Crushed Stone vs Mexican Beach Pebble: Size, Cost, and Which to Use
Crushed Stone runs about $20 per ton and Mexican Beach Pebble about $120 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.
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 Stone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Concrete mix
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Paver base
- ✓ Backfill
Mexican Beach Pebble
- ✓ Decorative landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Planters
- ✓ Water features
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
Mexican Beach Pebble
- + Very attractive appearance
- + Smooth texture
- + Long-lasting
- + Low dust
- − Expensive
- − Poor traction
- − Can shift easily
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Crushed Stone | Mexican Beach Pebble |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $40 | $120 – $200 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $55 | $150 – $240 |
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.
Mexican Beach Pebble
Available in sizes from 1" to 3". Commonly black, charcoal, or dark gray.
Published February 11, 2026
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