Crushed Stone vs River Rock
Side-by-side comparison of Crushed Stone and River Rock 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.
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.
Common Uses
Crushed Stone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Foundations
- ✓ Retaining wall backfill
- ✓ French drains
- ✓ Concrete aggregate
River Rock
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Dry creek beds
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Decorative borders
- ✓ Erosion control
- ✓ Pond and water features
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
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
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Crushed Stone | River Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $40 | $40 – $100 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $55 | $45 – $120 |
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.
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.
Published February 11, 2026
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