#57 Gravel vs #89 Stone
Side-by-side comparison of #57 Gravel and #89 Stone to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Crushed stone approximately 3/4 to 1 inch in size. One of the most versatile and commonly used gravel sizes in both residential and commercial construction. #57 stone is the go-to aggregate for drainage, driveways, and concrete production.
Small angular crushed stone approximately 3/8 inch and smaller. Similar in size to pea gravel but with angular edges that provide better compaction and stability. A versatile fine aggregate used in both construction and landscaping applications.
Common Uses
#57 Gravel
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Concrete mix
- ✓ Pipe bedding
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Parking areas
#89 Stone
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Pipe bedding
- ✓ Asphalt mix
- ✓ Between pavers
- ✓ Top dressing
- ✓ Drainage backfill
Pros & Cons
#57 Gravel
- + Extremely versatile — works for many applications
- + Excellent drainage characteristics
- + Good compaction when combined with fines
- + Widely available nationwide
- + Cost-effective
- − Too coarse for comfortable walking
- − Angular edges
- − Shifts under foot traffic without stabilization
- − Requires a finer top layer for driveways
- − Not decorative
#89 Stone
- + Angular edges compact better than rounded pea gravel
- + Small size fills tight spaces
- + Good for pipe bedding and utility trenches
- + Comfortable enough for walkways
- + Excellent drainage
- − Too small for driveway base layers
- − Can migrate without edging
- − Less decorative than pea gravel
- − May be tracked by shoes
- − Not widely stocked at all suppliers
Cost Comparison
| Measure | #57 Gravel | #89 Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $35 | $22 – $40 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $45 | $28 – $50 |
Sizes & Colors
#57 Gravel
#57 gravel consists of angular crushed stone pieces ranging from 3/4" to 1" in diameter. Color depends on the quarry source — typically gray, blue-gray, or brown. The stones are angular and irregular, which helps them interlock.
#89 Stone
Angular crushed stone pieces 3/8" and smaller. Color varies by quarry — typically gray, blue-gray, or tan. The angular shape distinguishes it from similarly-sized pea gravel.
Published February 11, 2026
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