#8 Gravel vs River Rock

#8 Gravel

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.

River Rock

Naturally rounded stones smoothed by water erosion. Available in sizes from 1 to 5+ inches. River rock adds a polished, natural look to any landscape and is prized for its smooth texture and visual appeal.

#8 Gravel

• ✓ Walkways
• ✓ Patios
• ✓ Between pavers
• ✓ Asphalt mix
• ✓ Top dressing
• ✓ Drainage backfill

River Rock

• ✓ Landscaping
• ✓ Dry creek beds
• ✓ Drainage
• ✓ Decorative borders
• ✓ Erosion control
• ✓ Pond and water features

#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

River Rock

• + Beautiful, natural appearance
• + Extremely durable and long-lasting
• + Heavy enough to resist displacement
• + No sharp edges
• + Low maintenance

• − More expensive than crushed stone
• − Heavy and difficult to move
• − Not suitable for walking surfaces
• − Cannot be compacted
• − Limited use for structural applications

#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.

River Rock

River rock comes in a wide range of sizes: small (1"–2"), medium (2"–3"), large (3"–5"), and boulders (5"+). Natural colors include gray, brown, tan, white, black, and multi-colored blends. Mexican beach pebbles offer polished black and gray options.