Driveways
Best Gravel for Driveways in Canada
The best gravel driveway uses different stone for each layer: a coarse sub-base, a compacting crusher-run base, and a clean stone or decorative top. Here are the grades Canadians actually use, what each layer does, and the mistakes to avoid.
The best gravel grades, layer by layer
| Layer | Recommended gravel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-base | 2–4 in (50–100 mm) clear or pit run | Coarse, stable foundation that drains |
| Base | 3/4 in (19 mm) crusher run / "Granular A" | Stone + dust compacts rock-hard |
| Top / surface | 3/4 in clear stone or crushed limestone | Clean driving surface, sheds water |
In Ontario you'll hear "Granular A" and "Granular B"; elsewhere it's "road base," "crush," "3/4 minus" or "crusher run." They're regional names for similar graded crushed stone.
Why crusher run is the workhorse
Crusher run (crushed stone mixed with stone dust, also called 3/4 minus or Granular A) is the go-to base because the dust fills the gaps between stones and compacts into a hard, almost paved surface. It carries the load and sheds water off the crown of the driveway.
Choosing a top layer
- 3/4 in clear stone: clean, no dust, drains fast, doesn't track mud — but stays a bit loose.
- Crushed limestone: packs to a tight, light-grey surface; a popular finished look.
- Decorative gravel: for appearance over a firm compacted base only.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pea gravel or river rock as the surface: round stones won't compact and will rut and scatter. Save them for borders.
- Skipping the base: a thin layer of nice stone over bare soil sinks into mud. Build the graded layers.
- No drainage crown: shape the driveway slightly higher in the middle so water runs off.
- No fabric on clay: on soft or clay soil, lay geotextile under the sub-base to stop the stone sinking.
Work out how much of each layer you need with the Driveway Gravel Calculator and the Crushed Gravel Calculator. For quantities and cost, see how much gravel a driveway needs and gravel driveway cost in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gravel for a driveway in Canada?
Use crusher run (3/4 minus / Granular A) for a compacting base and 3/4 inch clear stone or crushed limestone for the top. A coarse 2–4 inch sub-base goes underneath on soft ground. Angular crushed stone is best because it locks together.
What is crusher run gravel?
Crusher run is crushed stone mixed with stone dust (also called 3/4 minus, road base or Granular A). The dust fills the gaps so it compacts into a hard, stable, almost paved base — ideal for driveways.
Can I use pea gravel for a driveway?
Not as the main surface. Pea gravel's round stones don't compact and will rut and scatter under tires. Use angular crushed stone for the structural layers; pea gravel only works as a thin decorative top over a firm compacted base.
What is Granular A vs Granular B?
They're Ontario gradation terms. Granular B is a coarser, cheaper sub-base material; Granular A is a finer crushed-stone-and-dust mix used as the compacting base layer. Other provinces use names like road base or 3/4 crush.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general estimates for planning. Actual gravel quantities, weights and prices vary with material type, particle size, moisture, compaction, supplier and your province. Costs are material-only ballparks in Canadian dollars and exclude labour, delivery and taxes unless stated. Always confirm quantities and prices with your local supplier.