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No, gravel and crushed rock are different. Crushed rock is made in a quarry and has sharp, jagged edges. It’s most commonly used for building and construction.

Gravel naturally occurs in river beds or lakes and features smooth edges, making it a better choice for landscaping or other decorative areas. Like crushed stone, gravel can also be found in quarries, but it’s typically due to rock-on-rock erosion rather than machinery.

Gravel’s biggest pro is its cost-effectiveness. For example, a gravel road or driveway is much more affordable than its asphalt counterpart. Gravel is also much less expensive than the cost of pouring a concrete slab if you’re building a patio or similar structure.

However, regarding comfort and convenience, gravel is far less foot-friendly than smoother substances like concrete or asphalt. It’s also more of a challenge to drive on and may kick up dust, resulting in the inevitable need for extra car washes. Lastly, there’s a chance it might move with rain or snow.

Gravel is a versatile option for home projects. It is low-maintenance and cost-effective compared to other materials. In addition, gravel provides excellent drainage, reducing the risk of flooding in your yard or driveway. Pairing gravel with a weed barrier fabric during installation can mitigate the risk of weed growth.

A base layer is typically required when installing artificial grass, and the specific materials depend on the surface where the turf is being placed.

If you are installing artificial grass over soil, you should lay down a sub-base and a weed barrier.

• Weed Barrier: A fabric weed barrier, weed membrane, or geo-textile paper is essential to prevent weeds from growing through and damaging the turf.

• Sub-base: This layer provides drainage, support, and prevents the turf from sinking. Common materials include a mixture of gravel and sand, such as crushed miscellaneous base (CMB), decomposed granite, decomposed limestone, or a specifically mixed road base. Other options include silica sand and granite sand.

If you are placing turf over a hard surface like concrete, you can often skip the sub-base and use a padded underlayment or shock-absorbent material like astro-cushion for comfort and safety.

If you are unsure which materials are best for your specific project, it's a good idea to consult with an artificial turf installer.