​Popular Gravel & Base Materials: Sizes, Names, and Ideal Uses

Our selection of crushed gravel and road base products offers reliable options for driveways, pathways, foundations, erosion control, and more. "Minus" materials include fines (dust/small particles) for excellent compaction and stability, while larger clean sizes focus on drainage and protection.

2-4" Gravel
(Also commonly called: #1 Crushed Stone, #1 Stone, Riprap, Large Ballast, Surge Stone, Bull Rock, Oversized Crushed Rock)
This large, angular, typically clean (minimal fines) gravel provides excellent erosion resistance and structural support.
Popular/Ideal Uses:

● Erosion control along shorelines, riverbanks, streambeds, ponds, lakes, or culverts
● Stabilizing slopes, embankments, or areas with high water flow/wave action
● Protecting bridge abutments, stormwater outfalls, drainage channels, and pipe inlets/outlets
● Riprap for flood protection, retaining walls, or gabion baskets
● Decorative accents in large landscaping features, fire pits, or natural water features
● Railroad ballast or heavy fill in construction sites

Ideal for high-impact areas where water energy needs to be dissipated—durable and long-lasting.

1.5" Minus Gravel
(Also commonly called: 1½" Minus, 1.5-Inch Minus, 1¼" Minus, Heavy Base Rock, 1.5" Crushed Rock, Drain Rock (in some regions))
A coarse "minus" blend (max ~1.5" down to fines) that compacts well for load-bearing stability.
Popular/Ideal Uses:

● Base layer for heavy-duty driveways, parking areas, RV pads, or rural roads
● Sub-base under asphalt, concrete slabs, patios, or sidewalks
● Foundation prep for building pads, barns, or staging yards
● Pathways and walkways needing good compaction and texture
● Erosion control on slopes or rough-grade fill
● Backfill around retaining walls or utility trenches

Great for projects requiring strength, compaction, and some drainage—versatile for residential and commercial sites.
 

0.5" Minus Gravel
(Also commonly called: ½" Minus, 1/2-Inch Minus, 5/8" Minus (similar), Mid-Range Minus, Dense Grade Aggregate, Crusher Fines Blend)
A mid-sized "minus" material (max ~0.5–⅝" down to fines) that packs tightly for smooth, stable surfaces.
Popular/Ideal Uses:

● Residential driveways, parking spots, or light-traffic roads
● Base under pavers, flagstone, patios, or interlocking blocks
● Pathways, garden trails, walkways, or backyard surfaces
● Sub-base for sidewalks, retaining walls, or brick/block projects
● Filling potholes, leveling uneven areas, or bridging wet/soft spots
● General compactable fill in landscaping or construction

Excellent choice for moderate-load areas—compacts to a firm, walkable/driveable finish with good drainage.
 

1.5" Minus Road Base
(Also commonly called: 1½" Minus Base Rock, 1.5" Road Base, Class 2 Base, Aggregate Base Course, Flexbase, Crusher Run (coarse), Heavy-Duty Base)
A engineered "minus" blend (max ~1.5" down to fines) designed for maximum compaction and load distribution.
Popular/Ideal Uses:

● Sub-base for roads, highways, driveways, or parking lots
● Foundation under asphalt, concrete pavements, or heavy slabs
● Building pads, equipment yards, or temporary construction access roads
● Stabilizing soft soils, bridging wet areas, or preparing large-scale foundations
● Backfill for retaining walls or utility trenches
● Rural roads, ranch driveways, or commercial heavy-traffic areas

Built for durability and stability—meets many state specs (e.g., Caltrans Class 2) for professional-grade projects.
 

0.5" Minus Road Base
(Also commonly called: ½" Minus Road Base, 1/2-Inch Base Rock, Dense Grade Aggregate (DGA), Crusher Run (finer), Road Bond, Traffic Bond, Mid-Grade Base)
A finer "minus" road base (max ~0.5" down to fines) that compacts densely for smooth, long-lasting surfaces.
Popular/Ideal Uses:

● Top/base layer for residential driveways, parking areas, or pathways
● Sub-base under pavers, concrete, asphalt, or sidewalks
● Walkways, trails, patios, or light-duty roads
● Leveling and stabilizing foundations for slabs or hardscapes
● Pothole repair, maintenance on gravel roads, or filling low spots
● Areas needing tight compaction with good load-bearing and minimal shifting

Perfect for smoother finishes and moderate traffic—provides excellent rut resistance and stability.
 

Quick Selection Guide

Need erosion protection or large-scale drainage? → 2-4" Gravel
Heavy loads or structural bases? → 1.5" Minus Gravel or 1.5" Minus Road Base
Driveways, paths, or compactable surfaces? → 0.5" Minus Gravel or 0.5" Minus Road Base

 

All products are sourced from quality quarries and available in bulk. Contact us for delivery, quantities, or project advice!

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