Memphis, TN – May 29, 2025 – Memphis Site Materials, a leading supplier of high-quality construction aggregates, is pleased to offer expert guidance on selecting the ideal driveway materials: Road Base and #57 Stone. Available through memphissitematerials.com, these materials provide distinct benefits tailored to various project requirements. Understanding when to use each—or combine them—ensures a durable, cost-effective, and visually appealing driveway for your property.

Why Choose Road Base?

Road Base, a blend of crushed stone and fines, is a cost-effective and sturdy material that compacts tightly for exceptional stability. Its interlocking composition resists shifting and erosion, making it ideal for:

• High-traffic driveways: Ideal for homes with frequent vehicle use or heavy loads, such as trucks or trailers.
• Areas with variable weather: Road Base’s compact nature withstands Memphis’s humid summers and occasional heavy rains, preventing washouts.
• Budget-conscious projects: Offers a strong foundation at a lower cost compared to other aggregates.

Customers choose Road Base when seeking a reliable, long-lasting base layer to support heavy loads and endure environmental challenges, particularly in Memphis’s diverse climate.

Why Choose #57 Stone?

#57 Stone, a crushed aggregate typically ¾ to 1 inch in size, is renowned for its versatility, drainage properties, and aesthetic appeal. Its uniform size and angular shape ensure stability while allowing water to flow through, making it ideal for:

• Drainage-focused projects: Perfect for areas prone to water pooling or for use in drainage systems.
• Aesthetic driveways: Its consistent size and neutral gray tones provide a clean, polished look for visible surfaces.
• Top dressing: Often used as a top layer to enhance appearance and provide a smooth driving surface.

#57 Stone is the preferred choice when drainage and aesthetics are priorities, or for projects requiring a permeable surface that complements landscaping.

When to Choose One Over the Other

• Road Base is best for foundational layers in driveways with unstable soil or heavy traffic, as its fines ensure tight compaction and load-bearing strength. It’s less suitable as a top layer due to its less uniform appearance and potential dust in dry conditions.
• #57 Stone excels as a top layer or standalone material for lighter-duty driveways where drainage and visual appeal are critical. It may not provide the same foundational strength as Road Base for heavy loads or unstable ground.

The Ideal Approach: Combining Road Base and #57 Stone

For the ultimate driveway, Memphis Site Materials recommends a layered approach: use Road Base as the foundational layer for a stable, compact base, then top it with #57 Stone for superior drainage and a refined finish. This combination offers:

• Strength and stability: Road Base supports heavy vehicles and prevents settling, ideal for Memphis’s clay-heavy soils.
• Enhanced drainage: #57 Stone’s angular particles allow water to flow, reducing erosion and pooling during heavy rains.
• Aesthetic appeal: #57 Stone provides a smooth, attractive surface that enhances curb appeal.
• Durability: The layered approach minimizes maintenance and repair costs, ensuring long-term performance.

This hybrid method is perfect for homeowners and contractors in Memphis seeking a balance of functionality, durability, and visual appeal, especially in areas with variable weather or heavy vehicle use.

Why Choose Memphis Site Materials?

Memphis Site Materials is dedicated to delivering top-quality aggregates with exceptional customer service. Our Road Base and #57 Stone are sourced for consistency and durability, ensuring your driveway project meets the highest standards. With fast, reliable delivery across Memphis, Tennessee, and a commitment to affordability, we make it easy to achieve your project goals.

Contact Us Today
Ready to build your ideal driveway? Visit memphissitematerials.com or call 888-237-2746 to order. For inquiries, email [email protected].
Media Contact: Jessica Hayes
Memphis Site Materials
888-237-2746
[email protected]

About Memphis Site Materials
Memphis Site Materials, a division of National Site Materials, is a premier supplier of construction and landscaping aggregates in Memphis, Tennessee. Committed to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction, we offer a wide range of materials, including Road Base, #57 Stone, gravel, sand, and more, to help customers bring their projects to life.