#8 Gravel vs Bluestone
Side-by-side comparison of #8 Gravel and Bluestone 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.
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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