How Much Crushed Stone Do I Need for My DIY Project

Looking to tackle your own DIY walkway, patio, or driveway? If so, and if you’re searching for a material that’s both cost-effective and easy to work with, crushed stone may be right for you. However, before you can get started, you’ll need to figure out how much crushed stone to order — a task that isn’t always so simple.

Fortunately, with the right calculations and careful consideration, you can confidently decide how much stone you’ll need for your DIY project.

What Is Crushed Stone?

Crushed stone (also known as aggregates) refers to any kind of natural stone that has been broken down into a small size. The specific sizing of crushed stone can vary greatly, ranging from pebble-sized to coin-sized or even a little larger. At Connecticut Stone, we carry a variety of crushed stone options in different sizes and colors so that you can find the perfect match for your project. These stones are available in bags (for smaller projects, such as garden beds) or bulk for larger jobs, such as walkways and patios.

Benefits of Crushed Stone

There are many reasons to consider crushed stone for your next project, starting with its cost-effectiveness. Crushed stone is an extremely affordable option for many applications compared to stone pavers, slabs, or even poured concrete. It is also relatively easy to work with, making it an ideal product for DIYers with limited experience working with more complex hardscaping materials.

Crushed stone can improve drainage, making it an excellent choice for garden beds and similar applications. When used in a driveway or walkway, it also tends to be suitable because it compacts easily. And since it comes in a wide range of sizes and colors, finding the right choice for your project should be pretty simple.

How to Calculate Crushed Stone for Your Project

Determining how much stone you need to order for your project is not always so simple — especially if you’ve never done this before. Typically, crushed stone is sold in tons, so you’ll need to determine how many tons of product are needed for your application. The basic formula to do this is:

(Length in feet x Width in feet x depth in inches) / 200 = tons of crushed stone required.

This means that you’ll need to carefully measure (in feet) the size of the area that you need to fill with crushed stone. So, if you’re filling a patio space that measures 20′ x 10′ x 1′, you’ll need 1 ton of crushed stone.

If you plug your measurements into the formula, but your number comes out as a fraction, the best course of action is to round up rather than down. This way, you’ll have a little bit of extra stone if you need it. This is always better than running short and heading back out to pick up more stone or wait for a delivery.

What if your project space is circular? If this is the case, you’ll need to use a different formula. Simply measure the radius of the circle in feet which is the distance from the center of the circle to any point on the circle. Take that number and multiply it by itself. Then times by 3.14 to get the area in feet.

If your radius is 10′ for example, then you would multiply (3.14*10*10)/ 200 = 1.57 tons at 1″ deep.

Shop Crushed Stone and More at Connecticut Stone!

Crushed stone can be a practical choice for your next outdoor DIY project. Whether you’re looking to use crushed stone for a walkway, patio, or garden bed, ordering the right amount will reduce the amount of waste while saving you money. With these tips and calculations in mind, you’ll be on the right track!

Looking for crushed stone aggregates for your next project? Connecticut Stone has you covered with bulk and bagged crushed stone in various colors and sizes. From dolomites and limestone to sandstone and granite, our crushed stone always comes from quality materials. Shop our selection of crushed stone today, and be sure to schedule an appointment with our team if you want to explore our products in person. We can’t wait to help you get started on your next project!