#89 Stone vs Construction Gravel
Side-by-side comparison of #89 Stone and Construction Gravel to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
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.
Construction gravel is a broad category of mixed-size stone used for general building and site work. It typically includes a combination of crushed stone sizes suitable for base preparation and structural fill.
Common Uses
#89 Stone
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Pipe bedding
- ✓ Asphalt mix
- ✓ Between pavers
- ✓ Top dressing
- ✓ Drainage backfill
Construction Gravel
- ✓ Construction sites
- ✓ Base layers
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Temporary roads
Pros & Cons
#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
Construction Gravel
- + Versatile material
- + Readily available
- + Cost-effective
- + Suitable for many applications
- − Inconsistent sizing
- − Not decorative
- − Varies by supplier
Cost Comparison
| Measure | #89 Stone | Construction Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $22 – $40 | $15 – $35 |
| Per cubic yard | $28 – $50 | $20 – $50 |
Sizes & Colors
#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.
Construction Gravel
Mixed crushed stone sizes ranging from fines to 1" or larger. Color varies by quarry source.
Published February 11, 2026
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