River Stone Formula:
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The River Stone calculation determines how many tons of river rock are needed to cover a specific area at a desired depth, accounting for the material's density.
The calculator uses the following equation:
Where:
Explanation: The calculation first converts all measurements to yards, calculates cubic yards needed, then converts to tons based on material density.
Details: Proper calculation ensures you order the correct amount of material - too little leaves your project incomplete, while too much wastes money and creates disposal issues.
Tips: Measure your area carefully in feet. Typical depth for river rock applications is 2-4 inches. Density varies by stone size and type - consult your supplier for exact values.
Q1: What's the typical density for river stone?
A: River stone density typically ranges from 1.4 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard, depending on stone size and composition.
Q2: How deep should I lay river stone?
A: For decorative purposes, 2-3 inches is common. For functional applications like drainage, 4+ inches may be needed.
Q3: Should I account for compaction?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% extra material to account for settling and compaction over time.
Q4: How do I measure irregular areas?
A: Break the area into rectangular sections, calculate each separately, then sum the totals.
Q5: What's the coverage per ton?
A: Coverage varies by depth. At 2" depth, one ton typically covers about 80-100 square feet.