GoodGravel

#89 Stone vs Crushed Stone

Side-by-side comparison of #89 Stone and Crushed Stone to help you choose the right gravel for your project.

Overview

#89 Stone

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 Stone

Angular, mechanically crushed rock available in various sizes. Excellent for compaction and stability. Crushed stone is the workhorse of the aggregate industry, used in everything from road construction to residential driveways.

Common Uses

#89 Stone

  • Walkways
  • Pipe bedding
  • Asphalt mix
  • Between pavers
  • Top dressing
  • Drainage backfill

Crushed Stone

  • Driveways
  • Road base
  • Foundations
  • Retaining wall backfill
  • French drains
  • Concrete aggregate

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 Stone

  • + Compacts firmly for stable surfaces
  • + Excellent load-bearing capacity
  • + Interlocking shape prevents shifting
  • + Widely available and affordable
  • + Multiple size options
  • Angular edges are uncomfortable underfoot
  • Dusty when dry
  • Not as decorative as rounded gravel
  • Can be sharp on bare feet
  • May need periodic top-dressing

Cost Comparison

Measure #89 Stone Crushed Stone
Per ton $22 – $40 $20 – $40
Per cubic yard $28 – $50 $25 – $55

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 Stone

Crushed stone is available in sizes from stone dust (fine) up to 4 inches. Common grades include #8 (3/8"), #57 (3/4"–1"), #3 (1"–2"), and #1 (2"–4"). Colors depend on the source rock — typically gray, blue-gray, or tan.

Published February 11, 2026

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