The right crushed stone and gravel aggregates are essential for construction projects. These materials are used in many construction and landscaping projects, such as

·  Driveways and Roads

·  Decorative pathways

·  Garden beds

·  Construction Foundations

·  Retaining Walls

There are so many options, it can be hard to choose the right type and grade. However, when there are so many options in the market, choosing the right one can be confusing.  Let us look at crushed stone and gravel and how you can use them in your next project.

Gravel vs. Crushed Stone: What's the Difference?

Before we look at the different types of gravel and crushed stone, let us first understand the difference between crushed stone and gravel. The simple answer is that crushed stones are manmade, whereas gravel is a natural product that has been shaped by weathering and erosion.

As the name suggest the crushed stone is made by crushing large rocks formations into different sizes using machines such as jaw crushers, cone crushers and impact crushers. The crushing process gives the angular rocks and rough edges and uneven surfaces.

Whereas gravel is made naturally over long period. When rocks get exposed to moving water and abrasion over thousands of years they break into smaller rounder stones. You can find gravel deposits in rivers streams, on beaches and quarries and pits.

The way these materials are formed affects how they interact and lock together in construction applications. Crushed stone tends to have sharper edges, while gravel is rounded. For instance, the angular shape of crushed stone makes it really stable and easy to compact.

Common Sizes and Grades of Crushed Stone

When you order crushed stone for a project, it is important to know what size and grade you need. The crushers separate the rocks by size and put them into piles labeled with a size number. Some of the most common crushed stone sizes you will come across are as follows:

• 1 The largest crushed stone is around 2 to 4 inches in size.
• 2 – They're about 2 to 3 inches in size.
• 3 – Between 1 and 2 inches.
• 4 is anything from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches.
• 5 is around 1 inch or smaller.
• 8 is anything from 3/8 to 1/2 inch.
• 10 is the smallest classification, at 1/4 inch or less. It's often called stone     dust.

The numbers show how many times the crushed stone went through the screens. The higher the number, the more screens you'll need to get the job done, and the finer the crushed stone. When it comes to construction, you'll probably use some key crushed stone sizes, like #1-#3 as a base, #3-#4for drainage, and #5-#10 for mixing.

Common Sizes and types of gravel

Gravel is a type of rock that is used in construction. These rocks are typically smaller in size and round. Gravel is commonly used inroads, bridges, buildings and landscaping.

Gravel is available in a variety of sizes, from large rocks to small pebbles. Here are some of the common sizes for gravel:

• Medium gravel (1" to 2")
• Large gravel (2" to 4")
• Pea gravel (1/4")
• Small gravel (1/2" to 1")

Gravel is available in the variety of colors and textures based on the quarry from it is sourced. The most common colors available are grey, brown and white. The shape of the gravel can also be rounded or angular based on the shape the stones were used.

How do you select the right material?

Now that you know the difference between types of crushed stone and gravel lets now find out which is best option for your project. Here are some of the tips.

Check out the drainage needs: The size and shape of the rock impact drainage affect its performance. For example, larger angular crushed stone is the optimal choice for French drains, while smooth pea gravel is best suited for dry wells.

Factor in aesthetics: We recommend marble chips and other attractive gravels for visible surfaces such as driveways.  On the other hand, crushed stone is an effective solution for subsurface utility bedding.

Determine structural needs: The use of angular crushed stone, as opposed to rounded gravel, is essential for the successful completion of foundations, retaining walls, and similar projects.

Assess compaction requirements: Angular crushed stone, such as #57 stone, offers superior compaction compared to gravel, which makes it an optimal choice for base layers and bedding that require compaction.

Check availability locally: Selecting locally sourced aggregates represents the most cost-effective solution because of the associated transportation costs.

Conclusion: Crushed stone and gravel are the two popular materials that are widely used in construction and landscaping projects.  They both have their unique benefits, and that is where you understand the difference between them will help you make the right choice for your project.

Contact with us if you are looking for high quality crushed stone, gravel or other aggregates in Southern California experienced team will help you find the optimal materials for your specific requirements. Contact us today to discuss your project and any specific requirements you may have.