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#89 Stone vs Crusher Run

Side-by-side comparison of #89 Stone and Crusher Run to help you choose the right gravel for your project.

Overview

#89 Stone

Small angular crushed stone approximately 3/8 inch and smaller. Similar in size to pea gravel but with angular edges that provide better compaction and stability. A versatile fine aggregate used in both construction and landscaping applications.

Crusher Run

Dense blend of crushed stone and stone dust ranging from 1.5" down to fine particles. The fines fill voids between larger stones, creating a surface that self-compacts into an exceptionally firm, stable base. Crusher run is the most popular single-material solution for driveways and parking areas.

Common Uses

#89 Stone

  • Walkways
  • Pipe bedding
  • Asphalt mix
  • Between pavers
  • Top dressing
  • Drainage backfill

Crusher Run

  • Driveways
  • Parking areas
  • Road base
  • Foundation sub-base
  • Backfill
  • Equipment pads

Pros & Cons

#89 Stone

  • + Angular edges compact better than rounded pea gravel
  • + Small size fills tight spaces
  • + Good for pipe bedding and utility trenches
  • + Comfortable enough for walkways
  • + Excellent drainage
  • Too small for driveway base layers
  • Can migrate without edging
  • Less decorative than pea gravel
  • May be tracked by shoes
  • Not widely stocked at all suppliers

Crusher Run

  • + Self-compacts into an extremely stable surface
  • + Single-layer application (no need for multiple grades)
  • + Excellent load-bearing capacity
  • + Affordable and widely available
  • + Fines lock stones together to resist shifting
  • Not decorative — utilitarian gray appearance
  • Can become muddy if drainage is poor
  • Dusty in dry conditions
  • Tracks onto paved surfaces
  • Requires compaction equipment for best results

Cost Comparison

Measure #89 Stone Crusher Run
Per ton $22 – $40 $20 – $35
Per cubic yard $28 – $50 $25 – $45

Sizes & Colors

#89 Stone

Angular crushed stone pieces 3/8" and smaller. Color varies by quarry — typically gray, blue-gray, or tan. The angular shape distinguishes it from similarly-sized pea gravel.

Crusher Run

Mix of angular crushed stone from 1.5" down to fine stone dust. The blend of sizes is what makes it self-compacting. Color is typically gray or blue-gray depending on source rock. Sometimes called "crusher run" because it's the raw output of a stone crusher.

Published February 11, 2026

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