How Much #789 Stone Do I Need?
Assumes #789 Stone ≈ 20 ft³ per ton. Coverage varies with moisture & compaction.
Sales tax (varies by county) is added at checkout.
About #789 Stone (Pea Gravel / ⅜″ Washed Granite Gravel)
#789 Stone - also called “#7 Stone,” “7/789”, often referred to locally as pea gravel,is a clean, angular granite gravel ranging from ⅜″ to ½″ in size. It is sometimes referred to locally as “pea gravel,” but unlike natural river pea gravel, #789 Stone is crushed granite. Its angular edges interlock better than rounded rock, helping reduce movement while still creating a smoother finish than #57 Stone.
In Spartanburg, Greenville, Cherokee, and surrounding Upstate SC counties, #789 Stone is widely used as a driveway top layer, walkway surface, drainage material, and landscaping accent. Since it contains no fines, it drains freely but does not compact tightly. For best performance, it is often installed over a base of Crusher Run.
Local Applications in Upstate SC
Driveways & Parking Areas: Installed as a top dressing over Crusher Run for a smoother surface.
Walkways & Paths: Comfortable underfoot compared to larger stone.
French Drains & Trenches: Free-draining aggregate for water management.
Pipe Bedding: Supports water and utility lines, especially in clay soils.
Landscaping Accents: Decorative finish around beds, patios, and stepping stones.
Retaining Walls: Used as free-draining backfill behind walls to relieve hydrostatic pressure.
Coverage and Density
Average Density: ~20 cubic feet per ton
Coverage: (2″ depth): ~140 sq ft per ton
Coverage: (3″ depth): ~90 sq ft per ton
Note: Order ~10% extra to account for settlement and slope loss.
Comparison to Other Materials
#57 Stone: Larger (¾″–1″); stronger for concrete and heavy-duty driveways.
Crusher Run: Contains fines; compacts tightly; best as a base under #789.
Screenings: Fine granite dust; used under pavers, not as a surface.
River Pea Gravel: Rounded decorative gravel; shifts more easily than angular #789 Stone, making it less stable for driveways in Upstate SC.
Local Performance in Upstate SC
Clay Soils: Often placed over fabric in Spartanburg and Greenville to prevent migration into subgrade.
Driveways: Contractors typically install a Crusher Run base, then add a 2–3″ cap of #789 Stone for smoother finish and drainage.
Residential Applications: Preferred for walkways and decorative areas where finer finish is desired compared to #57 Stone.
FAQs
What size is #789 Stone?
#789 Stone - sometimes sold as “#7 stone” or “7/789” - consists of washed granite particles sized ~⅜″–½″.
Is #789 Stone the same as pea gravel?
Locally it’s called pea gravel, but unlike rounded river pea gravel, it is angular crushed granite, which interlocks better.
How does #789 compare with #57 Stone?
#789 is smaller (~⅜″–½″ vs. ~½″–1″ for #57 Stone). It creates a smoother finish, while #57 is better for heavy-duty driveways and concrete mixes.
How does #789 compare with Crusher Run?
Unlike Crusher Run, #789 contains no fines, so it drains better but does not compact tightly. It is usually used as a top layer.
How much does one ton cover?
~140 sq ft at 2″ depth or ~90 sq ft at 3″ depth.
Is #789 Stone good for driveways?
Yes. It is commonly placed as a top dressing over a Crusher Run base.
Can #789 Stone be used for drainage?
Yes. It is widely used in French drains, trench drains, and pipe backfill.
Should I use fabric under #789 Stone in clay soils?
Yes. In clay-heavy soils, geotextile fabric prevents sinking and migration.
Is #789 comfortable for walkways?
Yes. Its smaller size makes it easier to walk on than larger stones like #57.
What color is typical in Spartanburg and Greenville quarries?
Expect granite gray. Shade differences occur depending on quarry and moisture.
Will #789 wash away in rain?
It resists movement due to its angular shape. Proper slope and edging further prevent washout.
How often should a #789 driveway be topped off?
Every 1–3 years depending on usage and rainfall.
Will weeds grow through #789 Stone?
Weeds are rare when installed at proper depth with fabric beneath.
Can #789 Stone be used in concrete?
It can, but #57 Stone is the preferred coarse aggregate.
What is the minimum delivery order?
Material is sold by the ton. Free delivery applies at 15+ tons. Smaller orders include a delivery fee.
Do you tailgate spread #789 Stone?
Yes, at no extra cost. Perfectly even distribution cannot be guaranteed.
Is #789 better than Screenings (Granite Dust) under pavers?
Yes. Screenings are used for bedding; #789 is typically used above as a surface or drainage layer.
Is #789 Stone used for retaining wall backfill?
Yes, its drainage properties relieve hydrostatic pressure behind walls.
Can #789 Stone be used for septic or utility trench backfill?
Yes. It is commonly used in Spartanburg and Greenville for septic drain fields and utility trench backfill.
Is #789 Stone suitable for steep driveways?
Yes, especially when installed over Crusher Run. Its angular edges provide traction.
How much #789 Stone fits in a triaxle dump truck?
A triaxle typically carries 20–22 tons depending on weight limits.
Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?
Delivery is typically scheduled within 1–2 business days. Contact us for current availability.
Is #789 Stone available year-round in the Upstate?
Yes. It is stocked consistently at local quarries and delivered year-round.
Disclaimer
Natural products vary in size and color. Quantities are approximate. See our Disclaimer & Terms of Delivery page for full details.