For any construction or landscaping project, choosing the right material is crucial. Two of the most popular choices for various applications are crusher dust and road base. But which is the right choice for your project? Let's delve into the details.
What is Road Base (Crushed Rock)?
Road base (Crushed Rock) is a non-decorative, functional material used as a compacted base under other finishes laid over the top. It consists of materials like, crushed gravel, which is compacted to form hard surfaces. The composition includes blue or grey rock fragments around 20mm in size with smaller particles, down to "fines" mixed in. This mixture ensures a solid compacted surface.
Applications:
- Driveways
- Parking lots
- Garden pathways
- Building pads and bases
- Hardstand areas
What is Crusher Dust?
Crusher dust is a product which is crushed from the same kind of rock as road base but is much finer and gives a smoother finish than road base. As rocks are crushed, tiny pieces and dust particles remain. It's made from fine recycled crushed rock and is typically 5mm or smaller in size. Crusher dust contains fine particles, making it a valuable packing material. It's also beneficial for a wide range of applications as it is the final layer below synthetic turf.
Applications:
- Foundation for surfaces requiring compaction
- Under pavers, concrete, and pathways (washed sand the most commonly used under pavers)
- Packing material around water tanks, driveways, and pathways
- Final layer under synthetic turf
Road Base
- Composition: Decomposed granite, crushed gravel, limestone
- Size: Around 20mm down to fines
- Cost: Slightly more expensive usually
- Usage: Foundation for roads, driveways, under concrete slabs
- Benefits: Strong compacted surface, versatile
Crusher Dust
- Composition: Fine crushed rock
- Size: 5mm or smaller
- Cost: More affordable on a general basis
- Usage: Layer under various materials, slabs, pads
- Benefits: Strong compaction, smoother finish
The Big 3 Benefits of Crusher Dust
Achieving Sleek Surfaces: Crusher dust boasts exceptional load-bearing qualities and endurance. It's a user-friendly material that's straightforward to spread and level. As it settles, the finer particles intermingle with the gaps between larger stone pieces, culminating in a sleeker finish. The tightly compacted nature of crusher dust ensures long-lasting surfaces, free from shifting or the development of unwanted depressions.
Optimal Choice for Paving Foundations: Crusher dust serves as an impermeable barrier beneath paving, effectively preventing water infiltration. By averting water seepage, it minimises the potential for paving stones to become unstable or damaged.
An Economically Sound Selection: In comparison to alternative construction fillers, crusher dust emerges as a wallet-friendly choice.
If you're keen to harness these benefits, crusher dust is available at Daisy's Garden Supplies. If you are looking for 'crusher dust Melbourne' we have you covered with delivery or pick up in our eight conveniently located stores across Melbourne and Geelong.
- Note: All compactable materials are subject to wear and need maintenance. Depressions may develop.
Wrap Up
While both crusher dust and road base are durable and strong, they serve different purposes. Road base is ideal for supporting heavier surfaces and main roads, whereas crusher dust is a more affordable alternative suitable for smaller roads, slabs, and pads. It's essential to choose the right material based on the specific requirements of your project.
For the best results, consider consulting with our staff to ensure you make an informed decision. Remember, the success of your project largely depends on the foundation you lay.
About the Authors:
Harley Thompson
Harley is a second-generation journalist with a passion for gardening and a keen eye for detail. Currently studying a double degree of Commerce and International relations at Monash University, Harley loves learning new things. He specialises in creating engaging content about garden advice, using experience in store, with our team and customers. His writing blends his academic knowledge with practical experience, offering informative and inspiring articles.
Greg Fitzgerald
Greg Fitzgerald is a qualified horticulturalist with more than 30 years in the industry and 16 years at Daisy's Garden Supplies. He manages production and procurement for all our products, ensuring high-quality gardens and landscapes for our customers. His vast experience and qualification in horticulture make him a key asset to Daisy's. He offers valuable insights and a wealth of knowledge in terms of mulches, soils, pebbles and rocks, composts and many other products.