Crushed limestone is one of the hardest-working materials in any landscape or construction project, but the numbers stamped on each grade confuse a lot of people. Avanni Landscape Supply carries three grades, #57, #89, and #610, and each one behaves differently. Here's how to tell them apart and choose the right one.
What the numbers mean
The numbers are sizing designations, not quality grades. They tell you the range of stone sizes in the mix. A grade with one size of stone is called clean or open-graded; a grade that blends stone with fine dust is called dense-graded. That difference, clean versus dense, matters more than the number itself.
#57 crushed limestone
#57 is a clean, open-graded stone, roughly 3/4 inch to 1 inch with no fines. Because the pieces are uniform and there's no dust, water drains straight through it. That makes #57 a go-to for drainage applications, French drains, backfill, and as a base layer where water needs to move. It doesn't compact tightly, so it stays loose underfoot.
#89 crushed limestone
#89 is a smaller clean stone, around 3/8 inch. Think of it as a finer cousin of #57. It works well as a top or surfacing layer, for filling gaps, setting pavers, and as a finish over a coarser base. Its smaller size makes for a more comfortable walking surface and a tidier look.
#610 crushed limestone
#610 is the dense-graded option. It blends stone from about 3/4 inch down to fine limestone dust. When you spread #610 and compact it, the dust fills the voids between the stones and the whole layer locks together into a hard, solid surface. That makes #610 the standard choice for driveway and slab bases, road base, and any application where you need a firm, stable foundation.
Quick reference
- Need drainage? Choose #57.
- Need a finish or top layer? Choose #89.
- Need a compacted, load-bearing base? Choose #610.
Building a layered driveway
Many Gulf Coast driveways use more than one grade: a base of #610 for stability, sometimes topped with #57 or decorative river gravel. Our article on building a solid driveway or slab base explains the layering.
Browse all three grades in our crushed limestone collection. Everything is sold by the ton with no minimum order, delivered across Harrison and Hancock counties. Not sure which grade your job needs? Call (985) 205-3396 or email sales@avannisupply.com.
