Crushed Limestone vs Mexican Beach Pebble: Size, Cost, and Which to Use
Crushed Limestone runs about $20 per ton and Mexican Beach Pebble about $120 per ton. Compare size, drainage, compaction, and which one to use.
Overview
Crushed limestone is quarried limestone that has been crushed and screened into standard sizes from screenings to 3-inch rock. It costs $20 to $45 per ton in 2026, weighs 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, and is the cheapest crushed stone across the Midwest, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and any other region sitting on limestone bedrock. Its light color, low price, and the way its fines cement together under traffic make it the default driveway and road gravel in a big part of the country.
Mexican beach pebbles are smooth, naturally tumbled stones commonly used in modern and decorative landscaping. They are prized for their uniform shape, rich color, and polished appearance.
Common Uses
Crushed Limestone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Paver base
- ✓ Concrete aggregate
- ✓ Farm lanes and arenas
- ✓ Landscaping
Mexican Beach Pebble
- ✓ Decorative landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Planters
- ✓ Water features
Pros & Cons
Crushed Limestone
- + Cheapest crushed stone in the Midwest, Texas, and Florida
- + Fines cement together into a hard surface
- + Light color brightens driveways and beds
- + Every standard size available
- + Packs harder than granite crusher run
- − White dust in dry weather
- − Raises soil pH, bad for acid-loving plants
- − Softer, breaks down faster under heavy trucks
- − Expensive where it has to be trucked far
Mexican Beach Pebble
- + Very attractive appearance
- + Smooth texture
- + Long-lasting
- + Low dust
- − Expensive
- − Poor traction
- − Can shift easily
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Crushed Limestone | Mexican Beach Pebble |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $45 | $120 – $200 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $50 | $150 – $240 |
Sizes & Colors
Crushed Limestone
Crushed limestone comes in every standard sieve size: screenings under 1/4 inch, #8 (3/8 to 1/2 inch), #57 (3/4 to 1 inch), #4 (1 to 1.5 inch), #2 (2 to 3 inch), and crusher run (3/4 or 1.5 inch minus). It is angular when fresh and wears smoother than granite. Color runs white, cream, light gray, and tan, and it turns bright white as dust dries on the surface.
Mexican Beach Pebble
Available in sizes from 1" to 3". Commonly black, charcoal, or dark gray.
Published February 11, 2026
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