Crusher Run vs #57 Crushed Stone: 2026 Comparison
Side by side on size, drainage, compaction, look, and cost. No fluff, just the numbers and the trade-offs.
Quick take
Crusher Run is a crushed stone material, varies grade, most often spec’d for driveway gravel. #57 Crushed Stone sits in the same category.
How the two differ in practice
Size is the first split: varies for Crusher Run versus 3/4 – 1″ for #57 Crushed Stone. Drainage runs moderate on Crusher Run and fast on #57 Crushed Stone. On compaction, expect compacts hard with fines from Crusher Run, while #57 Crushed Stone delivers knits under load, stays angular. Density is 2900 lb/yd³ next to 2700 lb/yd³, which moves the cost-per-ton math by a small margin. Delivered cost is $28-$48/ton for Crusher Run and $38-$62/ton for #57 Crushed Stone.
When Crusher Run is the right call
Pick Crusher Run when the job is driveway gravel and base course gravel. The sharp gray, utilitarian grade and the way it compacts hard with fines 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 #57 Crushed Stone is the better fit
Switch to #57 Crushed Stone if the project leans toward driveway gravel and drainage gravel. The sharp gray, utilitarian grade plus the fast drainage profile matches that job better. Plan for $38-$62/ton delivered, same full-load break point as Crusher Run.
Side by side comparison
| Attribute | Crusher Run | #57 Crushed Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Crushed Stone | Crushed Stone |
| Particle size | varies" | 3/4 - 1" |
| Color & look | Sharp gray, utilitarian | Sharp gray, utilitarian |
| Density | 2900 lb/yd³ | 2700 lb/yd³ |
| Sold by | Ton | Ton |
| Price range | $28-$48/ton | $38-$62/ton |
| Drainage | Moderate | Fast |
| Compaction | Compacts hard with fines | Knits under load, stays angular |
| Maintenance | Top up every 2-3 years | Top up every 2-3 years |
| Best for | driveway gravel, base course gravel, and parking lot gravel | driveway gravel, drainage gravel, and french drain gravel |
Verdict
If your project is driveway gravel, go with Crusher Run. If it leans toward driveway gravel, #57 Crushed Stone 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 Crusher Run or #57 Crushed Stone 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 Crusher Run and #57 Crushed Stone?
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.