Most landscaping projects incorporate the aesthetic benefits of crushed stone and gravel aggregates at some point during construction. However, with the myriad available varieties, selecting the right materials for your needs can sometimes take time and effort and feel impossible.
This blog will discuss the differences between stone and gravel, how to choose the right materials when upgrading your landscape, and why Delta Aggregates is the best option to supply your landscape materials. Let’s dive in!
Stone Vs. Gravel: What’s The Difference?
Before we discuss the differences between stone and gravel, it pays to understand the differences between crushed stone and gravel overall. Crushed stone is artificial, whereas gravel is created as a byproduct of natural erosion and weathering.
Crushed Stone Or Stone Aggregates
Crushed stone or stone aggregates are sourced from large rock formations, which are then subsequently crushed down to varying sizes using machinery like cone crushers, impact crushers, and jaw crushers. The crushing process helps break down the stone into angular rocks with uneven surfaces and rough edges.
Gravel
Gravel is a natural byproduct of weathering and erosion, created through geological processes that occur over extended periods. As water moves over and acts as an abrasive to the exposed rocks, they break down into smaller, smoother round stones. You can find gravel deposits in streams, rivers, quarries, pits, or beaches.
What’s The Difference?
Due to varying formation methods, crushed stone or stone aggregate tends to have rougher or sharper edges, whereas gravel is more rounded. This affects how these two materials interact and bond together during construction applications. For instance, crushed stone’s angular nature makes it highly stable and easily compatible. So keep this in mind when using both together.
Choosing The Right Materials When Upgrading Your Landscape With Stone And Gravel
Now that you are more familiar with the differences between stone and gravel, the next step is choosing the right materials for your project. Below are some key tips on how to do this:
Consider Aesthetics
When landscaping visible surfaces like driveways, consider using marble chips and other attractive gravel and stone types. Similarly, you can also use crushed stone, which works well for subsurface utility bedding.
Check Local Availability
Unfortunately, transportation costs can fluctuate, so the most economical decision is to select a local supplier for stone and gravel aggregates. With a local supplier like Delta Aggregates, you won’t need to worry about not having sand and gravel aggregates on hand during your next project.
Consider Drainage Needs
The angularity and size of the materials you choose will affect drainage. For instance, larger and more angular crushed stone is ideal for French drains, whereas smooth pea gravel is a good choice for dry wells. So assess your projects and decide whether stone, gravel, or both should be used.
Speak To Delta Aggregates To Supply Your Landscaping Materials
When choosing the right materials for your next landscaping project, consider essential factors like durability, drainage, availability, and aesthetics. For most landscaping and construction projects, using stone and gravel is ideal because of these aggregates’ strength, drainage properties, and particle size.
If you’re ready to order landscaping materials like high-quality gravel, stone, or other aggregates for your next project, speak to the aggregate-supplying experts at Delta Aggregates. Their experienced and highly trained team is on hand to offer advice on the right materials for your landscaping needs.