Crushed Stone vs Jersey Shore Gravel: Size, Cost, and Which to Use
Crushed Stone runs about $20 per ton and Jersey Shore Gravel about $60 per ton. Compare size, drainage, compaction, and which one to use.
Overview
Crushed stone is rock that a quarry blasted, crushed, and screened into a set size range. It costs $20 to $40 per ton in 2026, weighs 1.35 to 1.55 tons per cubic yard, and is the base under nearly every road, driveway, slab, and patio in the country. The important difference from "gravel" in the natural sense is shape: crushed stone is angular, so the pieces lock together, while natural river gravel is rounded and rolls. Almost everything sold as gravel at a quarry is crushed stone.
Jersey Shore gravel is a naturally rounded, multicolored stone originating from river deposits in the northeastern United States. Its smooth texture and varied coloration make it a popular decorative gravel.
Common Uses
Crushed Stone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Concrete mix
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Paver base
- ✓ Backfill
Jersey Shore Gravel
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Decorative ground cover
- ✓ Walkways
Pros & Cons
Crushed Stone
- + Angular pieces interlock and carry weight
- + Cheapest bulk material at $20 to $40 per ton
- + A size for every job, from dust to 4-inch rock
- + Stocked at every quarry
- + Drains (clean) or packs (minus), your choice
- − Sharp edges, hard on bare feet and tires in big sizes
- − Plain gray look
- − Easy to order the wrong size
- − Larger sizes are hard to spread by hand
Jersey Shore Gravel
- + Attractive multicolor appearance
- + Smooth texture
- + Low maintenance
- − Does not compact
- − Can shift under foot traffic
- − Higher cost than standard gravel
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Crushed Stone | Jersey Shore Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $40 | $60 – $120 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $55 | $75 – $150 |
Sizes & Colors
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is sold by sieve size, from stone dust and #10 screenings (under 1/4 inch) through #8 (3/8 to 1/2 inch), #57 (3/4 to 1 inch), #4 (1 to 1.5 inches), #3 (1.5 to 2.5 inches), and #1 or #2 (2.5 to 4 inches). Every size is angular with fractured faces. Color follows the quarry: gray or blue-gray limestone, gray to pink granite, dark basalt, or tan sandstone and limestone in the South.
Jersey Shore Gravel
Typically available in 3/8" to 1.5" sizes. Colors include tan, brown, gray, and red tones.
Published February 11, 2026
Compare prices from local suppliers
Get quotes from gravel suppliers near you to find the best deal.