#8 limestone is a clean, angular crushed stone commonly used for drainage, light-duty surfacing, concrete production, pipe bedding, landscaping, and construction projects. Also known as 3/8-inch clean limestone, #8 stone, or small washed limestone, it typically consists of relatively uniform crushed limestone particles measuring approximately 0.375 inches to 0.5 inches, although exact gradation can vary slightly by quarry and regional specification. Standard guidelines (such as AASHTO) define a #8 stone sieve size as ranging from 1/2 inch down to No. 8 (approx. 3/8 or 1/8 inch).
Produced at limestone quarries and aggregate plants, the material is crushed and screened to remove most stone dust, clay, and fine particles, and may also be washed depending on the source and specification. The limited amount of fines leaves open spaces between the stones, allowing water to move through the installed layer instead of collecting at the surface. This makes #8 limestone useful for narrow drainage trenches, utility installations, pipe bedding, patio areas, and other applications where clean stone and controlled drainage are required.
Its fractured, angular edges help the particles settle together and resist movement more effectively than smooth, rounded gravel. Although #8 limestone does not compact into a dense, sealed layer, its smaller and relatively consistent particle size creates an even surface when installed over a properly prepared base.
Because it is smaller than #57 limestone, #8 stone is easier to spread, rake, and place in confined areas. It works well around pipes, foundations, edging, garden beds, walkways, hardscape features, and other areas where larger crushed stone can be more difficult to install. The smaller size also gives the finished surface a finer appearance than larger clean limestone.
This makes #8 limestone a practical option for homeowners, contractors, builders, landscapers, farms, property managers, and commercial construction projects. It can be used for drainage, utility work, landscape construction, surface finishing, concrete or asphalt aggregate blends, and other projects that require smaller clean crushed stone.
Compared with finer materials such as #89 limestone, #8 stone provides a larger particle size and more surface structure. Compared with #57 limestone, it offers easier placement and a finer finished appearance. The best choice depends on the project, required drainage, load, surface finish, and local material specification.
#8 limestone is also commonly used as a top-dressing layer over compacted crusher run or dense-grade aggregate. The compacted base provides the primary structural support, while the #8 limestone creates a cleaner, more uniform surface and allows water to drain through the top layer.
Exact sizing and gradation can vary between quarries and regional specifications, but #8 limestone is widely available from local quarries and bulk aggregate suppliers. For larger residential, contractor, agricultural, landscaping, or commercial projects, it is commonly supplied in bulk and delivered by dump truck directly to the property or job site.










