Does Gravel Wash Away?

Which Gravel Washes Away? Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk. Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones. How to Prevent Washout To prevent gravel from washing away: Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface Install edging along all borders For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides Slopes and Drainage On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas. If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.

What Size Gravel for Driveway?

A well-built gravel driveway uses three layers of progressively smaller stone: Base Layer (4 inches) Use #3 stone (1-2 inches) or #4 stone (1.5-3 inches). These large angular stones create a stable foundation and won't sink into soft soil. A geotextile fabric under this layer prevents the stone from migrating into the subgrade. Middle Layer (4 inches) #57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch) is the standard choice. It fills the gaps in the base layer, adds stability, and provides a transition to the finer top layer. Top Layer (2-3 inches) #8 gravel (3/8 to 1/2 inch) or crushed limestone creates a smooth driving surface. Some homeowners prefer #411 (a blend of #57 stone and stone dust) because the dust fills voids and compacts into a very firm surface. What to Avoid Avoid using pea gravel or river rock for driveways — their rounded shape means they never lock together and will constantly shift under tires, creating ruts.

#57 Gravel vs Pea Gravel

Side-by-side comparison of #57 Gravel and Pea Gravel to help you choose the right gravel for your project.

Overview

#57 Gravel

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.

Pea Gravel

Small, rounded stones about 3/8 inch in diameter. Smooth texture and available in natural earth tones. Pea gravel is one of the most popular decorative gravels for residential projects thanks to its comfortable feel underfoot and attractive appearance.

Common Uses

#57 Gravel

✓ Driveways
✓ Drainage
✓ Concrete mix
✓ Pipe bedding
✓ Backfill
✓ Parking areas

Pea Gravel

✓ Patios
✓ Walkways
✓ Playgrounds
✓ Drainage
✓ Landscaping beds
✓ Garden paths

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

Pea Gravel

+ Affordable and widely available
+ Smooth and comfortable underfoot
+ Excellent drainage
+ Attractive natural colors
+ Easy to spread and install

− Shifts and migrates easily
− Not ideal for driveways (poor compaction)
− Requires edging to stay contained
− Can be tracked indoors
− Difficult to shovel snow from

Cost Comparison

Measure	#57 Gravel	Pea Gravel
Per ton	$20 – $35	$25 – $50
Per cubic yard	$25 – $45	$30 – $60

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.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter. It comes in natural earth tones including tan, brown, white, gray, and rust. Some suppliers offer mixed-color blends. The stones are naturally rounded and smooth from water erosion.

Published February 11, 2026

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