If you are considering using #57 stone for a project, it is important to understand the basics of this material before placing an order. In addition to ensuring it is the right material for the task at hand, you will also need to know the best way to determine how much you will need to get the job done.
What Is #57 Stone Used For?
#57 stone is a type of stone that is used for construction and landscaping work. It boasts an angular shape that allows it to lock in place, and its relatively small size means it is easy to move the material across construction sites. This type of stone is considered a coarse aggregate and can be mixed into composite materials like concrete to provide strength and reinforcement.
It is especially suited to driveways that are going to remain unpaved because it has plenty of grasp when it is spread. In fact, #57 stone is sometimes even referred to as driveway gravel because it is used so often for that purpose. It can also serve as a base for building sidewalks and in asphalt paving.
Another popular use for #57 stone is underneath small structures such as landscape walls, sheds and patios. This gravel can serve as backfill for retaining walls. It can also be used for drainage across wide spaces that will hold large amounts of water or in smaller areas like flower pots.
When an area needs to be filled with a material that will not get washed out or move and that needs a strong base with the ability to drain water, #57 stone is the preferred choice.
#57 stone gets its name because it is a combination of the #5 and #7 aggregates, which are stones that are around an inch or smaller in size. This gravel-like material has stones that are roughly the size of quarters and nickels, and it can be made out of stones such as limestone, granite, quartzite, argillite and washed gravel. It is also possible to get #57 stone in the form of crushed concrete. Because it is crushed, it bears an angular shape.
What Is A Cubic Yard Of #57 Stone?
A cubic yard is an Imperial unit that defines the volume of a cube with sides that each measure 1 yard, or three feet, in length. This unit is used for many types of building materials, including the various types of gravel and stone.
How Much Does It Weigh?
#57 stone is generally sold by the ton, and there are approximately 1.4 tons in each cubic yard of this material. Most crushed stone and gravel products have similar weights per ton.
How Many Cubic Yards Does A Ton Of #57 Stone Cover?
The number of cubic yards that a ton of this gravel will cover depends on the depth at which it will be laid. Generally speaking, each ton of #57 stone can cover an area spanning approximately 60 square feet at a depth of 4 inches. At a depth of three inches, a ton of this material can cover roughly 80 square feet, while it can cover an area of 120 square feet when it is placed at a depth of 2 inches.
For new gravel driveways, experts recommend using two layers. A base layer using either #2 or #4 gravel should be covered by #57 stone at a depth of 3 to 6 inches. Around 2 inches of gravel are suggested for existing driveways, although more may be needed if the previous gravel has been pushed into the soil.
For patios, a base of at least 4 inches of #57 stone is recommended. If heavy objects will be placed on the patio, such as a hot tub or a fireplace, it is recommended to use at least 6 inches of gravel to help prevent sinking in the area. For a paved driveway, at least 10 inches of #57 gravel will be needed, particularly if heavy vehicles will be using the driveway.
How Much #57 Stone Do I Need?
When determining how much #57 stone you need for a project, it can be useful to enter your measurements into an online calculator. After inputting the feet and inches of your project, the calculator can tell you the estimated amount of gravel stone that you will need in cubic yards and feet as well as tons.
The density of #57 stone or granite gravel is 2,410 pounds per cubic yard. For a project that is 10 feet wide, 40 feet long and 2 inches deep, for example, the volume will be 2.5 cubic yards. The estimated amount of material needed is 2.98 tons. To cover the same amount of space at a depth of 6 inches, the volume will be 7.4 cubic yards and the estimated amount of material needed is 8.93 tons.
The Dirt Connections Portal can help you determine how many truckloads of #57 stone you will need for your project. After entering your address, you will be able to view the available products in your area in their easy-to-use portal.
When you select #57 stone, a pull-down menu will appear showing the prices of truckloads ranging from half a truckload to 10 truckloads in increments of half a truckload. One truckload is equal to roughly 10 to 12 cubic yards and holds around 16 tons of material. Bulk pricing is available for higher-volume jobs.
Speak With A Commercial Construction Contractor
If you have any questions about the suitability of a particular type of stone or gravel for your construction project, speak with the commercial construction contractors at Dirt Connections. They will be happy to answer any of your questions regarding materials and help you calculate the right amount for your job.
Dirt Connections is highly experienced in providing construction services and support for construction sites, and they are licensed and insured. You can fill out the form on their website or call (703) 940-9949 to receive a free quote.
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