You’ve decided it’s time for some gravel. Maybe the potholes in your driveway are leaving you feeling shaken, not stirred on your way to the cottage. Or perhaps you want to create some paths around your home, add curb appeal, or prevent erosion. But what type of product do you need?
It’s a common question we’re often asked! To help take the mystery out of gravel options, we’ve broken down the most common types of products in the Parry Sound and Muskoka region.
5/8 crusher run or “M” gravel
5/8 crusher run, also known as “M” gravel, is one of the most common types of gravel products used on driveways in Muskoka. This crushed granite is 5/8” in size and has enough fine particles to help bind it together, resulting in a surface that packs down. It is ideal for finished grading and driveways.
7/8 crusher run or “A” gravel
7/8” crusher run, also referred to as “A” gravel, is 7/8” in size, with fine particles that help create a solid driving surface. Like its smaller 5/8” counterpart, it’s great for driving surfaces. It tends to perform better on hills, where finer materials can more easily wash away in the rain. With these two products, it often comes down to personal preference.
2” minus
This is a big, bulky product that is typically used as a base in road construction, or to fix problem areas where water or erosion tend to undermine the road. As 2” minus is bumpy to drive on, and is difficult to plow or snow blow, it is recommended that this product be capped with a finer material.
Clear stone
Clear stone is comprised of larger granite pieces, ranging in size from ½”, ¾” and 1” varieties. It is free of dust and fine particles, making it ideal for uses where drainage is the primary concern. It is typically used for drainage tile and around foundations where splash back from the rain is a consideration.
Pea gravel
Like its namesake, this gravel product is comprised of small, round granite pieces. It is used for landscaping purposes, such as pathways, firepit areas and the like. Pea gravel does not make a suitable driving surface due to its loose nature.
River rock
Commonly used in landscaping, river rock is characterized by its smooth, round appearance and colourful veining with hues of black, pink, blue and grey. It is typically available in 1-3″ size ranges and 4-6″ options. River rock is a beautiful accent around stone walkways, drainage areas and other landscaping applications.
Limestone
While limestone is not produced in Muskoka and is an uncommon gravel choice, many suppliers can have it shipped in from southern Ontario where it is readily available. Made up of fine white-gray particles (think baseball diamonds) it tends to wear well as the fine limestone dust packs to a hard surface on driving areas.
Final Word On Ordering Gravel
It’s important to remember when ordering gravel that it’s a natural product. As such, colour can vary between regions and quarries. Even one quarry can have different colours, depending on the rock being crushed. Colours can range from black and grey to brilliant pink colours.