Crushed Stone vs Lava Rock: Size, Cost, and Which to Use

Crushed Stone

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.

Lava Rock

Lava rock is a lightweight, porous volcanic stone commonly used in landscaping. Its rough texture helps retain moisture while allowing airflow to plant roots.

Crushed Stone

• ✓ Driveways
• ✓ Road base
• ✓ Concrete mix
• ✓ Drainage
• ✓ Paver base
• ✓ Backfill

Lava Rock

• ✓ Landscaping
• ✓ Garden beds
• ✓ Decorative ground cover

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

Lava Rock

• + Very lightweight
• + Excellent moisture retention
• + Decorative appearance

• − Breaks down over time
• − Sharp edges
• − Can scatter easily

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.

Lava Rock

Typically 3/4"–1.5" sizes. Red or black.