Melbourne, FL – May 29, 2025 – Melbourne Site Materials, a trusted provider of premium construction aggregates, is excited to share expert advice on selecting the perfect driveway materials: Road Base and #57 Stone. Available through melbournesitematerials.com, these materials cater to diverse project needs. Knowing when to use each—or combine them—ensures a durable, cost-effective, and visually appealing driveway tailored to your property.

Why Choose Road Base?

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

• High-traffic driveways: Perfect for homes with frequent vehicle use or heavy loads, such as boats or RVs.
• Coastal or rainy climates: Road Base’s compact nature withstands Florida’s heavy rainfall and prevents washouts.
• Budget-friendly projects: Provides a strong foundation at a lower cost than other aggregates.

Customers opt for Road Base when seeking a reliable, long-lasting base layer to support heavy loads and endure environmental challenges, particularly in Melbourne’s humid and stormy climate.

Why Choose #57 Stone?

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

• Drainage-critical projects: Ideal for areas prone to water pooling or for use in drainage systems.
• Aesthetic driveways: Its consistent size and neutral gray tones create 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 key, or for projects needing a permeable surface that complements Melbourne’s coastal 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 shines as a top layer or standalone material for lighter-duty driveways where drainage and visual appeal are priorities. It may not offer 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, Melbourne 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 delivers:

• Strength and stability: Road Base supports heavy vehicles and prevents settling, ideal for Melbourne’s sandy soils.
• Enhanced drainage: #57 Stone’s angular particles allow water to flow, reducing erosion and pooling in Florida’s rainy seasons.
• Aesthetic appeal: #57 Stone provides a smooth, attractive surface that boosts 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 Melbourne seeking functionality, durability, and visual appeal, especially in areas with heavy rain or coastal conditions.

Why Choose Melbourne Site Materials?

Melbourne Site Materials is committed 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 Melbourne, Florida, and a focus on affordability, we make it easy to achieve your project goals.

Contact Us Today
Ready to build your ideal driveway? Visit melbournesitematerials.com or call 888-237-2746 to order. For inquiries, email [email protected].
Media Contact: Sarah Thompson
Melbourne Site Materials
888-237-2746
[email protected]

About Melbourne Site Materials
Melbourne Site Materials, a division of National Site Materials, is a leading supplier of construction and landscaping aggregates in Melbourne, Florida. Dedicated 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.