#89 Stone vs Crushed Limestone
Side-by-side comparison of #89 Stone and Crushed Limestone 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.
Crushed sedimentary rock with a pale gray to white color. Compacts well and provides good drainage. Limestone is a popular choice in the Midwest and South where it's quarried locally, keeping costs low.
Common Uses
#89 Stone
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Pipe bedding
- ✓ Asphalt mix
- ✓ Between pavers
- ✓ Top dressing
- ✓ Drainage backfill
Crushed Limestone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Pathways
- ✓ Base material
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Parking pads
- ✓ Erosion control
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
Crushed Limestone
- + Compacts into a firm, stable surface
- + Light color brightens landscapes
- + Good drainage properties
- + Affordable in limestone-rich regions
- + Natural weed suppression when compacted
- − Can become muddy when wet (stone dust)
- − Limited color options
- − May raise soil pH over time
- − Dusty in dry conditions
- − Not available everywhere
Cost Comparison
| Measure | #89 Stone | Crushed Limestone |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $22 – $40 | $20 – $45 |
| Per cubic yard | $28 – $50 | $25 – $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.
Crushed Limestone
Available from fine limestone screenings up to 3-inch chunks. Most common sizes are 3/4" and 1.5". Color ranges from pale gray to off-white, sometimes with a slight yellow tint. Compacted limestone screenings create a smooth, almost concrete-like surface.
Published February 11, 2026
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