Crushed limestone vs road base: choose the right grade

Limestone names the rock; road base describes a graded material for compaction. Compare clean stone, limestone flex base and caliche before ordering for a driveway or drain.

Limestone base: Aggregate plus fines for compaction
Clean limestone: Open-graded stone with fines removed
Specified work: Confirm current grading and test reports

The quick answer

Crushed limestone is not a single grade. Our limestone base is typically fines to 1½ inches and is dense-graded for compaction. Our clean nominal ¾-inch limestone has fines removed and stays open for water movement. Road base can be limestone, caliche or recycled material. Choose the grading and application, not just the word limestone.

For driveways, patios and access roads

A specified compacted foundation generally calls for a base with an appropriate blend of aggregate and fines. Clean limestone is a separate surface or drainage option, not automatically a replacement for that base. Existing subgrade, traffic and drainage determine the section. Ask the contractor to confirm finished depth, moisture conditioning, compaction equipment and any separation layer.

For drainage and wall backfill

Where the design calls for clean aggregate, confirm nominal size and fines content. A designed drain also needs suitable filtering, piping and an outlet; a pile of clean stone cannot correct poor grading by itself. Base with fines can obstruct the intended water movement and should not be substituted for clean drainage stone.

Compare the delivered job, not just the ton price

Use the current product prices below, then calculate each layer separately with its own density. Material minimums vary by grade. Freight is charged separately per load and sales tax is additional. The cheapest material per ton may not be the lowest total for the site; long-distance freight and truck access can change the comparison.

Confirm the specification before ordering

For municipal or engineered work, send the required grade and request current source reports. A product name does not prove compliance with TxDOT Item 247 or a City of Austin specification. Supply and delivery do not include installation. Share your covered ZIP, address and unloading restrictions; dispatch confirms the suitable truck and date.

Materials we deliver for this project

Current public prices, grade details and canonical product links. Delivery and sales tax are separate.

Limestone Flex Base - Standard

From $26.00/ton

Standard crushed limestone base with fines Standard crushed limestone base with fines. Follow the approved project moisture, lift thickness and installation specification.

3 ton minimum

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Crushed Limestone - Clean, 3/4 in

From $42.00/ton

Washed open graded drainage stone with no fines. Open-graded washed limestone, fines removed. Low; stays open so water can move through.

2 ton minimum

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Caliche Road Base

From $20.00/ton

Economical binding base for ranch roads. Natural caliche with mixed aggregate. Excellent when moisture-conditioned.

5 ton minimum

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Recycled Crushed Concrete

From $22.00/ton

Budget recycled base that compacts hard. Recycled concrete base with angular pieces. Excellent; place in lifts and compact.

5 ton minimum

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Gravel quantity calculator

Material

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Crushed Limestone - Clean, 3/4 in

$42.00/ton · 1.35 tons/yd³ planning density · 2 ton minimum

French drains, Retaining wall backfill, Septic and foundation drainage · Open-graded washed limestone, fines removed

Use the depth specified for your project. Calculate each layer or rectangular section separately. No compaction or waste allowance is automatically added.

Enter positive length, width and depth to see volume, tons and material cost.

Request a delivered quote

Planning estimate only. Moisture, source density and compaction affect actual quantities. Confirm finished depth and any allowance with your installer. Standard delivery bands end at 40 miles; longer hauls need an address-specific quote. Truck access and scheduling are confirmed by dispatch.