Crusher Run - What is it?

Crusher Run - What's in a name?

To name a few, you have: 'Crush and Run' or 'Crush N Run', 'Graded Aggregate Base' (GAB), ‘Dense Grade Aggregate’ (DGA), ‘Quarry Process’, ‘Road Bond’ or 'Aggregate Base Coarse' (ABC Stone). Don’t let all the names overwhelm you - at a base level (no pun intended), crusher run is simply crushed stone down to fines that compacts well–making it an effective base material.

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What is Crusher Run made out of?

Crusher run base can be made up of limestone, granite, gneiss, or trap rock. Unlike ‘clean’ gravels, crusher run gravel will also contain a mix of fines like screenings (stone dust) and some dirt. The combination of crushed, angular rock and stone dust inter-lock to form a solid, level base - giving crusher run its desirable compaction and drainage properties.

The product can typically range in sizes from 1/2" to 4" stones down to fines. Most commonly, crusher run is produced as a 3/4" minus Crusher Run base or a 1.5”-2” minus and certain applications may call for certain sizes.

Sold by the ton or cubic yard, 1 cubic yard of crusher run weighs approximately 1.2 tons or +/-2,400 lbs. The depth of the crusher run base recommended in inches will vary depending on the project.

What is Crusher Run used for?

Crusher run has many useful applications but is most commonly used in home projects as a subbase for many different concrete projects. Other uses include but are not limited to:

• For driveway installation, a foundation of crusher run can add years to your driveway's life. The durable and compact nature of the material will prevent the surface material from developing potholes, cracking or shifting under heavy pressure from vehicle traffic and the elements. Also effective for walkways.
• For masonry work like installing a stone paver base, patios or retaining walls, it can provide a solid foundation for construction that is capable of keeping heavy pavers and stone materials in place.
• For drainage purposes, it can be used to level yards and improve drainage in areas that are prone to flooding.
• When excavating to install underground equipment like sewer pipes, drainage pipes, and utility cables, it can also act as a reliable backfill to hold loose soil and ground in place.

Size can matter when it comes to crusher run foundations and applications. Especially when it comes to laying pavers or surfaces that need to be more level.

Crusher run is a versatile material and an ideal choice for placing under many different surfaces both hard and soft, from asphalt and concrete walkways to putting greens.

So whether you're parking your truck with a boat in tow on a durable new driveway, sipping cold beverages on an uncracked patio, or sinking aces on a level putting green, you likely have a solid base of crusher run underneath to thank.