#57 gravel is a versatile crushed stone (typically 34 34 to 1 1 inch in size) used primarily for drainage systems, concrete and asphalt production, and stable driveway foundations. Because it is "washed" and free of fine dust, it promotes excellent water flow without compacting.
67 stone is slightly smaller than 57 stone, making it a good choice for thinner layers of concrete or asphalt. It compacts well and creates a smooth surface. 57 stone, however, is larger and provides better drainage and stability, making it ideal for driveways, foundations, and backfill.
The key difference lies in their composition. Crusher run includes fine particles that fill gaps between larger stones, while 57 gravel maintains consistent sizing with minimal fine material. This fundamental difference affects how each material performs in various applications.
#411 is a mixture of larger, fine, and dust particles. It combines #57 stone and #10 screenings and dust. The small particles and dust help to solidify the material into a good, hard base. This makes it an ideal stone for a base for paver patios, stone walks, retaining walls, artificial turf, driveways, etc.
So rather than compaction tests, #57 stone should have it's individual stone facets properly oriented using a plate compactor, jumping jack, or other vibratory compaction devices. Using compaction equipment, #57 stone will typically compact about one inch in vertical height, which is equivalent to about 8% settlement.
Salt on a gravel road causes maintenance problems as the road begins to thaw out, often making conditions worse. As the salt melts the snow/ice, it causes the salt and water solution to penetrate into the road surface. This causes the road surface to break up and loosens the previously hard packed surface.
3/8-inch crushed stone is the best gravel for wet areas because its angular shape creates excellent drainage while providing stability that won't wash away during heavy rains.
One ton of #57 crushed stone generally covers about 80 to 100 square feet at a standard 2-inch depth. Because #57 stone (which is typically 0.50.50.5 to 111 inch in size) is often used for specific functional projects, coverage changes based on your required thickness:
For rural properties and homes with long driveways, gravel is often the only practical option — paving a 200-foot driveway in asphalt can cost $8,000-$15,000, while the same length in gravel runs $2,000-$5,000.
#57 stone is a crushed aggregate (usually limestone, granite, or trap rock) with pieces that range roughly from 12one-half12 to 1.51.51.5 inches in diameter. It looks like gravel, but because it is mechanically crushed, the stones are jagged and angular rather than smooth.
Gravel that hardens like concrete is typically a mixture of crushed angular stone and fine rock dust. When compacted, the fine powder acts as a binder, locking the larger stones into a solid, durable surface. Common varieties include Crusher Run, Decomposed Granite (DG), and Crushed Concrete.
The best overall gravel size for a driveway is 34three-fourths𝟑𝟒-inch. The ideal material is angular "crushed stone" or "crusher run" (a mix of 34three-fourths34-inch stone down to dust) because the jagged edges interlock to prevent ruts and shifting.
For long-term vegetation control in gravel, you need both a post-emergent to kill existing weeds and a pre-emergent to sterilize the soil against future growth. Use heavy-duty herbicides like Ortho GroundClear or Eraser Max, or mix a DIY solution of 30% vinegar and salt.
With proper installation, Washed 57 Stone forms a permeable base that won't erode easily. Its mid-size rocks filter water while trapping sediment. For best results, use as a sub-base layer under top gravel. Order this durable gravel in bulk for residential and commercial projects.
A professionally installed gravel driveway can last 20 to 30 years or more when constructed with the correct foundations and maintained properly. The longevity of a gravel driveway depends far less on the gravel itself and far more on the quality of the groundwork beneath it.
Recommended Depths Based on Use
Driveways and residential parking areas generally use 4 to 6 inches of #57 for passenger vehicles. For trucks or delivery vehicles, the depth increases to 6 to 8 inches. In gravel roads or private lanes, a total section depth of up to 12 inches is common.
One truckload is equal to roughly 10 to 12 cubic yards and holds around 16 tons of material.
Yes, #57 gravel is one of the best and most popular choices for a driveway. It consists of washed, angular, crushed stone measuring about 34three-fourths34 of an inch in size. Because it contains no dirt or sand ("fines"), it drains perfectly and will not turn into mud.
A standard dump truck load of gravel typically costs between $500 and $1,000 for 10 to 13 tons of material. Single axle trucks (5-7 tons) cost $200-$500, tandem axle trucks (12-15 tons) cost $400-$900, and tri-axle trucks (18-22 tons) cost $600-$1,200.
To fix a muddy driveway, a layered approach is required. Start with a foundation of large 4-inch to 6-inch stones, cover them with crusher run (also called quarry process or 3/4-inch minus), and place geotextile fabric underneath to prevent the rock from sinking into the mud.
Yes, #57 gravel is widely considered the industry standard for drainage applications. Measuring roughly 12one-half12 to 112 inches in size, its angular shape and lack of fine dust allow water to flow freely while maintaining structural stability.
Here are our top tips for removing snow from your gravel driveway.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is highly effective for removing oil stains from asphalt. Because it is a powerful degreaser, it breaks down petroleum-based stains without the harsh solvents that can damage asphalt. For the best results, act quickly before the oil seeps too deep into the pavement.
A 50-pound bag of the material will hold about 80 cups. One cup will melt about 20 square feet of ice. So one bag will typically take care of about 1600 square feet. You can figure an average home has about 1000 square feet of driveways and walkways, including steps.