Gravel cost
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LD1
Epic Contributor
Matches what I was thinking. Not sure where streetcar is getting 1 to 1.5" #57's at.
There are alot of different terms and numbers for stone. And varying all across the country. Around here, we use numbers. And many places will list lots of different options but there are really only a few that are popular.
1's and 2's. A mix of #1 and #2 stone. Can usually only get it in limestone around here. It's 2"-4" diameter and great base material.
#4's. Gravel or limestone. Bout 1.5-2" diameter. Good for road base if limestone, not so much for gravel unless contained. It's also used alot for landscaping, as our gravel around here is a natural mix of sandstone, granite, quartz, and whatever those hard blue rocks are. Also good for backfill in drainage situations, like around foundations, septics, or drain tile.
#57. 3/4" stuff. Popular in concrete ready mix, driveway topcoats, or for a base under a concrete slab.
#8. Also called pea gravel (if gravel and not limestone). Asphalt mix or driveway topcoats. Also seen #8 gravel used for playgrounds.
All of these are uniform size washed stone and no fines or dust. They are considered self-compacting. Meaning you pour down a 4" layer, it is as compacted as it's gonna get. Since it's uniform and there are no fines to have to work into the mix. The #57 and #8 topcoat layers should be kept to a minimum thickness. Too thick and it's like trying to drive in a sandy beach as the gravel moves and rolls around under your tires.
Last two that are popular around here are 304's and 411's. Have heard both called crusher run, or xx" minus. The 411's go up to 3/4" (#57) in size. Where the 304's....go up to 1.5-2" (#4). This material is often used for base as well, but works better over top of larger #1's and #2's for a better base. And not being of uniform size, it indeed does settle, and requires compaction. Once compacted, and rained on for a little moisture to settle the fines in even better, it's almost like concrete.
There are alot of different terms and numbers for stone. And varying all across the country. Around here, we use numbers. And many places will list lots of different options but there are really only a few that are popular.
1's and 2's. A mix of #1 and #2 stone. Can usually only get it in limestone around here. It's 2"-4" diameter and great base material.
#4's. Gravel or limestone. Bout 1.5-2" diameter. Good for road base if limestone, not so much for gravel unless contained. It's also used alot for landscaping, as our gravel around here is a natural mix of sandstone, granite, quartz, and whatever those hard blue rocks are. Also good for backfill in drainage situations, like around foundations, septics, or drain tile.
#57. 3/4" stuff. Popular in concrete ready mix, driveway topcoats, or for a base under a concrete slab.
#8. Also called pea gravel (if gravel and not limestone). Asphalt mix or driveway topcoats. Also seen #8 gravel used for playgrounds.
All of these are uniform size washed stone and no fines or dust. They are considered self-compacting. Meaning you pour down a 4" layer, it is as compacted as it's gonna get. Since it's uniform and there are no fines to have to work into the mix. The #57 and #8 topcoat layers should be kept to a minimum thickness. Too thick and it's like trying to drive in a sandy beach as the gravel moves and rolls around under your tires.
Last two that are popular around here are 304's and 411's. Have heard both called crusher run, or xx" minus. The 411's go up to 3/4" (#57) in size. Where the 304's....go up to 1.5-2" (#4). This material is often used for base as well, but works better over top of larger #1's and #2's for a better base. And not being of uniform size, it indeed does settle, and requires compaction. Once compacted, and rained on for a little moisture to settle the fines in even better, it's almost like concrete.
LD1, I normally see 8's for tar and chip on roads. I've even seen 9's in 'nice' areas. Last year I was south of Kidron, maybe around Mount Hope, and was on a fresh tar and chipped road where they used 57's. I thought it was a mistake at first, but they used it for miles. A few months ago I was back down in that same area and noticed several more roads recently tar and chipped with 57's. Man that makes a coarse road. Have you seen any?
LD1
Epic Contributor
Now that you mention it, I have seen them tar 57's. But usually county or township roads. I honestly don't know the reason?? Perhaps it holds up to horse and buggy traffic better?
Gary Fowler
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Whether you buy the yard or ton, they weigh the load to determine the cost. When I was using quite a bit of gravel, my load always varied a bit because of the actual weight. A tandem wheel dump truck load usually averaged about $365 for #57 crushed limestone. Crushed shale is about half that price per load (dump truck owner has his own shale pit) and makes a good base but not good for top coat because the sun deteriorates it down to a fine powder in a few years. Cover it with a good gravel top and it lasts forever.
