and why? I am leaning toward a load of 1"

What are you using it for?

3/4" - easy to rake out smooth/level (rocks can slip through rake's teeth)

If you're driving or walking on it, go smaller. For the reason LS1 stated, but also because it packs better if you're going to pack it (or just as you drive/walk on it).

Consider going bigger if you're using it as landscaping ground cover. Easier to clean off with a blower w/o blowing your stone around if it's bigger.

-Rob

It is going around the perimeter of a building. All sides. In the front it is for parking. Yes will be used for walking and general working. . Will be plowed extensively in the winter for snow. Was thinking 1" and it cannot be much different in size and might be more durable?
Maybe not. I am going to stop and look at the pit and crusher site.

1 inch is not a commonly used size in my experience, around here.

I mostly see and use 1 1/4" for base and then 3/4" for top layers on driveways. Sometimes 1 1/4 is used alone on hills or places where it might wash out or be spun out by vehicles struggling for traction.

I’d go with crusher for anything you’re walking on or driving on. 3/4” will likely compact better.

If you’re doing anything drainage related then it preferable to buy a smooth rock (eg pea gravel) that doesn’t compact well (it’s always sliding on each other) because it leaves more voids for water.

It's not clear if you want clean round rock with no fines to be used for decorative purposes or crushed rock, with angular edges that catch on other angular edges and various sized fines that fill in the voids. The clean round rock use for ground cover or mulch and I recommend the 3/4 or smaller. Put a filter cloth or visqueen on the ground before you put the rock down. If you are going to have foot or vehicular traffic then use crushed rock and either size will do OK, just remember you have to compact it for the rock to bear any weight

Here you can buy the stone in that size with or without dust. I think if that's an option get the dust so it packs. I know that will plow better.

I am using what the local supplier calls #74 crushed limestone on my firing range. It is roughly 1/4-1/2 inch in size, and is easy to walk on. I have 1.5-2 inch crushed limestone on my driveway to prevent washing and makes a good base but it is a little difficult to walk on.

Yes it will have fines in it. It is crushed. Thanks. Mark

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Yes it will have fines in it. It is crushed. Thanks. Mark

I dislike the rock with fines AKA Crusher run, as it doesn't drain nearly as well and is more likely to have puddles of standing water when packed.

The new houses we built got the 1 1/4 base when started then the 3/4 clean topping when final grading was done, works well, never a complaint... but we don't plow snow either

Crushed rock with no or too little fines will squirm when weight is put on it. The fines fill in the voids and physically impede the individual rocks from moving, along with the angular edges I mentioned above. If you try running in sand it's difficult to get solid footing because all the sand particles are one size, no fines. If processed and compacted right the crushed rock surfacing will act as one unit whether it's 3/4 or 1 inch because it is essentially solid rock. It will also seal off water from reaching your subgrade, when you see puddles on your rock surfacing it's because it's sealing off the water. The 3/4 inch will be a little smoother surface, the 1 inch will last a little longer because of the larger pieces

quote:

Originally posted by HayesGreener:
I am using what the local supplier calls #74 crushed limestone on my firing range. It is roughly 1/4-1/2 inch in size, and is easy to walk on. I have 1.5-2 inch crushed limestone on my driveway to prevent washing and makes a good base but it is a little difficult to walk on.

You can add the smaller sized crushed over your existing larger sized crushed on your driveway. Puts a nice "cap" on it and it's the best of both worlds with a stronger base and a smoother top.

I use 57's.

I went by the quarry. The 3/4" minus looked really good. The 1"- looked like more fines. So i opted for the 3/4". Thinking I should of got one of each and mixed. It will be good. The quality is good from this plant. I have used them before. I agree on all counts Mr. Brooks. Thanks to all of you.