Crushed Stone vs Pea Gravel: Differences, Uses & Costs Explained

Choosing between crushed stone and pea gravel can significantly impact your project's functionality, appearance, and cost. While both are popular aggregate materials, they have distinct characteristics that make each better suited for specific applications.

What Is Crushed Stone?

Crushed stone is mechanically broken rock with angular, irregular edges. It's produced by crushing larger rocks in quarries and screening them to specific sizes. Common types include limestone, granite, and trap rock.

Key characteristics:

• Size range: Typically 3/4 inch to 1.5 inches
• Texture: Angular and rough edges
• Compaction: Locks together tightly when compacted
• Appearance: Gray, white, or tan depending on stone type

What Is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel consists of small, naturally weathered stones with smooth, rounded edges. Named for their pea-like size and shape, these stones are typically found in riverbeds or created through natural erosion processes.

Key characteristics:

• Size range: Usually 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch diameter
• Texture: Smooth and rounded
• Compaction: Doesn't lock together; tends to shift
• Appearance: Various colors including tan, white, brown, and mixed

Key Differences: Crushed Stone vs Pea Gravel

1. Stability and Compaction

Crushed Stone: The angular edges interlock when compacted, creating a stable, firm surface that resists shifting. Ideal for areas with heavy traffic or weight-bearing applications.

Pea Gravel: Smooth, rounded stones don't lock together and tend to shift underfoot or under vehicle weight. Better for decorative applications with light foot traffic.

2. Drainage Performance

Crushed Stone: Excellent drainage due to larger void spaces between angular pieces. Perfect for French drains and drainage systems.

Pea Gravel: Good drainage but can compact over time, reducing effectiveness. Still suitable for most drainage applications.

3. Comfort and Aesthetics

Crushed Stone: Rough texture can be uncomfortable for bare feet. Industrial appearance works well for functional areas but may not suit decorative landscaping.

Pea Gravel: Smooth texture is comfortable to walk on barefoot. Attractive, natural appearance enhances garden beds, pathways, and decorative areas.

4. Cost Comparison

Crushed Stone: Generally $30-$50 per ton, making it the more economical choice for large projects.

Pea Gravel: Typically $40-$60 per ton due to additional processing and aesthetic appeal.

Use our gravel calculator to estimate material costs for your specific project.

Best Uses for Crushed Stone

• Driveways: Provides stable, durable surface for vehicles
• Base layers: Excellent foundation for patios, pavers, and concrete
• Drainage systems: Superior performance in French drains and dry wells
• Road construction: Standard material for road bases and shoulders
• Parking areas: Handles heavy traffic and weight

Best Uses for Pea Gravel

• Garden pathways: Comfortable walking surface with attractive appearance
• Landscaping beds: Decorative ground cover around plants and trees
• Play areas: Soft landing surface for playgrounds (when properly installed)
• Decorative accents: Borders, dry creek beds, and water features
• Dog runs: Easy to clean and comfortable for pets

Can You Combine Both Materials?

Yes! Many successful projects use both materials in layers:

1. Base layer: 3-4 inches of crushed stone for stability and drainage
2. Top layer: 2-3 inches of pea gravel for aesthetics and comfort

This combination provides structural integrity with an attractive finish. Calculate the exact amounts needed using our stone calculator.

Installation Considerations

For Crushed Stone:

• Requires proper compaction with a plate compactor or roller
• Install landscape fabric underneath to prevent weed growth
• Edge with borders to contain material
• Typical depth: 4-6 inches for driveways, 3-4 inches for paths

For Pea Gravel:

• Install edging or borders to prevent spreading (essential)
• Use landscape fabric to suppress weeds
• Typical depth: 2-3 inches for pathways, 3-4 inches for play areas
• Rake periodically to maintain even distribution

Maintenance Requirements

Crushed Stone: Low maintenance once installed. May need occasional raking and adding material to high-traffic areas every few years.

Pea Gravel: Requires more frequent maintenance. Rake regularly to redistribute stones, add material annually to replace displaced gravel, and keep edges clear.

Environmental Considerations

Both materials are environmentally friendly options:

• Permeable: Allow water infiltration, reducing runoff
• Natural materials: No synthetic chemicals or treatments
• Recyclable: Can be reused in other projects
• Local sourcing: Often available from nearby quarries, reducing transportation impact

Learn more about sustainable landscaping practices from the EPA's green infrastructure guide.

Making Your Decision

Choose crushed stone if you need:

• Maximum stability and load-bearing capacity
• A driveway or parking area
• Base layer for construction projects
• Superior drainage performance
• Lower cost for large areas

Choose pea gravel if you want:

• Attractive, decorative appearance
• Comfortable walking surface
• Garden pathways or landscaping beds
• Play areas or dog runs
• Softer, more natural aesthetic

Conclusion

Both crushed stone and pea gravel have their place in landscaping and construction projects. Crushed stone excels in applications requiring stability, load-bearing capacity, and drainage, while pea gravel shines in decorative applications where aesthetics and comfort matter most.

For many projects, using both materials in combination provides the best results—crushed stone for the functional base layer and pea gravel for an attractive, comfortable top layer. Consider your specific needs, budget, and maintenance preferences when making your choice.

For more guidance on stone selection and installation, check out This Old House's comprehensive gravel guide.