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#8 Gravel vs Recycled Asphalt

Side-by-side comparison of #8 Gravel and Recycled Asphalt 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.

Recycled Asphalt

Recycled asphalt is made from reclaimed asphalt pavement that has been crushed and screened. When compacted, it hardens over time as residual asphalt binder reactivates, creating a durable and cost-effective driving surface.

Common Uses

#8 Gravel

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

Recycled Asphalt

  • Driveways
  • Parking areas
  • Rural roads
  • Access roads

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

Recycled Asphalt

  • + Very affordable
  • + Compacts into a hard surface
  • + Less dust than gravel
  • + Reuses existing materials
  • Can soften in extreme heat
  • Dark color absorbs heat
  • Limited availability in some regions

Cost Comparison

Measure #8 Gravel Recycled Asphalt
Per ton $22 – $40 $15 – $30
Per cubic yard $28 – $50 $20 – $45

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.

Recycled Asphalt

Crushed asphalt pieces typically under 1 inch. Black or dark gray in color.

Published February 11, 2026

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