Question 1

What is crushed stone and what is it used for?

Accepted Answer

Crushed stone is a construction aggregate made by crushing larger rocks into smaller pieces. It's used for driveways, walkways, patios, drainage systems, road construction, and as a base material for other construction projects. Different types of crushed stone have varying properties, colors, and applications.

Question 2

How do I calculate how much crushed stone I need?

Accepted Answer

To calculate crushed stone needs: 1) Measure the area length and width in feet, 2) Determine the desired depth in inches, 3) Calculate area (length × width), 4) Convert depth to feet (inches ÷ 12), 5) Calculate volume (area × depth), 6) Convert to cubic yards (volume ÷ 27). Our calculator handles all these conversions automatically.

Question 3

What are the different types of crushed stone?

Accepted Answer

Common types include: Limestone - versatile, good for driveways and drainage, Granite - durable, excellent for high-traffic areas, Basalt - dark color, good for decorative applications, Trap rock - very durable, ideal for heavy-duty use, Gabbro - dense, good for structural applications, Quartzite - hard, excellent for decorative and functional use.

Question 4

How much does crushed stone cost per cubic yard?

Accepted Answer

Crushed stone costs vary by type and location: Limestone $30-40/cu yd, Granite $35-45/cu yd, Basalt $40-50/cu yd, Trap rock $45-55/cu yd, Gabbro $50-60/cu yd, Quartzite $55-65/cu yd. Prices depend on local availability, delivery distance, and material quality. Delivery costs are typically additional.

Question 5

What size crushed stone should I use for my project?

Accepted Answer

Stone size depends on application: 3/4 inch - most common for driveways and walkways, 1/2 inch - good for paths and decorative areas, 1 inch - suitable for drainage and base material, 2-4 inches - used for erosion control and decorative purposes, 4+ inches - typically used for drainage and structural applications.

Question 6

How do I prepare the area for crushed stone installation?

Accepted Answer

Area preparation steps: 1) Mark the area boundaries, 2) Remove existing vegetation and debris, 3) Excavate to proper depth, 4) Install landscape fabric (optional), 5) Grade the area to proper slope, 6) Install edging if needed, 7) Spread and compact the stone, 8) Water and re-compact for final finish.

Question 7

What is the difference between crushed stone and gravel?

Accepted Answer

Crushed stone is made by crushing larger rocks and has angular edges, while gravel is naturally occurring and has rounded edges. Crushed stone typically provides better compaction and stability, making it ideal for driveways and structural applications. Gravel is often used for decorative purposes and drainage applications.

Question 8

How do I maintain a crushed stone driveway or path?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance includes: Regular raking to redistribute stone, Adding new stone as needed to maintain depth, Removing weeds and vegetation, Repairing potholes and low spots, Re-compacting areas that have settled, Cleaning and refreshing the surface periodically, and addressing drainage issues promptly.

Question 9

Can I install crushed stone myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, crushed stone can be installed as a DIY project for smaller areas. You'll need: Proper tools (rake, shovel, compactor), Adequate preparation of the base, Correct depth and grading, Proper compaction, and sufficient time and effort. For large areas or complex projects, consider professional installation.

Question 10

What should I consider when choosing crushed stone?

Accepted Answer

Considerations include: Project type and traffic requirements, Local availability and cost, Color and aesthetic preferences, Drainage needs, Compaction requirements, Maintenance expectations, and local building codes. Our calculator helps you understand the volume and cost implications of different stone types.

Crushed Stone Calculator - Driveway & Construction Stone Calculator

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