Does Gravel Wash Away?

Which Gravel Washes Away? Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk. Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones. How to Prevent Washout To prevent gravel from washing away: Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface Install edging along all borders For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides Slopes and Drainage On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas. If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.

Crusher Run vs Pea Gravel

Side-by-side comparison of Crusher Run and Pea Gravel to help you choose the right gravel for your project.

Overview

Crusher Run

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.

Pea Gravel

Small, rounded stones about 3/8 inch in diameter. Smooth texture and available in natural earth tones. Pea gravel is one of the most popular decorative gravels for residential projects thanks to its comfortable feel underfoot and attractive appearance.

Common Uses

Crusher Run

✓ Driveways
✓ Parking areas
✓ Road base
✓ Foundation sub-base
✓ Backfill
✓ Equipment pads

Pea Gravel

✓ Patios
✓ Walkways
✓ Playgrounds
✓ Drainage
✓ Landscaping beds
✓ Garden paths

Pros & Cons

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

Pea Gravel

+ Affordable and widely available
+ Smooth and comfortable underfoot
+ Excellent drainage
+ Attractive natural colors
+ Easy to spread and install

− Shifts and migrates easily
− Not ideal for driveways (poor compaction)
− Requires edging to stay contained
− Can be tracked indoors
− Difficult to shovel snow from

Cost Comparison

Measure	Crusher Run	Pea Gravel
Per ton	$20 – $35	$25 – $50
Per cubic yard	$25 – $45	$30 – $60

Sizes & Colors

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.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter. It comes in natural earth tones including tan, brown, white, gray, and rust. Some suppliers offer mixed-color blends. The stones are naturally rounded and smooth from water erosion.

Published February 11, 2026

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