#8 Gravel vs #89 Stone
Side-by-side comparison of #8 Gravel and #89 Stone to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Small crushed stone approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch in size. Good for walkways and as a top dressing for driveways. #8 gravel bridges the gap between coarse aggregates and fine pea gravel, offering a balance of comfort and stability.
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
#8 Gravel
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Between pavers
- ✓ Asphalt mix
- ✓ Top dressing
- ✓ Drainage backfill
#89 Stone
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Pipe bedding
- ✓ Asphalt mix
- ✓ Between pavers
- ✓ Top dressing
- ✓ Drainage backfill
Pros & Cons
#8 Gravel
- + Smaller size is more comfortable to walk on
- + Compacts better than larger stone
- + Good for filling gaps between pavers
- + Excellent drainage
- + Smooth driveway top-dressing
- − Can migrate without edging
- − Not as stable as larger crushed stone
- − May be tracked by shoes
- − Less commonly stocked than #57
- − Dusty when dry
#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 | #8 Gravel | #89 Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $22 – $40 | $22 – $40 |
| Per cubic yard | $28 – $50 | $28 – $50 |
Sizes & Colors
#8 Gravel
#8 gravel consists of angular crushed stone pieces from 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter. Like other crushed stone, color varies by source quarry — gray, blue-gray, tan, and brown are most common.
#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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