Class 5 Base vs Crusher Run: 2026 Comparison
Side by side on size, drainage, compaction, look, and cost. No fluff, just the numbers and the trade-offs.
Quick take
Class 5 Base is a construction & base material, varies grade, most often spec’d for driveway gravel. Crusher Run is a crushed stone material, a varies grade, and it shows up more on driveway gravel jobs.
How the two differ in practice
Drainage runs slow (compacted) on Class 5 Base and moderate on Crusher Run. On compaction, expect locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor from Class 5 Base, while Crusher Run delivers compacts hard with fines. Delivered cost is $28-$48/ton for Class 5 Base and $28-$48/ton for Crusher Run.
When Class 5 Base is the right call
Pick Class 5 Base when the job is driveway gravel and base course gravel. The dense gray, blends with concrete grade and the way it locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor make it a fit for that application. On a full-truck order the per-ton cost falls roughly 15 to 20 percent under partial-load pricing, which is the cleanest way to land in the $28-$48/ton band.
When Crusher Run is the better fit
Switch to Crusher Run if the project leans toward driveway gravel and base course gravel. The sharp gray, utilitarian grade plus the moderate drainage profile matches that job better. Plan for $28-$48/ton delivered, same full-load break point as Class 5 Base.
Side by side comparison
| Attribute | Class 5 Base | Crusher Run |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Construction & Base | Crushed Stone |
| Particle size | varies" | varies" |
| Color & look | Dense gray, blends with concrete | Sharp gray, utilitarian |
| Density | 2900 lb/yd³ | 2900 lb/yd³ |
| Sold by | Ton | Ton |
| Price range | $28-$48/ton | $28-$48/ton |
| Drainage | Slow (compacted) | Moderate |
| Compaction | Locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor | Compacts hard with fines |
| Maintenance | Buried base, no upkeep | Top up every 2-3 years |
| Best for | driveway gravel, base course gravel, and parking lot gravel | driveway gravel, base course gravel, and parking lot gravel |
Verdict
If your project is driveway gravel, go with Class 5 Base. If it leans toward driveway gravel, Crusher Run is the cleaner pick. Cost-wise the gap is small, so the deciding factor is the surface and traffic, not the price.
Bottom line: Project-dependent
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Is Class 5 Base or Crusher Run cheaper?
Per-ton pricing is usually within $10. The main cost driver is freight from the nearest quarry, not the material itself.
Which one drains better?
Larger, more angular stones drain faster. Compare the two products' size grades to pick by drainage need.
Can I mix Class 5 Base and Crusher Run?
Yes - many installers use the coarser grade as base and the finer as a top dressing. Layer base first, then top.
How long does each last?
Both materials last 10+ years with periodic top-up. UV breaks down nothing because they're rock.
Which has more aesthetic appeal?
Subjective. Pull a sample from your supplier before ordering 10 tons.
Are both available delivered?
Yes - both ship via tandem dump truck (4-25 tons) or bag drop (1-3 tons). Same lead times in most metros.