Gravel is one of our favorite hardscaping elements. It’s low-maintenance, inexpensive, and incredibly durable. In recent years, gravel has become one of the most popular hardscape bases, especially for driveways and commercial construction. In this blog we will discuss what you need to know, or “Gravel: WYNTK.”
Crushed stone and gravel driveways have become prominent options for areas where installing asphalt is cost prohibitive or merely inconvenient. Gravel driveways offer homeowners endless possibilities for creating a surface that reflects their taste and style. Aggregate materials are also perfect for construction projects including driveways, roads, and walkways.
Here we will overview the types of gravel we offer at Nature’s Mulch and their uses on your residential or commercial property.
#57 Gravel
This stone varies in size from a ¾-inch sieve to 1 inch. This product is cubical and used for projects with a specification for the crush count or mixes. The best uses include construction, road surfacing or road base material, aggregate for road construction or cement in the highway, a base layer used for walkways, railroad ballast #5, as well as repairs in nonresidential and residential construction. Its primary function, however, is as driveway gravel or as a base for the concrete. It can also be used for drainage and operates as all-purpose gravel, with ample room for water to flow through it. One of our hottest sellers, you can expect to pay $25.99 per cubic yard at Nature’s Mulch.
#9 Gravel
Grade 9 Gravel is a compactable crushed aggregate that is mainly used for driveways and as a sub-base. A little bit smaller than 57’s, it will pack in much better. Typically you need a four to six-inch base for all patios and brickwork. We find this gravel to be much less commonly used than other variants, but it is still more than capable of doing the job. For $25.99 a cubic yard at Nature’s Mulch, it’ll do the trick.
Dense Grade
Dense Grade, sometimes called quarry stone is our #57 mixed with lime dust. It is a combination of small, 3/4-inch-or-less crushed stone and stone dust. It is designed to bind together and form a strong, solid surface when compacted. Dense Grade stone is practical but not pretty. The stones are smaller and mixed with a great deal of lime dust which allows the gravel to compact and form a solid surface, great for pavers, driveways, and as a flagstone base. You can find dense grade aggregate at Nature’s Mulch for $29.99 a cubic yard.
River Gravel
River Gravel comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1 inch up to 1.5 inches across. These smooth rocks create a rustic, natural feel and are often used to edge flower beds or create drainage areas within beds. Although not used particularly often in residential applications, they are a great, cost-effective commercial application option for islands and beds. River Gravel can be found in various shades of grey and rounded, for $30.99 per cubic yard at Nature’s Mulch.
Pea Gravel
Slightly rounded, pea gravel is often used as a general term for rock material that is roughly pea-sized. At Nature’s Mulch pea gravel is a ⅝” version of our River Gravel. Similar in color to River Gravel, they are also used for primarily decorative purposes. Per cubic yard, Pea Gravel will run $25.99 here at Nature’s Mulch.