3 Facts About Crushed Stone

Crushed stone and gravel are often lumped into the same category. While both are small pieces of stone material, the two are actually quite different from one another. Find out more about crushed stone so that you will have a better understanding of when to use this versatile product in the future.

1. Crushed Stone Is Man-Made

One of the major differences between crushed stone and gravel is the fact that crushed stone is produced by man. Large rocks are processed through machines known as crushers until they are broken down into smaller pieces, producing crushed stone.

Gravel is made by the natural degradation of larger rocks that occurs in nature. Both crushed stone and gravel begin their lives as larger rocks, but crushed stone can be produced in infinite supply.

2. Crushed Stone Adds Structural Stability

Crushed stone is popular in many construction applications. This popularity is due, in part, to the structural stability that crushed stone can offer. Since crushed stone is made with the help of a crusher, the small stones are angular in design. Natural gravel has a smooth surface.

It is the angular nature of crushed stone that allows contractors to mix the stone with a binding agent to achieve structural stability. The angular shape of each stone allows the stones to fit together like puzzle pieces within the binding material.

This interlocking quality allows crushed stone to be tamped and rolled to form a strong, durable surface.

3. Crushed Stone Can Be Decorative

Many landscape designers incorporate crushed stone as a decorative yet functional element in both residential and commercial properties. You will commonly find crushed stone serving as the base of walking or bike paths because the crushed stone can easily stand up to a lot of use.

Finding crushed stone in a specific color palette is easier than locating similarly colored gravel. This characteristic allows crushed stone to become a valuable component in any xeriscape design.

You can even incorporate crushed stone into drainage areas, retaining walls, and other structural components within a landscape design. The stone will help add beauty to elements that serve a vital functional role within your residential or commercial landscape.

Crushed stone can outperform gravel in many applications. Spend more time becoming familiar with the unique properties of crushed stone so that you will be prepared to use this versatile product to your advantage in the future. You can also contact crushed stone suppliers to learn more.


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