GoodGravel

#8 Gravel vs Bluestone

Side-by-side comparison of #8 Gravel and Bluestone to help you choose the right gravel for your project.

Overview

#8 Gravel

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.

Bluestone

Bluestone is a dense, fine-grained natural stone commonly used in the northeastern United States. It is valued for its durability, rich blue-gray color, and clean, angular appearance.

Common Uses

#8 Gravel

  • Walkways
  • Patios
  • Between pavers
  • Asphalt mix
  • Top dressing
  • Drainage backfill

Bluestone

  • Walkways
  • Patios
  • Landscaping
  • Driveway borders

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

Bluestone

  • + Highly durable
  • + Attractive natural color
  • + Resists weathering
  • + Slip-resistant texture
  • Expensive
  • Heavy
  • Regional availability

Cost Comparison

Measure #8 Gravel Bluestone
Per ton $22 – $40 $80 – $150
Per cubic yard $28 – $50 $100 – $180

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.

Bluestone

Available as gravel, chips, or slabs. Colors range from blue-gray to steel blue.

Published February 11, 2026

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