Run Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $22 – $40 | $15 – $30 |
| Per cubic yard | $28 – $50 | $20 – $40 |
Sizes & Colors
#8 Gravel
#8 gravel consists of angular crushed stone pieces from 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter. Like other crushed stone, color varies by source quarry — gray, blue-gray, tan, and brown are most common.
Bank Run Gravel
Unscreened blend ranging from sand up to 2" stones. Color varies by region.
Published February 11, 2026
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