Limestone gravel is a versatile aggregate material that can be used for many different projects, but the average homeowner is probably most familiar with its use as filler for driveways. The small white gravel stones are useful for traction in driveways and parking lots, but they are also helpful in drainage and back fill projects, as well.

Especially where basement waterproofing and drain repair jobs are concerned, limestone gravel is an excellent material for use in filling excavated holes and trenches. Limestone gravel has excellent drainage properties, which means that water can easily filter through the material. When footer drains are replaced around the foundation of a home, back filling with limestone gravel allows rainwater to filter down to the perforated pipes and flow away from the home.

Limestone is generally harvested from quarries and crushed to different sizes depending upon needs. In addition to the most common smaller size of gravel, larger pieces are also available for other construction projects. And limestone screenings, which are a fine, powder-like material used for things like providing stability between patio stones, are another commonly used limestone aggregate material.

If you are interested in using an aggregate material to fill in your driveway, then limestone gravel might not be your best choice. Slag, another material that is similar to limestone gravel, is less expensive and usually works just as well in driveways. Slag is not a stone, however, but rather a byproduct of steel production that is lighter and cheaper to purchase.

Most landscaping material providers will have the ability to offer you both slag and limestone gravel. Be sure to talk to a professional about what you need the material for, how much area you need to cover, and whether you should purchase slag or limestone.