“AB3” is a term you’ll hear on construction sites and DOT work—usually referring to a compacting base aggregate used under pavement, concrete, or as a stable working surface.
Because naming varies by region, AB3 can mean slightly different gradations depending on the spec. The practical takeaway is consistent: AB3 is designed to compact, support loads, and hold grade.
If you’re trying to decide between AB3 vs “road base” vs “crusher run,” this guide will help you ask the right questions so you order the right product the first time.
The simple definition (what AB3 is)
Most of the time, AB3 is a blended crushed aggregate that includes a range of particle sizes (including fines). Those fines are intentional—they help the material lock up when compacted.
That “lock up” behavior is why base products exist: they create a dense, stable layer that resists rutting and holds grade under load.
What AB3 is used for
Common uses include:
- Road base and subbase layers
- Building pads and equipment pads
- Parking areas and access roads (application-dependent)
- Working surfaces on job sites (application-dependent)
In plain English: AB3 is often the kind of material you put down when you need to drive on it, build on it, or pave over it.
What AB3 is not
- It’s not a decorative stone.
- It’s not typically a free-draining stone (it usually includes fines to compact).
If you need drainage, you’ll usually be looking for clean/washed material instead.
AB3 vs clean stone vs “crusher run” / “road base”
The easiest way to think about it is:
- AB3 / road base / stone with fines → compacts tight and holds grade
- Clean/washed stone → drains better, but doesn’t “lock” as tightly
For most base applications, compaction and lock-up matter more than drainage through the base layer. For drainage applications, it’s often the opposite.
Related guide:
Where AB3 shines (and where it doesn’t)
Great fits
- Pads where you need a firm, compacted surface
- Drive lanes, access roads, and staging areas
- Under slab/pavement systems when specified and installed correctly
Not the best fit
- Decorative landscape beds (choose decorative stone instead)
- Drainage zones where you need water to move freely (choose clean/washed products)
What to tell us (so you get the right material)
If you’re ordering AB3 for a job site, the fastest way to avoid back-and-forth is to send or describe:
- Purpose: driveway base, building pad, road base, staging pad, etc.
- Area and thickness: rough dimensions + target depth
- Traffic: cars only vs heavy trucks/equipment
- Any spec: DOT/engineer requirement (if applicable)
- Timeline: when you need the first load and how many loads total (estimate is fine)
If you don’t have a spec, that’s okay—tell us the application and we’ll help match the right base product.
Ordering tips (job-site practical)
- Plan for compaction: base materials generally perform best when placed and compacted in reasonable lifts (project dependent).
- Watch moisture: too wet or too dry can impact compaction results.
- Don’t mix products in the truck: base and decorative materials ship as separate loads.
If you’re building a driveway, you may also want:
Bulk delivery notes
- Minimum order is 12 tons per product
- One product per truckload (no mixed loads)
- Larger projects ship as multiple loads—commercial quantities may qualify for project pricing
- AB3 and road base are freight-sensitive, so delivered pricing is strongest near the quarry or active supply point that stocks the material.
FAQ (quick answers)
Is AB3 the same as “crusher run”?
Often it’s very similar in how it behaves (compacting, with fines), but the exact gradation can vary by supplier and spec. If you have a spec, send it.
Can I use AB3 as the final driving surface?
Sometimes yes for certain applications, but it depends on traffic, dust tolerance, drainage, and how the surface will be maintained. Many projects use a compacting base layer and then choose a top layer appropriate for the finish.
Can I order a small amount to “try it”?
Bulk delivery has a 12-ton minimum per product. For small patchwork, many customers buy bagged material locally.
Can I mix AB3 with another product on the same load?
No—one product per truckload.
Get delivered pricing for AB3
Availability and delivered price depend on what your nearest supply point stocks.