XTREME MATERIALS SELECTOR
Find the Perfect Sand & Gravel for Your Cheboygan Project
What’s Your Project Type?
Driveways
Durable surfaces for vehicles
Drainage
French drains & water control
Landscaping
Decorative & functional stone
Erosion Control
Slope & shoreline protection
Driveway Solutions for Cheboygan Homes
Road Gravel (22A/23A)
The standard for durable, load-bearing surfaces in Northern Michigan
- Contains fines that lock together when compacted
- Prevents washouts and rutting
- Withstands freeze-thaw cycles
Best for: Primary driveways with moderate vehicle traffic
Crushed Concrete
Budget-friendly recycled option with excellent compaction
- 30% more affordable than virgin stone
- Environmentally friendly
- Excellent load-bearing capacity
Best for: Secondary driveways and budget-conscious projects
Limestone (CA6/CA11)
Superior stability for heavy vehicles and harsh conditions
- Angular edges create interlocking surface
- Resists shifting under weight
- Long-lasting durability
Best for: Heavy vehicle traffic and commercial driveways
Cheboygan Pro Tip:
For steep driveways in our area, we recommend adding geotextile fabric beneath your gravel layer to prevent rutting during freeze-thaw cycles. Our team can help you select the right underlayment for your specific property.
Drainage Solutions for Northern Michigan Properties
3/4″ Washed Drainage Gravel
The gold standard for French drains and water management
- Won’t clog with sediment like unwashed stone
- Optimal void space for water flow
- Perfect for perforated pipe backfill
Best for: French drains, dry wells, and downspout drainage
River Rock (1-3″)
Natural look for dry creek beds and decorative drainage
- Smooth surface allows faster water flow
- Attractive natural appearance
- Excellent for erosion control
Best for: Decorative drainage solutions and dry creek beds
Pea Stone
Excellent for perforated pipe backfill and surface drainage
- Uniform size creates consistent void spaces
- Comfortable underfoot for surface applications
- Available in natural and colored varieties
Best for: Surface drainage and decorative drainage features
Cheboygan Insight:
Our high clay soils require trenches 12″ wider than sandy regions to ensure proper drainage. We recommend a minimum depth of 18-24″ for French drains in most Cheboygan properties to account for frost line and clay content.
Landscaping Materials for Northern Michigan
Pea Stone (3/8″)
Classic walkway surface and ground cover
- Rounded edges are comfortable underfoot
- Available in natural and colored varieties
- Excellent for playground surfaces
Best for: Walkways, playgrounds, and decorative ground cover
Crushed Granite
Stays in place better than round stone
- Angularity prevents spreading on slopes
- Compacts well for stable surfaces
- Attractive natural appearance
Best for: Sloped pathways and high-traffic landscape areas
Lava Rock
Weed-resistant mulch alternative
- Porosity helps retain soil moisture
- Naturally deters pests and weeds
- Lightweight and easy to spread
Best for: Low-maintenance landscaping and xeriscaping
Design Tip:
For best results with decorative stone, pair with landscape edging to contain materials. We recommend a minimum 2″ depth for ground cover applications and 4″ depth for pathways in Cheboygan’s climate.
Erosion Control Solutions for Cheboygan Properties
Rip Rap (3-6″ Stone)
Shoreline and ditch protection
- Weight withstands wave action on lakes
- Prevents soil loss on steep slopes
- Natural appearance blends with environment
Best for: Lakefront properties and drainage ditches
#2 Crushed Stone
Slope stabilization and erosion control
- Jagged edges grip soil better than smooth rock
- Excellent for steep embankments
- Allows water infiltration while preventing washouts
Best for: Hillside stabilization and construction sites
Straw Erosion Mats
Temporary solution for new seedings
- Protects vulnerable soil until vegetation establishes
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Easy to install on slopes
Best for: New lawns and temporary erosion control
Northern Michigan Insight:
For lakefront properties in Cheboygan, we recommend combining rip rap with native plantings for the most effective long-term erosion control. The stone provides immediate protection while plants establish root systems to stabilize the shoreline.