Welcome to South West Butler Quarry
Explore your options
How we help
We provide a seamless experience from discovery to delivery. View our products, learn our business, and estimate your tonnage.View our inventory
We provide a wide variety of rocks and rock grades, encompassing all degrees of construction
Compare sizes
Utilize our measurements to determine the best rock for your application
View our artistic rocks
Look at our specality offerings for decorative spaces and projects.
Clean? KGE? Base?
Understand what each rock classifaction means, and where they are best used.
Stubborn potholes?
Sometimes a simple change in rock purchase can resolve this. Determine what you need to have a lasting foundation.
Difference between Cream and Gray?
Its not just the difference in color. Read more about how the composition is different and the impact that will have on your project.
Save the napkin math
No need for fancy formulas. Our estimation compensates for compaction, densities, and other variables.
Determine how far your rock will go with our calculator
No matter if you have already purchased your rock or are still planning, our calculator will help you determine the quantity you need.
Time and resource efficiency
Plan to your hearts content on any device
Get started on the foundation of your dream project in minutes with South West Butler Quarry.
Step 1: Determine Material
Find what rock type, size, and classification best suites your project. You can do this through SWBQ by reading on our rock information page, or by giving us a call.
Step 2: Estimate Tonnage
Punch in the dimensions of your project and quickly get an idea of how much rock you will need. This will allow you to determine if you want to haul it yourself, or have it delivered.
Step 3: Get your rock
Call us for quote and product availiability. Then take your online safety training if you plan on hauling yourself, or schedule your delivery.
Ready!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Dive into our frequently asked questions to gain insights into the products we offer and how it can better your journey.
Why does this rock not match the color of what I got last time?
Because limestone color varies by quarry depth. Cream or tan stone often comes from upper layers oxidized by groundwater, while gray comes from deeper, less-weathered layers. We may be pulling from a different layer or bench.
Why is clean rock in short supply?
Clean rock (no fines) takes more time and equipment to wash or screen. Most suppliers focus on minus products (with fines) because they’re higher volume and used more widely for base work. Clean rock also sells fast in spring/fall when people are doing drainage or shed pads. Call ahead or ask for an alternative product.
What gravel do you recommend for general-purpose driveways?
¾″ minus crushed limestone. It compacts well, stays put under tires, and sheds water if graded correctly. Lay it over a 4–6″ base of 1½″ minus for long-term performance. If you want a cleaner look, top it with ¾″ clean.
What’s the difference between ‘clean’ and ‘minus’ stone?
Clean = no fines (just stone). Minus = includes fines (stone dust or chips). Clean rock drains better. Minus rock compacts better. Clean is for drainage or aesthetics. Minus is for strength and load-bearing. Use both where appropriate—clean on top of compacted minus works well in many builds.
Why does my driveway rut or get potholes so fast?
Usually because of one or more of the following: * Not enough base depth * Wrong material (e.g., using clean rock where minus was needed) * No crown or slope for water to run off * Soft subgrade * No compaction between layers Fixing any of those will help—especially getting water off and away from the drive.
Can I use crushed limestone for a walking path?
Absolutely—use ¼″ minus (screenings). It packs tight, is comfortable underfoot, resists weeds, and is ADA-friendly if installed correctly. It also gives a clean, finished look. Compact in thin lifts (2″ max) and consider a light watering during compaction.
Can I use the same rock for driveways, pads, and paths?
Not ideally. Each use benefits from different gradations: * Driveways = ¾″ minus or ¾″ clean * Pads = 1½″ minus for base + ¾″ minus or clean top * Paths = ¼″ minus or screenings You can cheat a little and use what you’ve got on hand—but performance may suffer.
What’s the best rock if I don’t want to do a lot of maintenance?
¾″ minus crushed limestone. Packs tight. Sheds water. Resists movement. It’s the go-to for driveways and shed pads when you want stability without weekly raking or topping.
Why is clean rock more expensive?
Extra processing. Clean rock must be screened and sometimes washed to remove the fines. That means more fuel, water, and labor. It's not that it's 'better'—just more refined. Use it where its drainage benefits matter.
Can I just dump gravel and not compact it?
You can—but it’ll settle unevenly, rut under tires, and wash out faster. Compaction matters. Compact every layer (especially base rock) or you’ll be redoing the job sooner than you think.
Should I use clean or minus rock on a slope?
Depends. Clean drains better but is more prone to shifting. Minus packs tighter but may erode if not graded or compacted well. On a steep slope, use angular minus stone with some fines, crown it for drainage, and consider a binder or edge to keep it in place.
How deep should I make my driveway or shed pad?
* For cars: 4–6″ total (2″ top over 4″ base) * For trucks/heavy use: 8–12″ total (2–3″ top over 6–9″ base) * For buildings: 6–10″ compacted base. Always compact each layer, or it’ll settle later.
Why is my clean rock driveway soft or loose?
Because clean rock doesn’t bind. Without fines, it stays loose and drains well—but lacks compaction. That’s good for drainage or shed pads but not ideal for main traffic areas. Consider adding a thin layer of minus on top and compacting, or using a gravel grid to lock clean rock in place.
South West Butler Quarry
For all of your rock and gravel needs.