Does Gravel Wash Away?

Which Gravel Washes Away? Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk. Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones. How to Prevent Washout To prevent gravel from washing away: Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface Install edging along all borders For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides Slopes and Drainage On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas. If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.

Crushed Limestone vs Pea Gravel

Side-by-side comparison of Crushed Limestone and Pea Gravel to help you choose the right gravel for your project.

Overview

Crushed Limestone

Crushed sedimentary rock with a pale gray to white color. Compacts well and provides good drainage. Limestone is a popular choice in the Midwest and South where it's quarried locally, keeping costs low.

Pea Gravel

Small, rounded stones about 3/8 inch in diameter. Smooth texture and available in natural earth tones. Pea gravel is one of the most popular decorative gravels for residential projects thanks to its comfortable feel underfoot and attractive appearance.

Common Uses

Crushed Limestone

✓ Driveways
✓ Pathways
✓ Base material
✓ Garden beds
✓ Parking pads
✓ Erosion control

Pea Gravel

✓ Patios
✓ Walkways
✓ Playgrounds
✓ Drainage
✓ Landscaping beds
✓ Garden paths

Pros & Cons

Crushed Limestone

+ Compacts into a firm, stable surface
+ Light color brightens landscapes
+ Good drainage properties
+ Affordable in limestone-rich regions
+ Natural weed suppression when compacted

− Can become muddy when wet (stone dust)
− Limited color options
− May raise soil pH over time
− Dusty in dry conditions
− Not available everywhere

Pea Gravel

+ Affordable and widely available
+ Smooth and comfortable underfoot
+ Excellent drainage
+ Attractive natural colors
+ Easy to spread and install

− Shifts and migrates easily
− Not ideal for driveways (poor compaction)
− Requires edging to stay contained
− Can be tracked indoors
− Difficult to shovel snow from

Cost Comparison

Measure	Crushed Limestone	Pea Gravel
Per ton	$20 – $45	$25 – $50
Per cubic yard	$25 – $50	$30 – $60

Sizes & Colors

Crushed Limestone

Available from fine limestone screenings up to 3-inch chunks. Most common sizes are 3/4" and 1.5". Color ranges from pale gray to off-white, sometimes with a slight yellow tint. Compacted limestone screenings create a smooth, almost concrete-like surface.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter. It comes in natural earth tones including tan, brown, white, gray, and rust. Some suppliers offer mixed-color blends. The stones are naturally rounded and smooth from water erosion.

Published February 11, 2026

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