Road Crush Gravel: Everything You Need to Know Before Ordering in Calgary
What Is Road Crush Gravel?
Road crush (also called crushed gravel or road base) is a mix of crushed stone and fines designed to compact tightly.
In Calgary’s climate, this is the gold standard for:
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Paver patios
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Driveways
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Walkways
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Retaining wall bases
Why Road Crush Is Critical in Calgary
Calgary experiences extreme freeze-thaw cycles. If your base doesn’t compact properly, moisture will shift it every winter.
Road crush:
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Compacts hard
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Reduces shifting
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Provides structural stability
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Supports heavy loads
How Deep Should Road Crush Be Installed?
Patios & Walkways:
8–12 inches compacted depth
Driveways:
12–18 inches compacted depth
Retaining Walls:
Minimum 12 inches base + drainage rock
Road Crush vs Washed Gravel
| Road Crush | Washed Gravel |
|---|---|
| Compacts tightly | Drains well but shifts |
| Structural support | Not ideal for paver base |
| Freeze-thaw resistant | Less stable |
Washed gravel is great for drainage — not as a primary structural base.
How Much Do You Need?
Formula:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Example:
20 ft × 20 ft patio × 1 ft depth = 400 cubic ft ÷ 27 = 14.8 cubic yards
FAQs
Can I use road crush under a paver driveway in Calgary?
Yes — it’s the recommended base material.
Does road crush need to be compacted?
Absolutely. It must be compacted in lifts (every 2–3 inches).