How Much Does 17 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
How much does 17 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, 17 tons is roughly 13.1 cubic yards. Spread 4 inches deep, that covers about 1,059 square feet. Go thinner and it covers more; go deeper and it covers less.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 17 ÷ 1.3 = 13.1 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 353 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 4 inches (0.333 ft), 353 ÷ 0.333 = 1,059 sq ft.
Coverage of 17 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 1,412 | 157 |
| 4 in | 1,059 | 118 |
| 6 in | 706 | 78 |
About recycled concrete aggregate
Ask whether the recycled concrete has been screened for rebar and debris. Fresh-crushed concrete can also be alkaline, so keep it away from sensitive plantings and streams. Weight runs about 1.2 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
Putting 17 tons to use
For delivery, 17 tons means multiple trips or a larger truck. Ask the supplier how they will split it. Spread from the pile with a loader, skid steer or wheelbarrow, then rake to depth before compacting if the material calls for it.
- Check depth as you go. Stakes marked at the target depth help keep the spread even.
- Expect some loss. Compaction and uneven ground use more than the flat-math figure. Keep about 10 percent in reserve.
- Ask about moisture. Wet material weighs more, so a ton of it covers less.
To run your own numbers, use the volume and tonnage calculator.
When to choose recycled concrete aggregate
Works well for:
- Driveway and pad bases
- Temporary construction entrances
- Fill under slabs when compacted in lifts
Less suited to:
- Near ponds, streams or sensitive plants, since fresh crush can raise pH
- Decorative top layers
- Drainage layers, unless the product is clean and screened
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.40 tons of recycled concrete aggregate (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.0 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 8x16 area at 2 inches takes about 1.0 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Where estimates go wrong
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 17 tons of recycled concrete aggregate?
About 13.1 cubic yards at 1.3 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 17 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover at 4 inches?
About 1,059 square feet.
How many square feet does 17 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 1,412 square feet.
How much does a yard of recycled concrete aggregate weigh?
About 1.2 to 1.4 tons.
Will 17 tons fit in one truck?
It depends on the truck. Single-axle dump trucks often carry under 10 tons and tandems around 13 to 16; your supplier will know their limits.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
- How Much Does 15 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
- How Much Does 16 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.