Number 57
Base Material for Driveways and Roads
Conversely, #57 stone, with its uniform size and shape, is also used in these applications, particularly when consistent drainage and aesthetics are primary concerns.
#57 Size Limestone is the right size for driveways, its larger irregular shape helps keep it in place and its better suited to fill voids and uneven ground areas. Spreading this around with a flat head shovel is the best way to spread it by hand. In my opinion this is better than a gutter system. I recommend pouring th.
Stones for driveway must be hardwearing such as basalts, granites, flints and quartz. This is because it must withstand higher and heavier traffic. We also highly recommend selecting a stone that is darker in colour as it hides any dirt or dust that will accumulate over time.
If you have old landscaping gravel lying around, it may seem tempting to save even more money by using that. The problem is that to build a gravel driveway, you need to use an appropriate driveway material. Not all types of gravel are suitable for the weight of your car or the constant changes in pressure.
Dense Grade Gravel
When compacted, this is a type of gravel that hardens like concrete and forms a semisolid surface that's able to stand up to the rigors of vehicle and foot traffic. This type of gravel is considered practical and functional, but not exactly aesthetically pleasing.
Among the other options are crushed stone #411, quarry process, pea gravel, jersey shore gravel, marble chips, and river rock. These are the best options for driveway surfaces gravel, because they are small stones combined with rock dust, which makes a more solid driving surface.
Gravel can be a little harder to find for free, but again, check with construction sites. Demolition sites, in particular, are likely to have a lot of rubble and gravel that someone is responsible for disposing of. The foreman or company will probably let you have it.
The best size gravel aggregate for your driveway ranges from ¼” – 1” because it clumps together better when a tire presses on it, so the result is a more stable and less slippery surface. It's also great for drainage, ensuring you won't end up with a pond instead of a driveway.
Adequate Support: For light to moderate traffic and stable soil conditions, 2 inches of gravel may provide adequate support and stability for the driveway surface. Drainage: A thinner gravel layer allows for better drainage and water infiltration, reducing the risk of water buildup and erosion beneath the driveway.
Generally speaking, the size of #57 stone is between 3/8 of an inch and one inch.
Crushed stone is the go-to for durability and low-cost driveways and will probably be your best option. . If you're making a gravel driveway for an area with tons of traffic, this is your old reliable. And it doesn't look half bad, either.
AASHTO #57 (coarse aggregate stone has 100% passing 1-1/2" screen, 95-100% passing 1" screen) is an open-graded, self-compacting aggregate blend of size 5, 6, & 7 stone. This material cannot be 'compacted' in a true sense, but can be properly oriented with compaction equipment.
One truckload of this rock is roughly equal to 10 to 12 cubic yards or 16 tons and may cost around $800, although prices can fluctuate. Dirt Connections currently offers this type of stone in increments of half a truckload.
Material Costs
A standard concrete mix is less expensive than most paver materials, which can range from basic concrete blocks to high-end natural stone pavers. As noted in discussions online, pavers offer a range of aesthetic choices but at a higher material cost per square foot.
Gravel is often considered the cheapest material for a driveway. It's readily available and requires minimal processing, which keeps costs low. Additionally, gravel driveways can often be installed as a DIY project, reducing expenses.
You can put your gravel directly onto the firm soil, though this isn't recommended as it won't be a stable base for your gravel driveway. If you are planning to forgo the driveway sub-base, we do suggest using a weed membrane underneath the gravel to keep it clean.
A commonly used gravel size for driveway base layers is #3 gravel. This rock is generally 1-2 inches in diameter and does double duty by establishing a solid, reliable foundation and providing adequate drainage; both critical factors in driveway construction.
#57s or Crusher Run are the two most common and best options for driveway gravel. 57 Gravel is made of gravel alone and is the best option for most driveways because it is composed of long-lasting gravel. Crusher run is a blend of gravel and sand. Crusher Run is the cheapest option per dump truck load.
As a general guide, one ton of gravel typically covers approximately: 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth. 80 square feet at a 3-inch depth. 60 square feet at a 4-inch depth.
Pros: The easiest, fastest and cheapest do it yourself driveway is commonly made with gravel. You basically buy it, dump it and spread it evenly to create a flat surface for any vehicle to go over.
Bulk crushed stone and gravel prices are $10 to $50 per ton on average. One cubic yard contains 1.4 to 1.5 tons of stone. Road base costs $18 to $30 per ton. Plain pea gravel or limestone costs $28 to $45 per ton.