Crushed Stone vs Crusher Run
Side-by-side comparison of Crushed Stone and Crusher Run to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
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.
Dense blend of crushed stone and stone dust ranging from 1.5" down to fine particles. The fines fill voids between larger stones, creating a surface that self-compacts into an exceptionally firm, stable base. Crusher run is the most popular single-material solution for driveways and parking areas.
Common Uses
Crushed Stone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Foundations
- ✓ Retaining wall backfill
- ✓ French drains
- ✓ Concrete aggregate
Crusher Run
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Parking areas
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Foundation sub-base
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Equipment pads
Pros & Cons
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
Crusher Run
- + Self-compacts into an extremely stable surface
- + Single-layer application (no need for multiple grades)
- + Excellent load-bearing capacity
- + Affordable and widely available
- + Fines lock stones together to resist shifting
- − Not decorative — utilitarian gray appearance
- − Can become muddy if drainage is poor
- − Dusty in dry conditions
- − Tracks onto paved surfaces
- − Requires compaction equipment for best results
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Crushed Stone | Crusher Run |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $40 | $20 – $35 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $55 | $25 – $45 |
Sizes & Colors
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.
Crusher Run
Mix of angular crushed stone from 1.5" down to fine stone dust. The blend of sizes is what makes it self-compacting. Color is typically gray or blue-gray depending on source rock. Sometimes called "crusher run" because it's the raw output of a stone crusher.
Published February 11, 2026
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