There are many different types of stone aggregates used for construction and landscaping purposes—some are widely used in drainage applications because they allow water to easily move through pore spaces and fractures, while others are used as base material under foundations and roads. Regardless of how you’re using stone aggregate, it’s important to understand the differences between the various products available on the market. Here’s some information about some of the most common stone aggregate products:
3/4-inch Class 2 Recycle Aggregate Base
Made from 100 percent recycled materials, this aggregate may contain concrete, asphalt, porcelain, brick and block. It’s used in any application where Class 2 Base Rock is specified, including driveways and beneath asphalt paving. The color varies due to the percentage of the various materials.
3/4-inch Virgin Class 2 Aggregate Base
This high-quality aggregate is produced with manufactured crushed rock fines and meets city, county and state specifications for aggregate base rock under road surfaces. It can also be used to top unpaved road surfaces.
3/4-inch Drain Rock
Drain rock is typically used in French drains and leach lines, but it can also be used for driveways and filling potholes. Because of its angular shape, drain rock stays in place better than round river rock.
1 ½-inch Drain Rock
Used for the same purposes as 3/4-inch drain rock, but the bigger size provides more voids for water to flow, which creates better drainage.
3/4-inch Aggregate Sub-Base
Aggregate sub-base contains a large amount of natural fines and can be used as a non-expansive fill material. It should be topped off with another aggregate product to avoid dusty or muddy accumulation on the surface.
3/4-inch Dirty Drain
This aggregate is useful as a topcoat over rock/dirt roads and walkways, and it also helps control mud and dust on roadways. Because of its fine materials, it’s not suitable for French drains, leach lines or other applications that require drainage.
7/16-inch Minus Red/Brown Pathway
This aggregate is typically used for decorative applications or landscape paths where an earth tone color is desired, but it can also be used for pipe bedding. The size of the rock is comfortable to walk on and the finer material helps keep it compacted in place.
3/8-inch Chip
Chip is typically used as a pipe bedding material or an under slab leveling rock. Its sharp and angular structure also makes it ideal for pathways because it remains in place better than smooth or round pea gravel.
