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Choosing the Best Crushed Stone for Walkways: A Complete Guide

If you’re building a walkway, choosing the right type of crushed stone is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It affects the durability, appearance, comfort, and long-term maintenance of the project. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most popular crushed stone options for walkways, the pros and cons of each, and what to consider when making your decision.

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What Makes a Crushed Stone Ideal for Walkways?

Not all gravel is created equal. For walkways, you want a material that:

• Compacts well for a stable walking surface
• Drains properly to prevent puddles and erosion
• Feels comfortable underfoot
• Matches the look of your outdoor space

Small, angular stone is typically the best fit. Round stones like river rock may look great but don’t lock together as well, making them more prone to shifting and spreading.

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The Top 3 Crushed Stone Types for Walkways

Here are three of the most popular and effective crushed stone types used for walkways:

1. Pea Gravel

• Size: 3/8”
• Texture: Small, smooth, and rounded
• Pros: Visually appealing, good drainage, widely available
• Cons: Can shift easily, may need edging to contain it
• Best For: Decorative garden paths and light foot traffic areas

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2. Crushed Granite

• Size: 1/4” to 1/2” angular chips
• Texture: Sharp-edged and compactable
• Pros: Stable underfoot, attractive color options, excellent compaction
• Cons: Can become dusty or muddy in rainy areas
• Best For: High-traffic walkways and sloped paths

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3. Jersey Shore Gravel

• Size: 3/8”
• Texture: Rounded with tan, gold, and white hues
• Pros: Warm beachy look, good drainage
• Cons: Less compactable than angular stone
• Best For: Coastal-themed landscapes and decorative paths

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Step-by-Step: How to Install a Crushed Stone Walkway

Here’s a simplified process for building a durable and attractive walkway with crushed stone:

1. Mark your layout using spray paint or string lines
2. Excavate the path to about 4–6 inches deep
3. Compact the soil to create a solid base
4. Install landscape fabric to block weed growth
5. Add 2–3 inches of crushed stone base, then compact it
6. Add 2–3 inches of your chosen top layer and level it out
7. Compact again if needed, and add edging to hold shape

Tip: Avoid skipping the base layer—it greatly improves stability and drainage.

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Maintenance Tips

• Rake it out occasionally to keep the surface level
• Add more stone as needed to fill in low spots
• Edge your path to keep the gravel from spreading
• Use a leaf blower or broom to clear debris without disturbing the stone

With light upkeep, a crushed stone walkway can last many years.

For more tips, check out this video.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right crushed stone for your walkway isn’t just about appearance—it’s about durability, comfort, and low-maintenance functionality. Whether you prefer the soft texture of pea gravel, the sturdiness of crushed granite, or the coastal charm of Jersey Shore gravel, the right choice will elevate both the look and performance of your outdoor space.

Need help deciding? Try our aggregate quiz or explore our gravel calculator to figure out how much material your project will need. Ready to build? Hello Gravel delivers high-quality crushed stone straight to your home or job site—quickly, affordably, and hassle-free.