#57 Stone (Clean Gravel)

About #57 Stone

#57 Stone is a crushed granite aggregate with pieces sized between ½ inch and 1 inch. The stone is angular, which allows it to compact firmly while still leaving voids for water to drain. This balance of strength and drainage makes #57 Stone one of the most widely used aggregates for construction and landscaping projects across Upstate South Carolina.

One of the primary uses of #57 Stone is for driveways. When applied at a depth of 2–3 inches, it provides a stable, long-lasting driving surface that resists shifting under vehicle traffic. For new driveways, it is typically installed on top of a compacted base layer of Crusher Run to improve durability. For resurfacing existing driveways, a top layer of #57 Stone can restore surface quality, increase traction, and improve drainage.

In addition to driveway work, #57 Stone is widely used in drainage applications. Its angular shape allows water to flow freely while preventing soil from washing into the drainage system. It is the standard choice for French drains, trench drains, and around perforated pipe systems. It is also frequently used as backfill behind retaining walls, where proper drainage is essential to reduce hydrostatic pressure and protect the structure.

Contractors also use #57 Stone as a coarse aggregate in concrete mixes. It adds strength and bulk to concrete for applications such as slabs, footings, sidewalks, and other structural foundations. The granite’s hardness and durability make it especially well-suited for concrete in the Upstate region. Additionally, #57 Stone is used for erosion control on slopes, in landscaping beds where drainage is needed, and in construction entrances to reduce mud tracking.

Palmetto Sand & Gravel supplies #57 Stone by the ton, with delivery available across Spartanburg, Greenville, Cherokee, Union, and surrounding Upstate counties. Orders of 15 tons or more qualify for free delivery, while smaller orders are available with standard delivery fees. Material can be tailgate spread upon request, though spreading results vary depending on the load and site conditions.

By combining durability, drainage capacity, and versatility, #57 Stone remains a practical and cost-effective choice for homeowners, contractors, and municipalities throughout the Upstate.

FAQ – #57 Stone (Upstate South Carolina)

1) What is #57 Stone?

#57 Stone is a clean, washed, crushed granite aggregate with pieces roughly ½″ to 1″ in size.

2) How is #57 Stone different from Crusher Run?

#57 is clean, angular stone (minimal fines) for drainage and top layers, while Crusher Run includes fines for compaction/base strength.

3) Does #57 Stone contain fines (dust)?

By specification, #57 Stone is a clean, washed stone with very little to no fines. Trace dust may appear from handling or transport. If you need material that compacts tightly, we recommend Crusher Run. For a finer bedding layer or paver base, consider Screenings (Granite Dust).

4) What color should I expect?

Natural granite gray. Shade varies with quarry source and moisture at delivery.

5) How thick should I spread #57 Stone on a driveway?

For resurfacing, 2–3″ is typical. New driveways should have 4–6″ of Crusher Run base with a 2–3″ #57 cap.

6) Do I need geotextile fabric under #57 in clay soils?

Yes. In Upstate clay, fabric separates soil from stone and reduces sinking/pumping.

7) Will #57 Stone wash out in heavy rain?

Not usually. The angular shape interlocks to resist movement, but edging/containment and proper slope help.

8) Can I drive on #57 Stone immediately after spreading?

Yes. Once spread (and ideally lightly compacted), it’s traffic-ready.

9) What projects is #57 Stone best for?

Driveway surfacing, French drains, backfill behind retaining walls, and as coarse aggregate in concrete.

10) Can I use #57 Stone for concrete?

Yes. #57 Stone is a standard coarse aggregate in concrete mixes. For pavers or walkways, a finer base such as Screenings (Granite Dust) is often used beneath the stone for leveling.

11) What pipe/fabric should I use for French drains with #57 Stone?

Typical installation: 4–6″ perforated pipe wrapped with non-woven filter fabric, surrounded by #57 Stone, with positive slope to daylight or a sump.

12) How much area does one ton of #57 Stone cover?

Approx. 120 sq ft at 2″ depth or 80 sq ft at 3″ depth. Coverage varies with moisture and compaction.

13) How do I calculate how many tons I need?

Use the on-page “How Much #57 Stone Do I Need?” calculator. Enter your dimensions and we’ll round to whole tons for delivery.

14) Do you tailgate spread #57 Stone?

Yes—no extra charge. Flow varies by material; we can’t guarantee a perfectly even layer.

15) What’s the minimum order and delivery policy?

Orders start at 1 ton. Free delivery applies at 15+ tons. Orders under 15 tons have a delivery fee.

16) Do I have to be on site for delivery?

Not required if we have clear, safe instructions. A signer may be needed depending on the order.

17) What site conditions are required for delivery?

Firm ground, safe access, and clearance for trucks. Fully loaded trucks weigh up to ~22 tons.

18) Will weeds grow through #57 Stone?

Rarely. Fabric plus proper depth virtually eliminates weeds.

19) How often should I top-dress a #57 driveway?

Every 1–3 years, depending on traffic, slope, and rainfall.

20) Does #57 Stone work well in Upstate SC clay soils?

Yes. The voids between stones allow drainage through clay. Fabric underneath prevents sinking.

21) Is your #57 granite or limestone?

We supply crushed granite #57 Stone, consistent with local Upstate SC quarry sources.

22) Is #57 Stone good for foundations and retaining walls?

Yes. It’s commonly used as free-draining backfill when paired with fabric and a drainage outlet.

23) Is your #57 gradation compliant?

Yes. Our #57 Stone meets the industry-standard gradation envelope (clean stone, ~½″–1″ size).

Disclaimer

Natural products vary in size and color. Quantities are approximate. See our Disclaimer & Terms of Delivery page for full details.