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What’s the Difference?

Crushed stone aggregate base and gravel are both made from stone, but there are differences between the two that impact which is best for your project. When should you choose a crushed stone aggregate base for your needs?

Crushed Aggregate Base (CAB): The Basics

Crushed stone aggregate is exactly what it sounds like—large pieces of stone that have been crushed and turned into smaller rock pieces. Because the big rocks are shattered manually, the stone pieces typically have jagged or angled edges that make them ideal for a variety of uses. Some of the stones that might be included in a crushed stone aggregate base include dolomite, limestone, basalt, sandstone, granite, and slate. But granite is a great way to go for any infrastructure needs.

Gravel: The Basics

Gravel is also a type of rock, but it is produced naturally instead of manually like crushed stone aggregate. Gravel pieces are typically rounded with smooth surfaces, as weathering and erosion processes created them. Gravel stones are often recovered from rivers or gravel pits. Gravel is sold in a variety of sizes, including granules as small as 2 mm or pebbles as large as 63 mm.

What Are the Differences Between Crushed Stone Aggregate Base and Gravel?

Gravel is created naturally, while crushed stone is made manually in quarries. Due to the creation process, gravel is smooth and rounded while a crushed stone aggregate base is full of angled, jagged rocks in a variety of sizes. Both products come in a variety of colors and sizes, but gravel is typically between 2-63 mm. Gravel is often decorative or used in landscaping, while crushed stone aggregate has a broad range of construction purposes.

When Should You Use a Crushed Stone Aggregate Base?

A crushed stone aggregate base is incredibly versatile for building, and the angled shapes help create a stable surface where gravel would not. Some of the most popular uses of crushed stone include:

  • Foundations
  • Concrete and asphalt projects
  • Retaining wall bases
  • Drainage systems (providing that the crushed stone does not contain any dust that may compact or harden)
  • Subbase for pavers, parking lots, roads, and driveways
  • Pipe bedding
  • Landscaping beds
  • And more!

A crushed stone aggregate base is a versatile solution to a variety of construction challenges, and it can be used in residential, commercial, or municipal projects.

Where to Get Good CAB

Don’t let your construction project suffer from a weak foundation. Invest in quality Crushed Stone Aggregate Base from Lynx Cat Mountain Quarry in Southern California. Our crushed granite is mechanically crushed and screened to create a uniform size and shape, making it the ideal material for your construction needs.

Whether you’re building a foundation, railroad, drainage system, road, or highway, our crushed stone aggregate base will provide the stability and durability you need. Contact us today to purchase our high-quality crushed stone aggregate base and give your construction project the strong foundation it deserves.

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