When planning a landscaping or construction project, choosing the right type of gravel can make a big difference in the finished look and long-term performance. Two of the most commonly used materials are pea gravel and crushed stone. While they may seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages depending on how they’re used.

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Pea Gravel

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Pea Gravel is made up of small, rounded stones, usually about the size of a pea—hence the name. It has a smooth texture and comes in a range of natural colors, making it a popular choice for decorative pathways, garden borders, and around patios. Because the stones are rounded and don’t lock together, pea gravel remains loose underfoot, which gives it a pleasant, natural feel but also means it can shift easily and may require occasional raking to keep it in place.

Common Uses for Pea Gravel

• Pathways for sensitive feet: Since pea gravel is a small smooth rock, it is softer on the feet for walkways in your landscape to provide you and your guests with comfort.
• Aesthetic appeal: Pea gravel is visually appealing on any landscape as it provides a clean-cut look in many different colors.
• Foundation: Pea gravel can act as a foundation for landscaping architecture such as patios. Pea gravel acts as an inexpensive foundation.

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Crushed Stone

Crushed Stone, on the other hand, is produced by mechanically breaking down larger rocks into angular pieces. The sharp edges of crushed stone help the material compact more tightly, making it ideal for applications where stability is important—such as driveways, road bases, and under concrete slabs. It doesn’t move around as easily as pea gravel, which means it offers better long-term support for heavy loads or high-traffic areas.

Common Uses for Crushed Stone

• Pavers: Crushed stone can provide a high-quality foundation for pavers in your landscape.
• Driveways: Crushed stone can act as durable driveways and can make for great traction for your tires in harsh weather conditions.

When deciding between the two, consider both function and appearance. Pea gravel works well in spaces where comfort and aesthetics are the priority, while crushed stone is the better choice for structural strength and minimal maintenance. You might even use both materials in the same landscape, using pea gravel for pathways and crushed stone as a base layer for hardscaping.

Still unsure which one is right for your project? Contact Schlegel Barkdust & Landscape Supplies—we’re happy to help you choose the best material for your needs. Our professional employees are the experts in all things landscape supplies including crushed rock.