Gravel: The Foundation of Great Landscapes and Construction

Gravel is essential for many landscaping and construction projects. It offers durability, drainage, and aesthetic appeal. At Mountain High Landscape Supply in Atlanta, we have a wide range of gravel options for your project.

Let’s explore six popular types of gravel:

• Pea Gravel

• River Rock

• #57 Stone

• Granite Dust (M10)

• #89 Stone

• Crush-n-Run

Here’s a breakdown of each type and its best uses.

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Pea Gravel: Smooth and Versatile

 

Pea gravel features small, rounded stones, typically about ⅜ inch in diameter. It comes in natural colors like gray, beige, and white. Its smooth texture and attractive look make it popular for both practical and decorative uses.

Common Uses for Pea Gravel:

• Walkways and Paths: Its smooth texture makes it easy to walk on, perfect for garden paths.

• Mulching Around Plants: Pea gravel helps soil retain moisture and reduces erosion. It also adds a decorative touch to flower beds.

• Playground Areas: It provides a soft, safer surface for play spaces.

• Patios and Seating Areas: Pea gravel offers an informal, natural look for patios.

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River Rock: Decorative and Natural

 

River rock consists of smooth, rounded stones, larger than pea gravel, usually 1 to 3 inches in diameter. It comes in a mix of natural colors like gray, white, tan, and brown, adding beauty to any landscape.

Common Uses for River Rock:

• Dry Creek Beds and Water Features: River rock is ideal for simulating streams, lining ponds, and adding a natural element to water features.

• Landscaping Borders: Its larger size makes it an excellent choice for edging flower beds, walkways, and driveways.

• Erosion Control: River rocks help prevent soil erosion in sloped areas or drainage channels.

• Ground Cover: Use river rock instead of mulch around trees, plants, and shrubs for a low-maintenance, attractive finish.

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#57 Stone: Durable and Practical

 

#57 stone is a versatile, angular gravel often used for construction and drainage. It’s about ¾ inch in size and comes in shades of gray or white. It offers strength and stability for various projects.

Common Uses for #57 Stone:

• Driveways and Walkways: Provides a sturdy base that withstands heavy traffic, making it perfect for driveways and access roads.

• Drainage Systems: Its angular shape allows for excellent drainage, making it a top choice for French drains, septic drain fields, and retaining wall backfill.

• Concrete Mix: #57 stone is often used as aggregate in concrete mixes for foundations, sidewalks, and other construction projects.

• Base for Pavers: Its durable composition makes it a great base material for patios and paver installations.

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Granite Dust (M10): Fine and Compactable

 

Granite Dust, also known as M10, is a fine material made from crushed granite. It has the texture of coarse sand. It’s often used with other gravel types to create a smooth, compact surface.

Common Uses for Granite Dust (M10):

• Paver Base: M10 is commonly used as a base layer for pavers, patios, and pathways. It compacts well and provides a stable foundation.

• Leveling Material: Use it under flagstone, stepping stones, or as a leveling agent before laying other gravels or hardscape materials.

• Paths and Trails: It creates a firm, solid surface for walkways, especially in high-traffic areas.

• Driveway Base: M10 is often used as a secondary base under gravel driveways to stabilize the stone and improve drainage.

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#89 Stone: Small and Angular

 

#89 stone is a smaller version of #57 stone, typically about ⅜ inch in size. It is angular, providing good compaction while allowing water to drain. This makes it ideal for various landscaping and construction projects.

Common Uses for #89 Stone:

• Walkways and Pathways: Its small size and angular shape make it ideal for footpaths and garden trails, offering stability and drainage.

• Driveways: It can be used as a top layer for driveways when you want a finer, more compact surface.

• Drainage Systems: #89 stone is excellent for use in French drains and other water drainage applications.

• Ground Cover: It adds a clean, uniform look when used as a decorative ground cover in beds or around plants.

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Crush-n-Run: The Ideal Base Material

 

Crush-n-Run (also known as Crusher Run) is a mixture of gravel and stone dust. It compacts to create a sturdy, yet permeable base layer. Made from finely crushed stone, it offers exceptional compaction. This is why it’s often used as a foundation in various construction and landscaping applications.

Common Uses for Crush-n-Run:

• Driveway Base: Crush-n-Run is widely used as a base layer for gravel driveways, offering excellent stability and drainage.

• Pathways: Its compaction properties make it an excellent choice for the base of paths or walkways.

• Under Concrete Slabs: This material is often used as a base for concrete patios, sidewalks, and foundations due to its load-bearing capacity.

• Road Construction: Crush-n-Run is commonly used in roadwork and parking lot bases, as it provides strong, compact support.

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Choose the Right Gravel for Your Project

 

Whether you’re building a driveway, creating a decorative pathway, or designing a new landscaping feature, the right type of gravel is crucial for your project’s success and longevity.

At Mountain High Landscape Supply, we offer a wide range of high-quality gravel options. This includes:

• Pea Gravel

• River Rock

• #57 Stone

• Granite Dust (M10)

• #89 Stone

• Crush-n-Run

Our knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions and help you choose the perfect gravel for your needs. Visit Mountain High Landscape Supply in Atlanta today to explore our gravel selection and get your next project off to a great start!