Crushed Stone vs Washed Gravel: Size, Cost, and Which to Use
Crushed Stone runs about $20 per ton and Washed Gravel about $25 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.
Washed gravel consists of crushed or rounded stone that has been mechanically washed to remove all fines and dust. Without fines, the stones do not compact, allowing water to flow freely between them. Washed gravel is commonly used where drainage is the primary concern.
Common Uses
Crushed Stone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Concrete mix
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Paver base
- ✓ Backfill
Washed Gravel
- ✓ Drainage systems
- ✓ French drains
- ✓ Foundation backfill
- ✓ Septic systems
- ✓ Pipe bedding
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
Washed Gravel
- + Excellent drainage
- + No dust or mud
- + Does not retain water
- + Clean, uniform appearance
- − Does not compact
- − Can shift under load
- − Requires edging or containment
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Crushed Stone | Washed Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $40 | $25 – $45 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $55 | $30 – $60 |
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.
Washed Gravel
Typically available in 3/4" (#57), 1"–2", or mixed clean stone sizes. Color varies by source material but is usually gray, tan, or off-white.
Published February 11, 2026
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