What Aggregate Do I Need?

Q: What type of gravel is best for driveways?

3/4" minus (crusher run) is the most popular driveway gravel. The mix of crushed stone and fine particles compacts into a hard, stable surface that resists rutting and holds up to vehicle traffic. For driveways that need drainage, use 3/4" clear crushed gravel instead.

Q: What aggregate do I need for a French drain?

Use 3/4" clear (washed) crushed rock. The uniform sizing with no fines allows water to flow freely to the perforated pipe. Wrap the rock in filter fabric to prevent soil migration and clogging. Never use crusher run or material with fines — they'll clog the system.

Q: What's the difference between crusher run and crushed gravel?

Crusher run (3/4" minus) includes fine particles from the crushing process. These fines fill gaps and lock together when compacted, creating a solid base. Clear crushed gravel has the fines screened out, so it drains freely but doesn't compact. Use crusher run for surfaces and bases; use clear crushed for drainage.

Two questions. One recommendation. Tell us about your project and we'll match you with the right material.

Project Type

Priority

Recommendation

What are you building?

How to Choose the Right Aggregate

The wrong material wastes money and creates problems. Crusher run in a French drain clogs it. Clear crushed rock on a driveway won't compact. Every aggregate is engineered for specific applications — the tool above matches project type and priorities to the right product.

The Key Distinction: Fines vs. No Fines

Most aggregate decisions come down to one question: does the material need to compact, or does it need to drain?

With Fines (Compacts)

Crusher run, road base (dense-graded base) — these contain fine particles that fill voids and lock together under compaction. Use for:

Driveways and parking pads
Road sub-base
Structural fill under slabs
Any surface bearing weight

Without Fines (Drains)

Clear crushed rock, drain rock, pea gravel — screened to uniform size with voids between stones. Use for:

French drains and weeping tile
Retaining wall backfill
Septic fields
Anything that needs water to move through

Common Questions

What type of gravel is best for driveways?

3/4" minus (crusher run) is the industry standard. The mix of crushed stone and fine particles compacts into a hard, stable surface that handles vehicle traffic without rutting. For driveways on steep slopes where drainage matters, 3/4" clear crushed gravel is an alternative — but it won't compact as solidly.

What aggregate do I need for a French drain?

3/4" clear (washed) crushed rock. Uniform sizing with no fines lets water flow freely to the perforated pipe. Wrap in filter fabric to prevent soil intrusion. Never use crusher run or anything with fines — the fine particles migrate into the pipe and clog the system within a few years.

What's the difference between crusher run and crushed gravel?

Crusher run (3/4" minus) keeps the fine particles from the crushing process. Those fines fill the gaps between larger stones and lock together when compacted, creating a solid base. Clear crushed gravel has the fines screened out — it drains freely but won't compact into a hard surface. Use crusher run for load-bearing, clear crushed for drainage.