People often confuse Red Crushed Rock with red gravel or red road base, but it’s a distinct product with unique uses, especially in places like Perth, WA. Let’s break it down!
 
What is Red Crushed Rock?
Red Crushed Rock is a crushed, angular rock rather than rounded gravel.
Made from laterite, granite, or iron-rich stone, which gives it its signature red to reddish-brown colour.
Particles are usually angular, creating an interlocking surface for strength.
Available in various sizes:
10 mm – 20 mm for decorative uses
20 mm – 40 mm for heavier applications like driveways or drainage
Finer grades (dust/fines) for compaction layers
 
What is Red Crushed Rock Ideal For in Perth, WA?
It’s popular for:
✅ Driveways & access roads — provides a stable, hard-wearing surface
✅ Paths & walkways — aesthetic and non-slip surface
✅ Garden beds & decorative ground cover — adds strong colour contrast
✅ Base layer for paving — especially the fines version
✅ Verge landscaping — visually blends with Perth’s natural soil colours
✅ Drainage layers — larger grades work well for drainage behind retaining walls
 
Perth Advantages:
Matches Perth’s natural red soil tones, blending with bush or rural landscapes
Withstands hot, dry conditions without breaking down
Good alternative to grey crushed limestone for a warmer aesthetic
 
Recommended Thickness for Red Crushed Rock Layers
Paths & decorative areas:
🔹 50–75 mm (2–3 inches) depth
Driveways or vehicle traffic areas:
🔹 75–100 mm (3–4 inches) compacted layer over a prepared base
Base under pavers or artificial turf (using fines/crusher dust):
🔹 50–100 mm compacted
For driveways and heavier uses, always place over a compacted sub-base for best performance.
 
How to Maintain Red Crushed Rock Surfaces
Compact thoroughly during installation.
Occasional raking or leveling to redistribute displaced rocks.
Top up every few years, as some rocks may shift, sink, or get lost to traffic.
Control weeds with:
Pre-install weed mat
Occasional spraying or hand weeding
Edge the area (e.g. with steel, concrete, or timber) to contain the rock and prevent migration into lawns or adjacent surfaces.
Repair potholes promptly by topping up and compacting.
 
Key difference from red compacting gravel:
Red Crushed Rock has a more decorative, angular look and is less dusty.
Red Compacting Gravel has more fine particles and binds tighter into a firm surface.
 
Let us know your project (e.g. driveway, garden bed, path), and I’ll help you choose the best grade and installation method for Perth conditions!