Question 1

Aggregate

Accepted Answer

is the broad, overarching technical term for any particulate material used in construction, encompassing everything from fine sand to massive boulders. When aggregate is mined and mechanically broken down, it is called Crushed Stone. Specific Gravity is a metric used by geologists and engineers to describe the density of a specific type of rock compared to the density of water; a higher specific gravity means the rock is heavier per cubic yard. For example, basalt has a higher specific gravity than pumice.

Question 2

Pea Gravel

Accepted Answer

, conversely, consists of small, naturally weathered, smooth stones roughly 3/8 of an inch in diameter. Because the stones are round, they do not interlock; they roll against one another like ball bearings. Therefore, pea gravel has a higher void ratio and cannot be structurally compacted. A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs slightly less—around 2,600 pounds (1.3 tons). When calculating pea gravel for a decorative walkway, you do not apply a compaction multiplier, as tamping it will not significantly reduce its volume.

Question 3

Decomposed Granite (DG)

Accepted Answer

is an extremely fine aggregate that resembles coarse sand. It is used heavily in arid climates for pathways and xeriscaping. Because the particles are so small, DG is incredibly dense. A cubic yard of compacted decomposed granite can weigh up to 3,000 pounds (1.5 tons). Furthermore, DG requires a massive compaction factor; it will shrink by up to 25% when wetted and tamped with a vibratory plate compactor. River Rock refers to large, smooth stones (ranging from 2 to 6 inches) used purely for aesthetic drainage beds. Because of their massive size, the void ratio is enormous. A cubic yard of 4-inch river rock might only weigh 2,400 pounds (1.2 tons), and like pea gravel, it requires zero compaction factoring.

Question 4

How much does one cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Accepted Answer

The exact weight depends on the geological composition of the rock and the size of the aggregate. However, the universal industry average for standard crushed stone (like limestone or granite) is 2,800 pounds, or 1.4 US short tons. Lighter materials like pea gravel weigh slightly less (around 2,600 pounds), while highly compacted, fine materials like decomposed granite can weigh up to 3,000 pounds per cubic yard.

Question 5

Can I haul a cubic yard of gravel in a standard pickup truck?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. A standard half-ton pickup truck (like a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500) has a payload capacity ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. Because a single cubic yard of wet crushed stone can weigh up to 3,000 pounds, loading a full yard into a half-ton truck will severely overload the suspension, blow out the tires, and make the vehicle dangerously difficult to steer and brake. You should only haul a half-yard at a time in a standard pickup, or use a heavy-duty three-quarter-ton or one-ton truck.

Question 6

How do I calculate gravel for a circular fire pit area?

Accepted Answer

To calculate the volume of a cylinder (a circular area with depth), you use the formula Area = π × r², where π is 3.14159 and 'r' is the radius (half the diameter) in feet. If you have a 12-foot diameter circle, the radius is 6 feet. Multiply 3.14159 × (6 × 6) to get 113.1 square feet. Then multiply that area by your depth in feet (e.g., 0.33 feet for 4 inches) to get 37.3 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to find you need 1.38 cubic yards of material.

Question 7

Does wet gravel weigh more than dry gravel, and will it cost me more?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. Because commercial quarries sell aggregate by the ton, any water trapped in the rock pile adds to the weight on the scale. Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon. If you buy a load of gravel immediately after a heavy rainstorm, up to 10% of the weight you are paying for could be water. While the physical volume of the rock remains the same, your cost will increase if you are paying a flat rate per ton.

Question 8

What is the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?

Accepted Answer

Number 57 stone is a "clean" or "washed" aggregate, meaning all the tiny dust particles and sand have been washed away, leaving only angular rocks roughly 1 inch in size. It is used primarily for drainage because water flows freely through the empty voids. "Crusher run" (also called item #4 or base rock) contains a blend of crushed stone and all the fine stone dust created during the crushing process. When wetted and compacted, the dust acts like a cement binder, locking the rocks into a hard, impermeable surface ideal for driveways.

Question 9

How much gravel do I need for a 10x10 area at 2 inches deep?

Accepted Answer

First, calculate the square footage: 10 feet × 10 feet = 100 square feet. Next, convert the 2-inch depth into feet: 2 ÷ 12 = 0.166 feet. Multiply the area by the depth: 100 × 0.166 = 16.6 cubic feet. To convert this to cubic yards, divide by 27: 16.6 ÷ 27 = 0.61 cubic yards. To find the weight, multiply by 1.4 tons: 0.61 × 1.4 = 0.85 tons. You will need slightly more than half a cubic yard, weighing just under one ton.

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