Which is Better – Gravel or Limestone? Limestone and gravel are versatile materials utilized in a range of industries for various purposes such as stones for driveways and various other purposes. Basically, they are utilized for hardscaping in the construction industry to produce practical and decorative elements in a landscape. In cement, limestone is the chief component as it is the binding property for concrete. Similarly, alongside the sand, gravel is an integral component of concrete.
They make up to 85% of concrete composition when utilizing the Portland formula similarly. They can also both be utilized in loose form to make better drainage, act as a general-purpose filler in uneven areas, and produce pathways for commercial and domestic jobs. Limestone and gravel are generally popular choices for driveways as an alternative to concrete or asphalt.
What is Gravel?
A term used to describe a mix of pebbles or stones that have been worn smooth by water, it is not a single rock type , gravel stones for driveways are placed to give the driveway a fascinating look. Generally, it is ground in near water sources (for example, rivers and lakes). These rock fragments’ loose aggregation must be over the diameter of 2 mm, as anything smaller than that is taken as sand.
Different types of gravel are there, which generally are graded by size. Most driveways utilize typically at least three different sizes of gravel that are utilized to ensure appropriate drainage by putting it down in layers, and it develops a strong foundation.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is simply one specific rock type, unlike gravel. It is a sedimentary rock that makes up around the world approximately 10% of all sedimentary rocks. Limestone is also one of the types of rock that can be included in gravel. It is largely made up of calcium carbonate resulting from the ancient remnants of sea creatures such as shellfish and coral. It is now easy to find limestone, which was once underneath the sea; you can find it anywhere.
One of the most famous deposit locations of limestone in the world is Niagara Falls. Limestone aggregates are typically more jagged and bulkier as compared to the gravel distinctively smooth. It is available in various ranges of sizes, from flat pavers of large cut (measuring 36″ x 24″) all the way down to squashed limestone, which consists of small stones of different sizes homogeneous to gravel.
Advantages of Limestone and Gravel
In terms of the advantages limestone and gravel offer, these materials are very similar such as both can be turned into stones for driveways. Limestone and gravel are versatile products that conduct widespread appeal with contractors and landscapers across the world, as already mentioned. One of the most commonly available rocks on Earth is limestone, and it is easily purchased from hardware stores and garden centers. Likewise, gravel is effortlessly at hand in great quantities.
Gravel and limestone both are easily available and affordable as the rarer the material, the more costly it is to purchase. They are comparatively easy to maintain and lay as well as their price is reasonable. You should expect the loose top layer to be transferred around on a pathway or driveway, but to keep it in place, and you could even consider different edgings as it is easily raked back into place. Both the products can be used as top layer and base when you are looking to utilize limestone or gravel for a driveway or pathway.
You could even match and mix utilizing one on the layer above and the other at the bottom. For this purpose, they are good stuff or materials because they can last a long time and are stable. Doubtlessly, limestone was utilized in the creation of Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza. Limestone and gravel are porous and permeable, so they can replenish groundwater and absorb rain. They are also best to be used for drainage purposes, due to which they are generally utilized in pathways and gardens.
The appearance of Limestone and Gravel, Stones for Driveways
The basic difference between limestone and gravel is the way they seem. While both (limestone and gravel) are attractive, aesthetically amusing, specifically compared to concrete and asphalt, there is a much more significant difference in gravel as it is created from a collection of rock fragments, pebbles, and stones.
There will be different types of stones changing in shape and color in a bulk mixture of quality gravel. The primary colors tend to be white, brown, and grey, but selected colors in special mixes are also available for you, and you can buy special colors. Limestone usually is only obtainable in different shades of grey, from near to white all the way to slate grey in contrast.
The varying shades are generally restricted to the specific quarry target the limestone comes from. This is not necessarily an issue but could design adding a new limestone layer but could make adding a new limestone layer in the future more evident compared to the more random gravel nature.
Is Limestone or Gravel Better?
Definitely, both the materials (limestone and gravel) perform the same job to the same preferred levels. Limestone and gravel are equally easy to lay, versatile, and strong. The final decision will greatly depend on the price and availability of both products in your area as well as the type of project for which you need it. The cost may also depend on which type of stones for driveways you are needing. It could simply be down to the appearance and which one you consider seems good if none of the choices are deciding factors.
Limestone or gravel both are great and versatile in terms of benefits, but both have their own pros and cons. The easy availability of both makes them the most reasonable construction material. And when it comes to the outlook of both the aggregates, limestone provides a smooth appearance.
When compared with asphalt or concrete, there is much variety in gravel, although both are aesthetically pleasing. You will look at several shades and colors because of the collection of pebbles, rock fragments, and stones. However, limestone is only obtainable in brown, grey, and white shades.
Utilize Edges when Needed
You might have faced the problem of losing layer top moving around, but it is not a big deal. You can offer appropriate edging to maintain the lose top layer’ place. Limestone is very challenging to clean without the utilization of harsh chemical con, though some commercial products are there that can be utilized for the purpose, and they do a great job of maintaining the stones chipped away and clean. These chipped away and cleaned limestone and gravel are then converted to stones for driveways to give an amazing view.
Utilize Limestone for Areas with Heavy Traffic
On the other hand, if you have heavy traffic on your route, the continuous eroding can become a reason for making them weak and fall apart. You can generally expect to have a little resiliency if something does happen to the surface, as limestone does not wear down quickly. Utilize stones for driveways or on other areas with heavy traffic to make it a little easy for the residents.
Cost Consideration
Gravel is much cheaper than limestone as the cost is also an essential factor ins erecting materials, but it all relies on where you are constructing the driveway. You may find the cost equivalent to that of gravel if you are requiring limestone in a relatively small town, and your plan is to make it as wide as the width of street.
Longevity
Both materials are long-lasting as far as longevity goes. They both are highly waterproof and resistant to breaking. For any driveway, these two factors make gravel an ideal option for both residential and commercial properties and better stones for driveways to make you more relaxed.
Do it by Yourself
Carving and laying these stones is a pretty simple and easy task. You would not need specific tools that just some professionals have in their toolboxes. Furthermore, the final result will match your expectations. If you want a break and are got tired of routine work, laying and carving limestone is a pretty good task for the weekend.
The Bottom Line
So, you see, both limestone and gravel have pitfalls and benefits. So, what are better stones for driveways made from limestone or gravel? There is no appropriate answer to this question. This only comes down to the specific requirements and the individual preference of any given task. You will likely find that limestone and gravel are affordable, durable options that will stand up to anything and hold up over time regardless of which aggregates you select.
