You will most likely choose crushed stone and pea gravel if you are looking to improve your landscape or are looking for the best aggregate for a certain project. Some individuals may believe that these two goods are interchangeable, and while one can be used for applications that are similar to the other, they are not completely interchangeable.
Crushed stone and pea gravel may appear to be the same thing to the untrained eye because they are both rocks, but each one serves a distinct purpose and has a distinct set of applications. These two materials are diametrically opposed in every way, from shape and size to uses and even pricing. Fortunately, if you’re caught in the middle of the crushed stone vs. pea gravel discussion, we’ll break it all out for you below about processed stone CT.
What are the variations in terms of size and shape?
When you compare the two, the most noticeable distinctions will be the differences in sizes and forms. However, although gravel can be found in many sizes, pea gravel is normally 3/8″ in size. In addition, because of its rounded and smooth sides, it is frequently softer to the touch. In addition, pea gravel is available in a range of colours, including neutrals like brown and grey, as well as more eye-catching hues like red and blue, to complement any landscaping design.
There are several sizes of crushed stone available, ranging from 3/8″ to 4″. There is no consistency to the shape of the stone because it is essentially crushed stone. The edges tend to be sharper, and it has a rougher feel to it than pea gravel when you touch it. Furthermore, most crushed stone will be either white or grey in colour, giving you a more neutral appearance than the vibrant pea gravel you might be used to.
What is the purpose of crushed stone?
Crushed stone can be used for a variety of applications, although it is most commonly utilised as an aggregate for subterranean construction projects. The use of 12″ or 34″ crushed stone as a subbase material prior to pouring concrete is preferred by many contractors. Because of its durability, it is frequently used for a variety of purposes such as backfill, drainage, and pipe bedding. CA6 or CA5 size crushed stone is commonly used for parking lots, driveways, shoulders, and railroad ballast because of its size and strength. Even though crushed stone is primarily used in underground applications, there are some people who choose to utilise it for landscape beds or as decorative rock around walkways instead of in the ground.
It is critical to examine the texture of crushed stone when working with it. Crushed stone may be tamped or put into place with relative ease, resulting in a more stable surface for places such as driveways and parking lots. For areas such as playgrounds or dog runs, however, it may not be the greatest option due to the rougher edges.
What is the purpose of pea gravel?
Because of its size, texture, and color, pea gravel is generally chosen for projects and applications that are more visible from above ground. Many homes and building owners choose to use pea gravel to accent gardens or flower beds as an alternative to traditional landscaping materials. Pea gravel can be used to enhance landscaping or to stand out from the vegetation due to the variety of color variations available. Because of its smooth texture, pea gravel is frequently used for a number of high-traffic areas such as pathways, dog runs, playgrounds, patios, and a range of other high-traffic locations. Pea gravel, like crushed stone, can be used for a variety of subsurface operations, including drainage and pipe bedding, among others. It’s also a good option if you’re seeking aggregate for fence post installation purposes.
When choosing pea gravel, it’s crucial to examine how the size of the gravel will affect the overall project. As a result of its size, pea gravel will move readily if it is not properly edged. In order to hold the pea gravel in place, make sure that you have concrete blocks or landscaping trim in place before you begin to lay it down. In addition, it is crucial to remember that pea gravel will retain heat, which might be detrimental to some plants. Choose plants that will thrive in pea gravel if you wish to use it in a garden or flower bed, such as Spanish poppy, evergreens, and even thyme, if you want to make the most of it.
What is the cost difference between the two options?
Where you live, the type of gravel or crushed stone you need, and how much of a particular product you require will all influence the price of pea gravel and crushed stone. It’s a good idea to get a materials pricing estimate from a local supplier in order to figure out exactly how much each alternative would cost for your unique project. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to assess which choice is the most cost-effective for your particular project.
Learning how to tell the difference between crushed stone and pea gravel will help you ensure that your project runs smoothly from beginning to end. Remember to contact a materials professional if you have any queries about which product is best for your needs.
