---
title: Construction Gravel 101 - Which is Right for Your Project?
description: Choosing construction gravel doesn’t have to be confusing. Learn which type is best for your driveway, drainage, or patio base with this quick guide from Pine.
---

[Pine Landscape Center | Blog ](https://pinelandscape.com/blog)

# [Construction Gravel 101 - Which is Right for Your Project?](https://pinelandscape.com/blog/construction-gravel-101)

 Written by [Pinelandscape](https://pinelandscape.com/blog/author/pinelandscape) | May 29, 2025 3:50:10 PM

When it comes to choosing a construction gravel for your project, the options can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you are adding to an existing driveway, filling behind a retaining wall, or creating a french drain, here is a quick guide to help you decide:

¾” Washed Gravel

-  Best for: Driveways, french drains, and as a base layer for patios and pavers  
-  Why: A versatile choice (and probably our most popular construction gravel) with great drainage properties. Clean and compacts well.

1.5” Washed Gravel  
-  Best for: Drainage applications (behind a retaining wall), septic systems, and some driveways  
-  Why: Its large size and clean finish allow for excelled water flow, making it perfect for areas that need proper drainage.

Helpful Tip: If you are wanting to overlay an existing driveway, feel free to bring in a sample to make matching easier!

**¼” Chip**  
- Best for: Filling joints between pavers, leveling a patio base, or creating a clean, finished look around a fire pit  
- Why: Its small, angular size makes it ideal for tight spaces where stability and drainage are both important. It compacts well without shifting, helping to lock pavers in place while maintaining a neat appearance.

**AB3**  
-  Best for: Driveway base, concrete patio paver base, or retaining wall base  
-  Why: AB3 contains a mix of gravel and fines that compacts tightly, creating a strong, stable foundation. It’s ideal for supporting heavy loads and preventing shifting over time—exactly what you need beneath hard surfaces like concrete or retaining structures.

**3-6” Ditch Rock**  
-  Best for: Erosion control in drainage ditches, along roadways, or on slopes.  
-  Why: The large, heavy rock stays in place even during heavy water flow, making it highly effective at reducing erosion and stabilizing high-runoff areas.

**Pit Fines**  
-  Best for: Base material for roads and driveways, especially in rural settings.  
-  Why: Help to compact and stabilize surfaces, filling spaces between larger aggregates and creating a more solid and level base.

Whatever your project, you can trust that Pine Landscape Center has the materials you need to Make the Outdoors All Yours.

[View full post](https://pinelandscape.com/blog/construction-gravel-101)

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