The first step to estimating how much gravel to use is to estimate the volume of the area. To do this, multiply the project dimensions by width, length and depth. Multiply these values by 27, and you will have the approximate cubic yards required for your project. Keep in mind that each cubic yard of gravel weighs around 1.4 tons, so you should add extra material to compensate for any changes during the construction process.
The gravel should be at least 3/4 inch deep and should be screened and compacted. The gravel base will prevent the concrete from shifting and will allow water to drain. In some cases, the base may require as much as twelve inches of gravel. Most driveways require between four to six inches of gravel.
Once you’ve dug to the desired depth, you should compact the gravel using a plate compactor. A compactor can compact gravel much faster than a hand tamper. When using a compactor, it’s important to compact every 5″ of gravel. You can rent compactors for a small fee from rental stores or big box stores. However, these tools are heavy, so be sure to use a van to transport them home.
Remember that the original excavation material may contain soils, which will compress and squeeze under a load and water. A minimum of four inches of well compacted gravel should be used to create a solid foundation for a concrete slab. However, more depth can be used if you are certain the gravel is compacted well. A good rule of thumb is to place gravel in thin layers and compact them each time before pouring the slab. If you have a lot of gravel, you may have to place more than one layer. In that case, you can also add decorative gravel to cover half of the total depth.
A gravel calculator can help you estimate how much gravel to use for your project. You can input the area, length and width of the excavation, and the desired gravel weight. This calculator will give you a rough estimate of the amount of gravel to use and avoid wasting it. It also allows you to convert your measurements into various units.
Gravel is sold in a range of sizes. A cubic meter of gravel weighs between 0.1 and 10 inches and has an average particle size of 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches. Different sizes are priced differently, but typically the smaller the size, the lower the price. Usually, the amount you buy includes delivery. You can even receive discounts when you order more than fifteen cubic meters of gravel.
Gravel is available at home improvement stores, rock quarries, landscaping centers, and crushed stone suppliers. Rock quarries provide the cheapest gravel, and they often offer free delivery if you order 10 or more tons. You can spread gravel in a single pile or use it to spread a driveway.