Construction Gravel

01 Sep Construction Gravel

Posted at 09:28h in #57 Bluestone, Aggregate Stone, Aggregates, Construction Gravel, Stone, Stone Aggregate, Supplier Partners by sameday
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Most people, think of gravel as small crushed stones that are gray or white in color.  This is true, however, there are various types of construction gravel that offer a variety of color patterns, textures and applications.  Depending on the type of project you are working or possibly personal preference, you might decide to use a certain type of gravel over another.  In order to make the proper decision as to which stone aggregates are right for your project, you should become familiar with the variety of options.

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is a common form of construction gravel.  It is usually made by mining an acceptable rock deposit and smashing the removed rock down to the required size using rock crushers. It is different than normal gravel that is formed by the natural processes of weathering and erosion.  The crushed stone will have a more jagged shape as well.

Crushed stone can be acquired in many different sizes depending on application.  Most experts regarding stone aggregates consider anything under three-quarters of an inch to be “gravel”.  This type of gravel is crushed from the stone and then screened to size and sometimes washed.The washing process will help ensure that the construction material is free of any dust remnants and other additional residues.

Crushed stone is commonly used during the construction of driveways in residential neighborhoods. It is also used for residential and commercial drainage structures, in ready-mix concrete, for many types of paths and walkways, or for a replacement of mulch in garden areas.

Crushed stone is available in many different sizes ranging from fine particles to 4 inches.  #57 Blue Stone gravel is by far the most popular and widely used gravel types.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is an affordable construction material that has many applications.  From landscaping, building walkways, driveways and countless more pea gravels versatility makes it a favorite.  Pea gravel can easily be found in areas near a body of water.  This type of gravel is a result of erosion and weathering.  The ongoing friction from the flowing water smoothes the stones and gives them a pleasing ornamental and decorative look.

Schools, churches, and many public playgrounds will also use this material as a playground surface. It provides a relatively safe play surface for children. Because of the smoothness of this gravel it also provides a surprisingly comfortable walking surface.

The most common sizes of pea gravel are 1/4″, 1/2″, and 5/8″. It usually comes in a variety of tan, brown and white colors.

Marble Chips

In smaller increments, white marble chips are also considered to be a type of gravel.  White marble chips are quite popular in both residential and commercial applications because of the pleasant look and feel they produce.

Marble chips are versatile and are commonly used in many ways throughout the construction industry.  They are used in walkways, edging, gardening, landscaping, and sometimes replacing entire lawns.  They are also used to accent existing walkways, driveways, and patios.

Marble chips are commonly available in 1/2″ and 1 1/8″ sizes.

Recycled Concrete Aggregate

Recycled concrete aggregate is an affordable replacement for natural stone gravel.  It is processed and screened to make sure that it holds its strength as well as its superior drainage abilities.  It is commonly used as a base material in patio and walkway projects.

River Rocks

River rocks come in many different sizes and colors. After being smoothed and shaped by moving water, river rocks can add a unique look to any project. This gravel is commonly used in water features and as a mulch replacement

Common sizes include 3/8″, 3/4″ 1-3″ and 3-5″.

Aggregate Suppliers

In most cases your local big box home improvement center can meet the demand of your backyard DIY projects.  For those operating in the construction industry aggregate suppliers like Same-Day Aggregates are likely partners.  So, when truck loads of stone of any size is required consider adding SDA to your list of fast, affordable solutions.

 

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