You've probably pictured the finished project: a patio ready for the grill, a garden path that keeps your shoes out of the mud, or a driveway without that familiar puddle. What goes underneath may not be the exciting part, but it's what helps that picture hold up once real life, and an Ohio winter, arrive.
The good news? You don't need to become a stone expert before you order. Start with how you'll use the space, then work down to the base. Here's how to sort through the options and put the right material in the right place.
Key Takeaway
The right aggregate depends on the job. Compactable crushed limestone makes a strong base under patios and driveways. A thin layer of sand helps you level pavers. Clean stone like #57 or pea gravel works well for drainage and decorative surfaces. Get the base right, and your project is much more likely to stay level and solid for years.
Why the Right Aggregate Matters
When a patio sinks or a driveway ruts, the problem usually isn't the surface. It's underneath. If the base doesn't compact well or drain properly, water and weight slowly push things out of place. Picking the right material up front is one of the easiest ways to make your project last.
Think of it this way: the pavers get the compliments, but the base does the heavy lifting. It's worth giving the part you won't see just as much thought as the part you will.
Common Aggregate Types, Explained
- #9 Crushed imestone: Angular pieces that lock together when compacted. Blends that include fine particles (often called 304 or "crusher run" in Ohio) make a firm, stable base.
- #57 Limestone: Clean crushed stone, roughly ¾" to 1", with no fines. It drains well and makes a good driveway surface or drainage layer.
- Pea gravel: Small, smooth, rounded stone. It's attractive and comfortable underfoot, but it doesn't lock together, so it works best for decorative paths and borders.
- Recycled concrete: Crushed concrete that compacts much like limestone. It's a budget-friendly, environmentally conscious base option.
- Sand: A thin bedding layer for leveling pavers and flagstone, not a structural base.
Match the Material to Your Project
Patios
A patio needs a compactable base and a leveling layer. Crushed limestone with fines, compacted in layers, gives pavers a solid foundation. A thin layer of sand on top lets you set each stone level.
Before you order, check the installation requirements for your pavers. A little homework now beats trying to fix a rocking patio chair after everything is in place.
Walkways
First decide whether the path is decorative or functional. For a casual garden path, pea gravel over a compacted base looks great. For a path with daily foot traffic, like the walk to your front door, a crushed stone base under pavers or compacted stone stays firmer and is easier to shovel in winter.
Picture an ordinary Tuesday, not just a sunny afternoon in the garden. Will you be rolling a trash bin along this path, pushing a stroller, or carrying groceries? Those everyday uses can tell you more than a photo of a finished walkway.
Driveways
Driveways carry the most weight, so they need a thicker base of compacted crushed stone. Top it with #57 limestone or a finer crushed limestone that packs down. Good drainage and a slight crown in the middle keep water from pooling, which matters a lot through Northeast Ohio's freeze-and-thaw seasons.
If you're refreshing an existing driveway, take a look after it rains. Recurring puddles and ruts are clues to investigate drainage and the base before simply adding another layer of stone.
How Deep Should Each Layer Be?
Use these as general guidelines and adjust for your soil and site:
- Patio: ~4 to 6 inches of compacted base, plus ~1 inch of sand
- Walkway: ~3 to 4 inches of compacted base, plus ~2 inches of surface stone
- Driveway: ~8 to 12 inches of compacted base, plus ~2 to 4 inches of surface stone
Clay-heavy soils, which are common in our region, may need the deeper end of each range. To estimate cubic yards, multiply length × width (in feet) × depth (in feet), then divide by 27. Order a little extra to allow for compaction. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on calculating how much material you need.
Why Local Aggregate Makes a Difference
A local supplier gives you consistent sizing, so your base compacts evenly. You also get material suited to Ohio conditions, and you can see the stone in person before you order. Bulk delivery saves you a lot of trips back and forth.
Bring your measurements, a few photos, and a quick description of how you'll use the space. “It's a garden path” is a start; “I need to get a loaded wheelbarrow through here” makes the conversation much more useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gravel for a driveway in Ohio?
A compacted crushed limestone base topped with #57 stone or a finer crushed limestone is a popular, durable choice for Northeast Ohio driveways.
Crushed limestone vs. pea gravel: which is better?
Crushed limestone is better for bases and high-traffic areas because its angular edges lock together. Pea gravel is better for decorative paths where looks and comfort matter more than stability.
What is the best patio base material?
Compacted crushed limestone with fines, topped with about an inch of sand for leveling.
Find the Right Stone for Your Project
Not sure which aggregate fits your plans? Kurtz Bros., Inc. offers bulk aggregates with delivery across Northeast Ohio, and the team is happy to help you match the material to the project.
Kurtz Bros. locations include Akron, Avon, Broadview Heights, Garfield Heights, Hudson, North Canton, Strongsville, Valley View, and Willowick. Product availability can vary per location. Visit kurtz-bros.com for full details.
About Kurtz Bros., Inc. Founded in 1948, Kurtz Bros., Inc. is a Northeast Ohio leader in landscape supply and waste-to-resource solutions. Their team produces premium topsoils, mulches, composts, and aggregates for homeowners, contractors, and municipalities. Learn more at kurtz-bros.com
