Stone Dust vs Paver Base: 2026 Comparison
Side by side on size, drainage, compaction, look, and cost. No fluff, just the numbers and the trade-offs.
Quick take
Stone Dust (Screenings) is a construction & base material in the 0 – 1/4″ range. Paver Base sits in the same category, and it shows up more on patio gravel work.
How the two differ in practice
On the spec sheet these two look almost the same. The choice usually comes down to which one your nearest yard has loaded. Delivered cost is $25-$45/ton for Stone Dust (Screenings) and $35-$60/ton for Paver Base.
When Stone Dust (Screenings) is the right call
Pick Stone Dust (Screenings) when the job is standard construction & base work. 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 $25-$45/ton band.
When Paver Base is the better fit
Switch to Paver Base if the project leans toward patio gravel and walkway gravel. The dense gray, blends with concrete grade matches that job better. Plan for $35-$60/ton delivered, same full-load break point as Stone Dust (Screenings).
Side by side comparison
| Attribute | Stone Dust | Paver Base |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Construction & Base | Construction & Base |
| Particle size | 0 - 1/4" | 0 - 1/4" |
| Color & look | Dense gray, blends with concrete | Dense gray, blends with concrete |
| Density | 2800 lb/yd³ | 2800 lb/yd³ |
| Sold by | Ton | Ton |
| Price range | $25-$45/ton | $35-$60/ton |
| Drainage | Slow (compacted) | Slow (compacted) |
| Compaction | Locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor | Locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor |
| Maintenance | Buried base, no upkeep | Buried base, no upkeep |
| Best for | General use | patio gravel, walkway gravel, and pool deck gravel |
Verdict
If your project is , go with Stone Dust (Screenings). If it leans toward patio gravel, Paver Base 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 Stone Dust or Paver Base 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 Stone Dust and Paver Base?
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.